Share the article
Last updated
The rise of digital nomadism has transformed the way people work, leaving travelers around the world at a crossroads when it comes to choosing their next favorite destination.
While Chiang Mai, Lisbon and Mexico City have now become globally renowned hotspots for digital nomads, modern wanderers are looking for other interesting, lesser-known cities where they can build the life of their dreams.
One particular city in Northeastern Europe has recently started to gain popularity and make a name for itself among remote workers as one of the best places to be right now.
Low cost of living
Riga captures the essence of what the digital nomads of 2023 are looking for: affordability, high-quality infrastructure, cultural richness and sense of community.
Although the Latvian capital is the largest city of all the Baltic states, prices rival even those of its smaller, more modest neighbors.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for basic needs in Riga:
| Average prices | |
| For rent (1-bedroom apartment in the center) | €350 – €450 ($368 – $473) |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside the center) | €260 – €300 ($273 – $315) |
| Monthly internet subscription | €14.5 ($15.24) |
| Monthly public transport card | 30€ ($31.5) |
| 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant for two | 60€ ($63) |
As you can see, the average American salary is € about $3,800 a month can mean a lot in Riga, where most only need about $780 to cover their living expenses for 30 days.
Easily available digital nomad visa
No city, no matter how cheap or well-connected, can be a decent hotspot for digital nomads if remote workers have to jump through hoops to get there in the first place.
Fortunately, that is not the case for Riga, or any other Latvian city for that matter.
That’s because the country recently launched a digital nomad visa that can be held by international citizens employed by a company registered with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an organization of which the US is a proud member.
For the full list of requirements you must meet to qualify for the said visa, please refer to this resource.
What you need to know for now is that you must prove that you have a monthly income of at least 2.5 times the Latvian median income. You can find more information about this. here.
As long as you meet these and a few other basic criteria, the application process is a piece of cake.
You can apply online or at the nearest Latvian embassy and you can expect to pay €60 or €63 for the procedure (€120 or €126 if you are looking for an expedited assessment of the application).
Once you receive your first digital visa, the document is valid for one year. You can then request an extension, which may take even longer.
High-quality infrastructure and connectivity
While there is no shortage of cheap, culturally rich cities in the Baltics, Riga has one major advantage that sets it apart from neighboring destinations: its famous high-speed internet connection.
For digital nomads, the quality of their internet connection is directly linked to that of their work.
Luckily, the Latvian capital is widely known for offering some of these fastest internet access throughout Europe, and for quite cheap too (see the table above).
Moreover, the city is dotted with co-working spaces equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ergonomic workspaces and a collaborative atmosphere.
This means that whether you prefer to work in a bustling cafe or a dedicated office, Riga promises to provide exactly the environment you need to boost your productivity.
If you want, you can experiment with different workspaces until you find what works for you. After all, getting around the city is a piece of cake.
The excellent public transport system and cycle-friendly infrastructure make exploring the beautiful neighborhoods much easier.
Rich cultural heritage and relaxed lifestyle
The main reason why there are so many trams, buses and rental bikes in Riga is that there is a lot to explore in the iconic Latvian city.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is a picturesque maze of cobbled streets, medieval architecture and inviting cafes.
Don’t let the city’s old-world charm fool you, though: digital nomads also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances.
While the cold, windy weather may be one of the main drawbacks of living in a Northern European city like Riga, the warmth that the lovely locals radiate here more than makes up for it.
Latvians are known for their genuine hospitality and friendliness, and community involvement will help foster a sense of belonging that will help even those with the most severe cases of homesickness.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
