Latvia Life in the country
Finding housing in Latvia is usually easier than in many Western European countries. Most listings are concentrated in Riga and Jurmala.
Popular resources for finding housing:
- SS.lv;
- City24.lv;
- RentinRiga.lv;
- Facebook groups for Ukrainians in Latvia.
To sign a lease agreement, you’ll usually need:
- a passport or ID card;
- proof of residence;
- proof of income (not always required);
- a security deposit equal to 1–2 months’ rent.
Before signing the contract, it is recommended to check which utilities are included in the rent and whether early termination of the contract is permitted.
If you have any doubts regarding the terms of the lease, registration of residence, or document processing, you should consult a Visit Ukraine immigration lawyer.
Food prices in Latvia are higher than in Ukraine, but remain among the lowest in the European Union. Most residents shop at Rimi, Maxima, Lidl, Mego, and TOP supermarkets.
On average, a single person spends between 200 and 350 euros per month on groceries, a couple spends between 450 and 650 euros, and a family with a child spends 700 euros or more, depending on their lifestyle and eating habits.
Average prices for basic food items in 2026:
- milk (1 L) — 1.3–1.6 euros;
- eggs (12) — 3–4 euros;
- chicken breast (1 kg) — 9–12 euros;
- apples (1 kg) — 1.8–2.5 euros;
- potatoes (1 kg) — 0.8–1.5 euros;
- bread — 1.5–3 euros.
Lidl and Maxima usually offer the lowest prices, while Rimi carries a wider selection of products. To save money, many residents take advantage of supermarket loyalty programs and keep an eye out for weekly special offers.
A bank account in Latvia is required to receive a salary, pay for housing, and use most financial services.
To open an account, you typically need:
- a passport or ID card;
- a document confirming your right to reside in the country;
- proof of your residential address;
- and, in some cases, documents proving your source of income.
It’s worth noting that Latvian banks place significant emphasis on financial monitoring, so they may request additional information about the source of funds or the purpose of opening the account.
💡 For those planning to start a business in Latvia, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself in advance with the requirements for company registration and taxation. If necessary, you can consult a Visit Ukraine business lawyer.
Latvia has excellent mobile coverage and high-speed internet in both major cities and most towns and villages across the country.
- The largest mobile operators are LMT, Tele2, and Bite.
Mobile service typically costs between 10 and 30 euros per month, depending on the plan.
Home internet costs an average of 18 to 30 euros per month. Most cities have modern fiber-optic networks that provide high speeds and a stable connection.
Public education in Latvia is free for children who are legally residing in the country. Instruction in public schools is primarily conducted in Latvian, so many schools offer additional language programs and adaptation activities for children of foreign nationals.
Children can attend preschools, elementary schools, secondary schools, and vocational schools.
To enroll a child in school or kindergarten, you must contact the local government office in your area of residence and submit the required documents.
In addition to public schools, there are private and international schools in Riga that offer instruction in English. These schools are popular among foreign families, but tuition is required.
Education in Latvia for Foreigners
Latvia offers opportunities not only for K-12 education but also for study at colleges, vocational schools, and universities. International students can choose programs taught in Latvian or English, and diplomas from Latvian educational institutions are recognized throughout the European Union.
For more information about the education system, admission to schools and universities, tuition costs, programs available to international students, and student requirements, see the section “Studying in Latvia”. This will help you better prepare for your studies and choose an institution that meets your goals and needs.
Both public and private healthcare services are available in Latvia. Individuals who legally reside and work in the country can use the public healthcare system; however, appointments with certain specialists or diagnostic tests sometimes require a wait of several weeks or even months.
That is why many residents choose private medical centers, which allow them to see a doctor, undergo diagnostic tests, or receive necessary treatment more quickly.
For tourists, students, and people planning a temporary stay in Latvia, it is especially important to purchase health insurance in advance. Having a policy will help you avoid unexpected expenses in the event of illness, injury, or the need for emergency medical care while abroad.
💡 You can purchase an insurance policy for travel or a long-term stay in Latvia online at Visit Ukraine.
Latvia has a well-developed public transportation network. In Riga, residents can use buses, trams, and trolleybuses, while buses and trains remain popular for intercity travel.
Estimated fare costs in 2026:
- single-ride public transit ticket — 1.5–2 euros;
- monthly pass — 30–50 euros;
- a ticket for an intercity bus or train depends on the route and usually costs between 5 and 25 euros.
Many residents also use their own cars to travel between cities. Gas prices in Latvia in 2026 average 1.55–1.75 euros per liter, while diesel fuel costs 1.50–1.70 euros per liter.
If you are traveling through Europe in a car with Ukrainian registration, you may need a Green Card insurance certificate for international travel, which confirms that the driver has liability insurance while abroad.
Moving to a new country always involves not only handling paperwork but also adapting to the local way of life. Before moving to Latvia, it’s worth considering a few aspects of the country:
- The Latvian language is important for integration. In large cities, many people speak English, and the older generation often understands Russian. However, knowing Latvian makes it much easier to find a job, pursue education, and interact with government agencies.
- Life in Latvia is more peaceful and unhurried. Locals value a balance between work and personal life, so the pace of life here is generally less hectic than in many major European capitals.
- Most government services are available online. Making doctor’s appointments, submitting applications, obtaining certificates, and handling other administrative matters can often be done remotely, which greatly simplifies daily life.
- Winters can seem long and gloomy. During the cold season, daylight hours shorten and heating costs rise, so it’s worth taking this into account when planning your budget.
- Latvia serves as a convenient base for traveling throughout Europe. Thanks to the country’s membership in the European Union, residents can easily travel to neighboring countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and other Schengen Area countries.
- There is a large Ukrainian community in the country. Many cities have support centers, community organizations, and cultural initiatives that help Ukrainians adapt more quickly after moving there.
Moving to Latvia requires some advance preparation, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. To make the adjustment process smoother, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specifics of life in the country and prepare the necessary documents in advance.
Before moving, it is recommended that you:
- start looking for housing in advance;
- set aside a financial reserve for the first few months of your stay;
- obtain health insurance;
- check the requirements for opening a bank account;
- research educational opportunities for your children;
- obtain a Green Card if you plan to travel internationally by car;
- if necessary, consult an immigration lawyer;
- check the current requirements for documents needed to enter and reside in the country.
Proper preparation will help you adapt more quickly to life in Latvia and settle in comfortably after your move.