Latvia (LV)
Latvia is a parliamentary republic and EU member state on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Latvia.
eID (Elektroniskā personas apliecība) + eParaksts (Electronic Signature)
Latvia's eID card is a national ID card with an embedded chip that contains the holder's personal data, qualified electronic signature certificate, and authentication certificate. Alongside the physical eID card, the eParaksts mobile app allows qualified electronic signing from a smartphone. Latvia was one of the EU's early leaders in e-government — the eID and eParaksts are central to the entire digital infrastructure.
How to get it: Apply for the eID card at PMLP (pmlp.gov.lv). EU citizens and long-term residents can apply. Processing: 5–10 working days. Cost: €4.27 standard. The eParaksts mobile app (aparaksts.lv) can be activated with your eID card chip and smartphone NFC. Smartcard reader not needed for mobile eParaksts.
E-Government Portal
https://www.latvija.lvLatvia's e-government infrastructure is among the most advanced in the EU. The latvija.lv portal is a unified gateway to hundreds of state services. Authentication is primarily via eID card + card reader, eParaksts mobile app, or internet banking authentication. Latvia was one of the first countries to implement a fully paperless tax declaration system. The e-adrese (electronic address) system allows official government correspondence to be sent and received electronically, replacing physical mail for most official communications.
Essential Apps
eParaksts Mobile
FreeLatvia's official electronic signature and authentication app. Use your eID card to activate. Essential for signing all official documents and accessing e-government services without a card reader.
e-veselība
FreeLatvian Health Information System app. View your health records, test results, referrals, electronic prescriptions, vaccination history, and family doctor information. Access via eID or internet banking.
Swedbank / SEB / Citadele mobile banking
FreeMobile banking apps for the main Latvian banks. Full banking functionality, instant SEPA transfers, account management. Authentication via app PIN or biometrics.
Bolt
FreeThe dominant ride-hailing app in Latvia and the Baltics. Also offers Bolt Food delivery and Bolt Scooters. Cheaper than taxis and available across Latvia.
Wolt
FreeRestaurant and grocery delivery — widely used in Riga. Excellent restaurant selection and reliable delivery.
e-Talons
FreeRiga public transport e-ticketing app. Top up your e-Talons card, check balances and trip history. Essential for regular public transport users in Riga.
Latvijas Pasts
FreeLatvia's national postal service app — track packages, find post offices, manage parcels.
Draugiem.lv
FreeLatvia's homegrown social network — still actively used by many Latvians, especially for local community groups, school networks, and event organisation.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
SS.com
FreeLatvia's largest classifieds platform — the primary source for apartment and house rental listings in Riga, Jūrmala and across Latvia.
Tava māja
FreeApp for managing communal property fees and communications with the building management company (apsaimniekotājs). Useful for apartment residents.
NVD e-referrals
FreeNational Health Service app for managing medical referrals, appointments, and waiting times in the public healthcare system.
Latvia ranks among the EU's top 5 countries for digital government services (DESI index). The country's e-government ecosystem was built with interoperability as a core principle — once you have eID and personas kods, you can access almost everything digitally. Mobile internet coverage is excellent throughout Latvia including most rural areas. 5G is available in Riga and major towns. Latvia's startup and tech ecosystem (Printful, Printify, Accenture, Draugiem Group) has created a culture of digital fluency that makes the country highly welcoming to digital workers.