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Head to head

Latvia vs Netherlands: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Netherlands grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Netherlands offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Latvia — special tax regime; Netherlands — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Latvia DNV and the Netherlands DAFT.
Criteria Latvia DNV Netherlands DAFT
Minimum income / month €4,213 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 1 year 2 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Special tax regime (Optional 15% PIT for OECD digital-nomad-visa holders) Standard resident taxation (Possible 30% ruling (if eligible))
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €42,600 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €90 (better) ≈ €423
Where to apply Embassy / consulate In country
Processing time

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Latvia DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Netherlands DAFT →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Sources