Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Liepāja is a coastal city located in western Latvia, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant music scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 80,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD). Common banks include SEB and Swedbank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include LMT, Tele2, and Bite. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and Wise are widely accepted for online banking solutions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hostels, and monthly rentals through platforms like SS.lv. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, with many places also accepting contactless payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb offer many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Liepāja and Roze are affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center near the beach and Liepāja's many historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Arts District, known for its creative vibe and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Creative Space Liepāja offers excellent facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Sienna is favored for its good coffee and comfortable workspace. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Liepāja Startup Network hosts regular meetups for professionals and entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Liepāja Expats Meetup is a popular Facebook group for community interactions. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most commonly used on-demand transportation service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Liepāja has several bike rental shops, including E-Bike Liepāja. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Liepāja Beach, which is within walking distance. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Baltic is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair operates from Riga, accessible via train or bus. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the A9 and A11 highways for road travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Liepāja Railway Station serves main routes across Latvia. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for local buses are available and affordable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities like Ventspils and Rīga. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Liepāja Regional Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Oxygen Yoga Studio offers a variety of classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sporta Nams Liepāja is a popular fitness center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available at several locations around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Bolt Food are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish 'Liepāja's Fish Soup', a specialty of the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Eco Green Cafe offers a solid menu for plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Zucchini Cafe is known for its delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Liepaja Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplaces include 220.lv. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rimi and Maxima offer delivery options for groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vakar Club and Red Sun Buffet are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Liepāja produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Palace has a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food stalls are often found in the city center. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The city features various options, including Italian and Asian cuisine at restaurants like Aloha. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Liepāja's Great Amber concert hall and the Rose Square are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Liepāja Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Northern Forts and the St. Anna Church are notable historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Holy Trinity Cathedral is an architectural highlight. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Liepāja's Sea Festival takes place annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Karosta district offers a unique blend of history and contemporary art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Liepāja Theater hosts various performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Various local markets operate throughout the week, especially during summertime. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city has a vibrant music scene with local bands performing in various venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Enjoy murals and street art scattered around the city, particularly in the Arts District. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on local cuisine are available through local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Liepāja Art Gallery showcases local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable historic buildings include the city's old wooden architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Historical maritime heritage celebrated through local festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Kūriņš Nature Reserve offers beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Slītere National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails along the coastline provide great biking and walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints around the Liepāja Canal offer picturesque views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The vicinity is ideal for birdwatching, especially in the marshlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas are available at the beach for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide phone and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping pong tables can often be found in community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools offer Latvian and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Liepāja's Central Library provides a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host events and workshops for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are gaming cafes available for console and PC gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Liepāja is a popular spot for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €950 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €38,000). |
| 🏠 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. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31.4% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 21%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% tax applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits, but competitive rates for residents. |