Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ventspils is a picturesque city located on the west coast of Latvia, known for its maritime heritage and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 33,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, one of the better regions in Latvia. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.05 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; tap water is safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main mobile providers include LMT and Tele2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Swedbank and SEB are widely used and accept various payment types. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include rental apartments, hotels, and short-term rentals available on Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payment is widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer great options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Ventspils offers affordable lodging options for travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Ventspils Old Town is charming and close to most attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Ventspils encourages a community feel, making it great for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ventspils Co-Working space, located in the city center, has reliable internet and amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Boulangerie is a cozy spot with good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are available via Ventspils Business Incubator for local entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Ventspils' frequently organize gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Ventspils for easy ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Ventspils offers bike rentals through a local company, Ventspils Bikes. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ventspils Beach is a beautiful spot, just 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Baltic operates flights to and from Rīga, connecting you to Ventspils. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Baltic and Ryanair offer various international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via E22 highway connects Ventspils with major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ventspils Train Station connects to Rīga with regular services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for local buses, ensuring economical travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains provide great connections to other Latvian cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ventspils Hospital offers general healthcare needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Aline provides classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Ventspils has modern facilities and various fitness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat Ventspils offers self-service laundry options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Wolt provide delivery services from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Ventspils Sklandrausis', a traditional Latvian pie. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Tête-à-Têta offers some great vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Ventspils for delightful ice creams and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ventspils Market is great for budget-friendly foods and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops sell products online, but also check global platforms like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rimi and Maxima offer grocery delivery services within the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | DineVillage offers a range of bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Ventspils Breweries produces a variety of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Baudrošs Wine Bar features a selection of wines from around Europe. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Ventspils Street Food Festival is a seasonal event showcasing local vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Portofino' offer Italian and Mediterranean meals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Ventspils Castle and the Seaside Open Air Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ventspils Museum offers rich insights into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town of Ventspils showcases beautifully preserved architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Ventspils Evangelical Lutheran Church is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Ventspils Summer Festival is a highlight every July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town serves as the cultural heart of Ventspils. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ventspils Theatre holds regular performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ventspils Market is a hub for local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city hosts various concerts and music festivals throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the public art installed around Ventspils for a glimpse into local creativity. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer traditional Latvian cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Ventspils Art Gallery showcases local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old City Hall is an architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The maritime heritage of Ventspils is celebrated throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Jurkalne Nature Reserve offers stunning coastal views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kemeri National Park is a short trip away, offering rich biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Ventspils to the beach is popular among walkers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Ventspils Lighthouse provides scenic views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Fiskars Lake area is great for spotting various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Ventspils Beach allow for bonfires during summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Omniva provides reliable parcel delivery services across Latvia. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Ventspils Tech Repair offers services for electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers in Ventspils often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Ventspils Language School offers courses for expats wanting to learn Latvian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Ventspils Central Library provides a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Youth House Ventspils hosts cultural and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Kafejnīca Rīgas offers a gaming section with various consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The local Casino Ventspils provides entertainment and gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €56,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% applicable on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for individuals and entities. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31.4% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 21%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Latvia has some regulations in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard transaction tax is 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Latvia has been exploring incentives to attract digital nomads, including simplified taxation. |