Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Daugavpils is the second-largest city in Latvia, located in the southeastern part of the country, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 80,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; tap water meets health standards. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include LMT, Tele2, and Bite with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks commonly used by expats are Swedbank, SEB, and Citadele. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local housing, Airbnb, and rental listings on ss.lv. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'Viktorija' offers budget-friendly dorms starting around €15/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center offers proximity to attractions and dining. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Daugavpils University is popular for long-term stays and coworking. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | 'Daugavpils Coworking' offers a friendly environment and good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | 'Cafe Abu' provides a cozy atmosphere and good coffee for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held by the 'Daugavpils Entrepreneurship Center'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Expatriates in Latvia' Facebook group often organizes gatherings in Daugavpils. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available in Daugavpils and is user-friendly. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local services; check local shops for rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Daugava offers scenic lakeside spots, around 20 mins drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Baltic operates regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Baltic and Ryanair connect to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | main access via the A13 highway, connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Daugavpils Railway Station is the key transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for €30. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Daugavpils to other cities; frequent services available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Daugavpils Central Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Yoga House' provides various yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Ghetto Games Sports Center' offers gym facilities and sports classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 'Self-Service Laundry' provides easy access to laundry facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | 'Wolt' and 'Bolt Food' are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bļinči (Latvian pancakes) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Green Kitchen' offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Kafija Mīlestībai' specializes in Lithuanian pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | 'Daugavpils Marketplace' offers fresh local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms like 220.lv provide a range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | 'Rimi' offers delivery services via their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | 'Strops' bar is popular among locals for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Daugavpils Alus' brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'Vīna Darbnīca' offers a nice selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The street markets often feature stalls with local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 'Pica Lulū' offers excellent pizzas with various toppings. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | 'Daugavpils Fortress' and 'St. Boris and Gleb Cathedral' are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | 'Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Center' showcases contemporary art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | 'Daugavpils Regional and Art Museum' offers insight into local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | 'St. Peter's Church' is an important cultural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | 'Daugavpils City Festival' occurs every August, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | 'Riga Street' is known for its artistic vibe and creative spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | 'Daugavpils Theatre' hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | 'Starptautiskā Daugavpils tirdziņš' offers local crafts and food on weekends. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | 'Daugavpils Music Theater' often features live music and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city's walls exhibit vibrant murals from local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | 'Daugavpils Culinary School' offers classes for locals and visitors. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Daugavpils Contemporary Art Center' hosts rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | 'The Old Believers Church' is a stunning example of local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Daugavpils is known for its multicultural heritage, especially influenced by Russian and Polish cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | 'Daugavpils Sventes Lake' is a picturesque area for relaxation and nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | 'Gauja National Park' is about 1.5 hours away, offering beautiful hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths along the Daugava River provide scenic routes for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The 'Daugavpils Bridge' offers great views of the river and city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | 'Daugava's wetland areas' are ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | 'Sventes Lake' has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like 'Latvijas Pasts' provide reliable delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer repair services for devices and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | 'Daugavpils Sporta Pils' features table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | 'Langua Academy' offers Latvian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | 'Daugavpils Central Library' is a quiet place for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | 'Daugavpils Culture Center' hosts various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | 'Game Zone' offers gaming facilities and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | 'Olympic Voodoo Casino' is a popular venue for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for residents and 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Latvia has a relatively simple flat-rate tax system for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 21%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the regulations apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Estonian e-residency allows access to EU markets with favorable terms. |