We are proud to launch our new city guide for expatriates in Riga, Latvia.

Riga, the capital of Latvia and the country's political, administrative, and cultural center, is located by the Gulf of Riga, and the mouth of the river Daugava. This advantageous geographical position has meant that, throughout its history, Riga has been a cosmopolitan city, dominated by trade. With its population of 700 000 people Riga is the biggest city of the Baltic States and home to around a third of Latvia's population.

Riga is not only Latvia's capital but also its economic and financial center. The city is single-handedly responsible for half of Latvia's GDP, half of its exports, and half of its employment opportunities. Also the unemployment rate is lower in Riga than in Latvia is a whole, in 2013 it was 5.6 %.

Due to its advantageous geographical position, Riga has historically been a hub of trade and finance. These two branches of economic activity continue to be the most important also today with trade accounting for 20% of all jobs and finance and commerce for 17% of jobs in 2013. Other important industries are industrial manufacturing, transport, as well as tourism and IT.

You will find the usual articles in our guide to prepare your expatriation to Riga and manage your life once in there: Overview, Job, Passport, Visa & Permits, International Removal Companies, Finding Accommodation in Latvia, Work, Benefits and Tax, Moving in, Education, Health, Practical Life (banks, transport, shopping...), Entertainment...

You can also discuss and share experience about Latvia in our forum.

Last but not least, you can download the full guide in PDF format, in order to read quietly and maybe to upload on your mobile or tablet PC/iPad.

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