Riga is home to one of the fastest-growing life science ecosystems in the Baltics, combining internationally recognised pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, medical technologies, digital health and world-class research capabilities. Supported by a highly skilled workforce, strong export performance and growing R&D investment, Riga offers an attractive location for companies developing the next generation of healthcare solutions.
Building on decades of expertise in pharmaceuticals, chemistry and biotechnology, Riga has evolved into a leading life science hub in Northern Europe. The city combines internationally competitive manufacturing with advanced biomedical research, digital health innovation and a rapidly growing biotechnology ecosystem. Close collaboration between industry, universities and research institutes enables companies to accelerate product development, clinical research and international growth.
Why Riga?
- Export-Oriented Life Sciences Industry
- Strong Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Base
- Biomedical Research & Innovation
- Biotechnology & Digital Health Ecosystem
- Highly Skilled Scientific Talent
- Competitive Business Environment
Fastest Growing Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Medical Technologies
- Digital Health
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Precision Medicine
Largest Companies
Numbers
- EUR 1.26 billion industry turnover
- 532 life science companies
- 8,300+ employees
- 74% of production is exported
- EUR 728 million in pharmaceutical exports
- Growing private R&D investment
Key Benefits
- Established pharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem with internationally recognised manufacturers and innovative startups.
- Strong biomedical research base, supported by universities, research institutes and cross-sector collaboration.
- Rapidly growing biotechnology and digital health ecosystem, driving innovation in diagnostics, genomics, AI and personalised medicine.
- Highly export-oriented industry, with approximately 74% of production reaching international markets.
- Growing investment in research and development, supported by increasing private sector funding and dedicated R&D financing instruments.
- Highly qualified scientific workforce, combining experienced researchers with a strong pipeline of graduates in life sciences, medicine and engineering.
- Dedicated investment support, including the Green Corridor initiative and a broad range of government programmes supporting innovation, R&D, digitalisation and exports.
- Competitive tax environment, including 0% corporate income tax on reinvested profits and internationally competitive operating costs.
Contacts
Rolando Huapaija-Delgado, phone. +371 29340979, e-mail: Rolando.Delgado@riga.lv
