Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Jekabpils is a city located in the historical region of Selonia in Latvia, known for its rich culture and scenic landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 23,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, and banks like SEB and Swedbank are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is drinkable and meets safety standards. |
| 🔌 Power | Local voltage is 230V, 50Hz with standard Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include LMT and Tele2, offering competitive prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Kreditsociety and TransferWise are popular among expats for money transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb rentals in the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept cards, particularly in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Jekabpils offers affordable dormitory-style lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Staying near the city center provides access to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center and surroundings like Daugmalieši are recommended for a quiet environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces, but local cafes accommodate remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Būve offers good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups organized through local Facebook groups, such as 'Expats in Jekabpils.' |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community events are promoted via local social media pages, often in the spring and summer. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the preferred app for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rentals are available, primarily from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is in the town of Eversmuiža, about 35 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | AirBaltic operates domestic flights from Riga. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirBaltic and Ryanair serve international flights from Riga airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A6 highway provides easy access to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Jekabpils railway station connects to regional cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly tickets for local buses are available at discounted rates. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to major cities like Rīga and Daugavpils. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Jekabpils Regional Hospital is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Jekabpils offers classes throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit24 offers modern facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available near the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food provides convenient food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Latvian dish Sklandrausis, a sweet rye tart. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan choices are limited; however, some restaurants accommodate dietary needs. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Saldējums is famous for its delicious ice cream and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market offers fresh produce and local delicacies at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping options include Rimi and Maxima for groceries and daily needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available through Rimi's online platform. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city has a few local pubs and bars, such as Kafejnīca Pie Krišjāņa. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Jekabpils Alus promotes local beer brewing and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars exist, but some restaurants offer good selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors can be found during local festivals, serving traditional snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants serve pizza and sushi, often popular among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Jekabpils Castle ruins and the Church of the Assumption. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Jekabpils History Museum showcases the local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Water Tower offers insight into the city's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Nicholas Orthodox Church is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Jekabpils City Festival is held every summer, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town features several historic buildings and local businesses. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater performances are often held at Jekabpils Culture House. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets feature local artisans and food producers. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Follow local events for performances at various venues throughout the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look out for murals near the student areas that depict Latvian culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are occasionally offered by local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local exhibitions may be found at the Culture House or town halls. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Town Hall is an example of historic architecture in Jekabpils. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local festivals highlight the rich cultural traditions of the area. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Daugava River offers beautiful natural scenery for relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gauja National Park is approximately 2 hours away, perfect for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The trails along the Daugava are excellent for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Riverside parks provide great spots for views and picnics. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Several wetlands provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas by the river allow for bonfires during the summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Omniva and DPD are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair, such as the Jekabpils Electronics Workshop. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public tables can be found in local parks for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Latvian and English classes for expats and locals. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Jekabpils Central Library is suitable for quiet study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Jekabpils Culture Center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes occasionally host gaming nights; check social media for events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Latvia Jekabpils offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €84,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,150 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €69,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €88,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% as per the Latvian tax system. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% as of 2023. |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% standard VAT rate on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Latvia has CFC rules for international business operations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the cadastral value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard 2% property transaction tax applies to purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Latvia offers a favorable tax system, especially for startups and tech businesses. |