RIGA, May 14 (LETA) - Last year 25 people utilized the Remigration Support Program, while not even half of the funds allocated for the program were spent, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development informed LETA.

In total, 14 remigrants established their own start-ups in Latvia through the grant competition, while 11 found paid work.

The total funding of the program from the Latvian state budget in 2024 amounted to EUR 400,000, of which EUR 141,460.69 was spent.

According to the Ministry, the remigrants applying for the support program come from different age groups and with different skill levels. The returnees come from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway and other countries. They include lawyers, computer programmers, public relations specialists, chefs and metalworkers.

Last year, through a grant competition, the returnees have started businesses in various fields, including cafés, a designer carpet studio, and a center for eating habits and emotional support.

This year, remigrants can apply for support in 20 municipalities in all regions of Latvia. Total state funding for this purpose in 2025 is EUR 250,000.

The municipalities that have applied for this support launch tenders and conclude contracts with the applicants. The state support per job or enterprise is set at EUR 8,000, with municipal and private co-financing determined in the tender regulations.

The Remigration Program is designed to support the return of Latvian nationals to their home country by providing financial support for starting a business and facilitating employment. The program provides an opportunity for returnees to receive a grant to help cover the costs of starting a business or to support employers who hire returnees.