Essentials
- City
- Jēkabpils, Jēkabpils Municipality, Latvia
- Population
- Approximately 21,500
- Internet Speed
- Average 100-500 Mbps via Tet optical fiber; LMT 5G is widely available
- Currency & Banking
- Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD. Major banks: Swedbank, SEB, Citadele
- Tap Water
- Safe to drink, though high in mineral content (hard water)
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets
- SIM Card
- LMT, Tele2, or Bite. LMT Weekly Data plan for ~€3.00
- Banking for Expats
- Revolut and Wise are widely used. Local Swedbank branch at Brīvības iela 141
- Accommodation
- Local rentals via SS.lv or Booking.com. Monthly flats range from €200 to €450
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, contactless payments accepted in almost all shops and pharmacies
- Short Term Rentals
- Citrus SPA Hotel or private apartments on Airbnb (avg €35-€55/night)
- Budget Accommodation
- Viesnīca 'Hercogs' at Brīvības iela 147 (approx €30/night)
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Old Town (Vecpilsēta) near the Daugava river on the left bank
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- The City Center (Centrs) near Jēkabpils Valsts ģimnāzija for proximity to amenities
Working and Networking
- Networking Events
- Events organized by 'Magnetic Latvia' Business Incubator Jēkabpils
- Social Events for Expats
- Local events at the Krustpils Kultūras nams; most expat interaction is through regional Facebook groups
- Best Coworking Space
- Jēkabpils Business Incubator (LIAA) at Pļaviņu iela 67 (Networking and meeting rooms)
- Best Cafe for Work
- Lauku šiks on Rīgas iela 107 (Quiet atmosphere, good Wi-Fi, coffee ~€2.50)
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Bolt (limited availability) or local taxi 'Jēkabpils taksometrs' (+371 65233333)
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- No dedicated app-based sharing; local rentals available at Citrus SPA
- Best Beach Nearby
- Radžu Reservoir Blue Flag Beach (Radžu ūdenskrātuve) on Palejas iela
- Top Regional Airline
- airBaltic (operating from Riga International Airport, 140km away)
- Top International Airline
- Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Finnair (via Riga RIX)
- Highway Access
- A6 highway (Riga-Daugavpils) and P76
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Krustpils Stacija (Right bank) with frequent connections to Riga (2 hours, ~€6.00)
- Public Transport Passes
- Single bus ticket €0.70; bought from the driver or Jēkabpils Autobusu parks
- Regional Travel
- Intercity buses and trains to Riga, Daugavpils, and Rēzekne
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Jēkabpils Reģionālā slimnīca at Andreja Pusepa iela 12
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Citrus SPA Wellness Center on Kurzemes iela 8
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Jēkabpils Sporta centrs/Sports Hall on Brīvības iela 289
- Laundry Services
- Self-service laundry often found within larger apartment complexes or via Citrus SPA
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Bolt Food (limited) or direct delivery from 'Lauku šiks' or 'Hercogs'
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Grey Peas with Speck (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) or Latvian rye bread soup
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Restorāns 'Hercogs' (Brīvības 147) offers customizable plant-based salads/pastas
- Best Dessert Spots
- Kukū kafejnīca on Brīvības iela (Artisan pastries and cakes)
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Jēkabpils Market (Jēkabpils tirgus) on Zaļā iela for local produce
- E-commerce/Online Store
- 220.lv, 1a.lv, and Amazon.de (delivery to Omniva parcels)
- Grocery Delivery
- Barbora.lv (Maxima delivery service)
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Bar 'Cita Atpūta' on Rīgas iela 102; nightlife is quiet and localized
- Local Brewery
- Nearby regional brews like Valmiermuiža or Užavas available at Spirits & Wine units
- Wine Bars
- Restorāns 'Oāze' (Kurzemes iela) offers a curated wine list
- Street Food Stalls
- Kebabnīca 'Hasans' on Rīgas iela for quick takeaway (~€5.00)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Picērija 'Lauku šiks' (Italian-style pizza and European mains)
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Krustpils Castle (Krustpils pils) and the Struve Geodetic Arc point
- Museums & Art Venues
- Jēkabpils History Museum located inside Krustpils Castle
- Historical Sites
- Sēļu sēta (Selonian Farmstead) open-air museum
- Religious Sites
- Holy Spirit Orthodox Monastery (Svētā Gara klosteris)
- Annual Events
- Jēkabpils City Festival (July) and Midsummer (Līgo) celebrations (June)
- Cultural Districts
- The Krustpils side (Right bank) for historical architecture
- Theater Venues
- Jēkabpils People's Theater (Tautas nams) at Brīvības iela 45
- Local Markets
- Weekly farmers market at the central square on Saturdays
- Music Scene
- Open-air concerts at the Kena Park stage during summer
- Street Art
- Murals on apartment blocks near the city center depicting local nature
- Cooking Classes
- Workshops at 'Sēļu sēta' focusing on traditional Latvian bread baking
- Art Galleries
- Mans’s gallery on Brīvības iela 154
- Historic Buildings
- Old Town Hall building and the historic fire station
- Local Heritage
- The Lynx (Lūsis) - the city's symbol found on the coat of arms and statues
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Laukezers Nature Park (clear water lake, 15km away)
- National Parks Nearby
- Teiči Nature Reserve (25km away), one of the largest bogs in the Baltic
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The Daugava River promenade (Digis) - 5km of paved path
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The observation tower at Radžu ūdenskrātuve
- Birdwatching Locations
- Daugava riverbanks and the surrounding meadows of Krustpils
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Designated picnic areas around Radžu Reservoir
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Omniva, DPD, and Latvijas Pasts (Post office at Rīgas iela 157)
- Tech Repair Services
- Datorserviss Jēkabpils on Brīvības iela 141
- Table Tennis Spots
- Jēkabpils Sporta nams on Brīvības iela
- Language Classes
- Public Integration Society or private tutors via 'Mācību centrs Buts'
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Jēkabpils Galvenā bibliotēka on Rīgas iela 212 (Modern, quiet, fast Wi-Fi)
- Community Centers
- Jēkabpils Tautas nams
- Gaming Lounges
- Small gaming area located in the 'Jūnijs' shopping center
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Fenikss Casino on Vienības iela
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €750 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €22,500)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €15,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = €31,500)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €450 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = €20,250)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €650 per m² (e.g., 65 m² = €42,250)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €400 per m² (e.g., 65 m² = €26,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 20% (on distributed profits only)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 0% (usually covered by corporate tax on distribution)
- Tax System
- Residency based on 183 days; worldwide income taxed for residents
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 31% (for income over €78,100)
- VAT
- 21%
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, applies to passive income in low-tax jurisdictions
- Property Tax
- Yes, 0.2%–3% based on cadastral value
- Property Transaction Tax
- 1.5% State fee for ownership registration
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Latvia offers a Digital Nomad Visa for OECD country citizens with a reduced tax potential