Living in Latvia

"Expats considering retiring in Latvia should be aware that the official language is Latvian, although English is widely spoken in the capital city of Riga. It is important to research the cost of living in Latvia, as prices can vary significantly depending on the city or region. Expats should also be aware of the local laws and regulations, and make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to Latvia. Additionally, it is important to research the healthcare system in Latvia, as well as the availability of international health insurance. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the climate and weather in Latvia," said one expat who made the move to Latvia.

"Expats in Latvia often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in Latvia," explained one expat living in Latvia.

"Latvia is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and excellent infrastructure. Expats and digital nomads in Latvia can enjoy a high quality of life, with plenty of opportunities to explore the country's stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. The country is also home to a diverse range of international communities, making it easy to find like-minded people and make new friends. Latvia is also a great place to work remotely, with reliable internet access and a range of coworking spaces available. Overall, Latvia is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an affordable and exciting place to live and work," explained one expat living in Latvia.

"Latvia has a relatively low crime rate compared to other European countries. However, there have been reports of organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking in the country. Additionally, there have been cases of cybercrime, financial fraud, and corruption," commented one expat who made the move to Latvia.

"Latvia is a culturally diverse country, with a population that includes Latvians, Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, and Roma. People in Latvia are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of multiculturalism. Latvia is also home to a number of religious and ethnic minorities, including Jews, Muslims, and various Protestant denominations. The country has a strong commitment to protecting the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their background," wrote a member in Latvia.

"The International School of Latvia (ISL) is one of the best international schools in Latvia. Located in Riga, ISL offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISL also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. Riga International School (RIS) is another excellent international school in Latvia. RIS offers a bilingual education in English and Latvian, and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. Riga French Lyceum is a bilingual school in Latvia that offers a French-English bilingual education. The school follows the French curriculum, and students can choose to take the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration (RISEBA) is a bilingual school in Latvia that offers a bilingual education in English and Latvian. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and students can choose to take the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. RISEBA also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," said one expat in with children at .

"Check out both schools as we did but chose ISL. They have the standardized test scores proving your child will get a great education," remarked one parent with kids at International School of Latvia in Jurmala.

"The cost of living in Latvia is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries. Rent prices can vary depending on the location, but are generally lower than in other European countries. Eating out can also be quite affordable, with many restaurants offering meals for a reasonable price. Overall, Latvia is a great place to live if you are looking for an affordable lifestyle," wrote a member in Latvia.

"The cost of living in Latvia is generally considered to be quite affordable. The capital city of Riga is the most expensive place to live in the country, with prices for goods and services being higher than in other parts of Latvia. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Riga is around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost up to $800 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Latvia can cost around $15 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Latvia.

"In Latvia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, forests, and lakes. There are also many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. Additionally, Latvia is home to a number of sports facilities, including swimming pools, ice rinks, and tennis courts. Finally, there are a variety of cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year, providing residents with plenty of entertainment and fun," commented one expat living in Latvia.

"The weather in Latvia is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 25°C (77°F) and in the winter months, temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F). Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the most rain occurring in the summer months. Snowfall is also common in the winter months, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in the northern regions," said one expat.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Latvia is Laika Zeme, located in Riga. It is a modern restaurant that serves traditional Latvian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of dishes, from traditional Latvian soups and stews to more contemporary dishes such as grilled salmon and beef stroganoff. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. https://www.laikazeme.lv/ Another popular restaurant in Latvia is Biblioteka No.1, located in Riga. This restaurant is known for its unique atmosphere and delicious food. The menu features a variety of dishes, from traditional Latvian dishes to more modern dishes such as grilled salmon and beef stroganoff. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. https://www.biblioteka1.lv/ Finally, the restaurant Lido is a popular spot in Latvia. Located in Riga, this restaurant offers a variety of traditional Latvian dishes, as well as more modern dishes such as grilled salmon and beef stroganoff. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers. https://www.lido.lv/," said one expat living in Latvia.

"People living in Latvia typically buy groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers' markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, specialty stores, and online retailers. Additionally, there are many flea markets and bazaars throughout Latvia where people can find unique items," remarked one expat in Latvia.

"In order to visit Latvia, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Latvian embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate. In order to obtain residency in Latvia, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of the purpose of their stay in Latvia, such as a job offer, a study permit, or a family reunification permit," mentioned an expat living in Latvia.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Latvia can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is free for Latvian citizens, but private healthcare can be costly. Health insurance is also available, but it is not mandatory and can be expensive. Private health insurance plans can provide more comprehensive coverage, but they can also be costly," said an expat in Latvia.