Experiencing Life In Riga, Latvia: European Lifestyle Within Arm’s Reach

At Mundo, we introduce an array of services and opportunities across different countries, and what sets us apart is that we love to talk about those places. If we discuss citizenship by investment or residency in any given country, we also like to show you a picture of what your life would be like there when living or visiting.

Today, we explore what living in Riga, Latvia, means, the secrets of this Baltic country that's home to a unique blend of Western and Eastern European traditions.

Exploring the Vibrant Baltic Capital: Life in Riga, Latvia

Latvia is the largest city of the Baltic countries with a population of 616,000 inhabitants. Here you can find a number of special places, for example, the historic district, which is a world heritage site designated by UNESCO. The people here are closely connected to nature; they love buying at farmers' markets or going into the wilderness to collect mushrooms.

The Latvian people are known for their loyalty, sincerity, and commitment to their loved ones, however, living in Latvia as a foreigner might require some getting used to, especially when the first cultural barriers appear. 

Living In Latvia as a Foreigner: Personal Connections

Living in Riga, or any other Latvian city, you need to understand how locals think. As a writer from LATAM who has lived in Russia, I can say from firsthand experience that the differences in communication are significant and may lead to misunderstandings. Nonetheless, these can be avoided if we go to Eastern countries, already grasping their sense of politeness. 

If you come from the west, living in Riga, Latvia, can feel uncomfortable at first because people will not be nice to you from the beginning. If you approach someone on the street and say hello, they will probably ask why you are addressing them if you are not acquaintances. For an American, this might seem impolite, but this isn’t so: they're simply not used to talking to strangers. 

Life in Riga, Latvia: Welcoming In A Different Sense Of The Word

While Latvians are very reserved, they are also welcoming and loyal to their friends. This means that, when they start considering you a friend, they will stop at nothing to help you, and they will be there for you no matter what.

In the West, we're used to being chatty and making small talk. But living in Riga, Latvia, you shouldn't be surprised to climb into a bus and find it completely silent: they simply don't chat if they don't need to. I experienced something similar when I first climbed down the plane in Moscow for the first time. 

So, if you call a Latvian friend and ask them how they're doing, be ready to hear the real answer. For Americans, it's important to understand that they're not being rude, they're just being who they are: Latvians simply don't see the need for long introductions before getting to the point. 

Living in Latvia as a Foreigner: What Can You Expect to Eat?

In Latvia, people love natural products, which is why they like to shop in Riga’s Central Market. Living in Riga, you can expect to have a diet based on meat and potatoes, and often mushrooms. Don't expect to find chili, curry, or any spicy food, but you will find another condiment in abundance: the dill. 

In the same way that in Mexico you get a pot of chili on the table by your plate, in Hungary you always find paprika and, in Peru, a small plate full of corn nuts, in Latvia, you'll find dill. 

In other parts of the world, we may be used to finding this herb accompanying seafood or salmon, but here it's on everything: meat, potatoes, and even salads.

Contact our team

Latvia’s Favorite Beverage Is Not to Be Found at Supermarkets 

Another staple food is rye bread, to such an extent that it is the basis for a local beverage: the Kvas. Known for its bittersweet taste, kvass can be had with or without alcohol, and it's also found in other Central and Eastern European regions. 

The editorial team has been reading about Life in Riga, Latvia, and found some interesting insights about the kvass. There is a brand that released a soda called Kvass; however, some reviews point out that this sugary liquid has nothing to do with what real kvass tastes like. Locals recommend going straight to the Central Market for a taste of this distinctive bittersweet flavor.

Living in Latvia as a Foreigner: What Language Should I Learn?

The country’s official language is Latvian, with its two linguistic variables: modern Latvian, usually spoken in the West, and Latgalian, which is widely spoken across the east.

People speaking in both these versions can understand each other, but Latgalian keeps words that have been lost in modern uses. Nevertheless, this is not something to worry about, because, if you are living in Riga and studying Latvian as a foreigner, you will be taught the modern version.

Latvia was part of the USSR, which means Russian used to be widely spoken. As the times of the Soviet Union are being left further in the past, this tendency is slowly disappearing. Still, sources indicate that a quarter of Latvians continue to use Russian as their first language. To sum up, knowing Russian when living in Latvia as a foreigner will surely be a perk.

Furthermore, many people, especially the younger generations, are learning and mastering English better and better, which means you'll get by just fine. 

Why Do We Care About Living in Riga?

The fact is that Latvia constitutes an excellent entrance for foreigners who want a residency in the European Union. Through relatively easy programs, they provide straightforward paths that cater to different needs, even fitting the digital nomad lifestyle. 

Invest €50,000 And Experience Life in Riga, Latvia

The €50,000 are to be invested in an existing Latvian company or a brand new one. The main advantage is that, upon approval, you are granted a residency permit that allows you to work or conduct business. The benefit extends to the spouses who can also work or own their own companies. Children, if there are any, can also access everything they need at their age, including healthcare and education. Through this path, the family can apply for permanent residency after five years, all without a minimum stay requirement.

Lifestyle In Riga, Lifestyle of Freedom

If there's a reason why we should be thankful for the digital transformation is the possibility to live and work from wherever we want. For those who choose this lifestyle, Latvia offers a digital nomad visa available for citizens of OECD countries.

By obtaining this permit, you can live in Riga or any part of the country while you're working for a foreign employer. The residency period spans a year with the possibility to extend it for another twelve months. It's worth noting certain aspects that may be a drawback for some: you must demonstrate having a salary 2.5 times larger than the average local salary, and it doesn't accept the inclusion of dependents.

Disclaimer: this article is based on general information and is not based on thorough research. Therefore, this article shouldn't be seen as a true reflection of the Latvian society and culture, but the opinion of some. Furthermore, the information about the visas may not be 100% accurate at the time of reading and should be confirmed during a formal consultation. This article doesn't constitute migration or investment advice.

Living In Riga Is Possible with Mundo

For Americans, the old continent has an indescribable magic. This is where we came from, this is the land where past civilizations were blended, and where cultural bonds were woven to form the distinct idiosyncrasies. Living in Latvia as a foreigner and with the right permit, you can enjoy the best of Europe while you're based in one of the most cultural and tranquil states. 

If you're interested in other types of residency, send us a message and consult about all the Panama visas and citizenships by investment.

We can also help you open bank accounts across different jurisdictions, establish a trust for asset protection, and access the best real estate deals. If you're ready to embrace life in the Balkans, click below and send your inquiry.

Send us your message