Latvia (LV)

The Latvian personal identity code (personas kods) — an 11-digit number in the format DDMMYY-XXXXX or a randomised format for newer codes. This is the single most important document in Latvia: required for healthcare, banking, tax, employment, property, and virtually all official processes. EU/EEA citizens register for a personas kods at PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs). Non-EU residents receive it with their residence permit. Without a personas kods, you cannot function in Latvian society.

Required for all immigration processes, banking, and official registrations. Non-EU nationals must hold a valid passport throughout their stay. EU nationals can use their national ID card for EU free movement purposes but a passport is needed for many procedures.

Latvia's electronic identity card containing a chip with the holder's data, qualified electronic signature, and authentication certificates. The eID card is the primary document for accessing e-government services (latvija.lv), e-banking, e-signature, and official digital processes. EU citizens and long-term residents can apply for an eID card. Strongly recommended for all residents.

Registration of your declared place of residence (dzīvesvieta) in the official population register maintained by PMLP. EU/EEA citizens must register their address within 3 months of arrival. Non-EU nationals must register immediately. Required to obtain a personas kods and for all official correspondence. Done at PMLP offices or at the relevant local municipality.

EU/EEA citizens who wish to stay in Latvia beyond 3 months must register at PMLP and receive a registration certificate (Reģistrācijas apliecība). Non-EU nationals need a Temporary Residence Permit (Uzturēšanās atļauja) — applied for at PMLP. This document confirms legal residence in Latvia.

Registration with the State Revenue Service (VID) before starting employment or self-employment. Required for receiving salary, paying income tax, and filing tax returns. Done at VID offices or online via latvija.lv. Without VID registration, employers cannot legally pay salary.

Confirmation of mandatory health insurance contributions via the National Health Service (NVVĀ). Employed persons are enrolled automatically through their employer. Self-employed must enrol separately. Required to access subsidised healthcare. The "blue card" or digital confirmation shows your insured status.

Required for registering children, family reunification applications, marriage registration, and citizenship applications. Must be an official document from the country of birth.

Required for family reunification applications, registering a spouse in the population register, and certain benefits applications. Foreign marriage certificates must be legalised.

Required for dzīvesvieta (address) registration and personas kods application. A signed rental contract, property deed, or a written consent from a property owner allowing registration at their address.

Required for recognition of foreign qualifications and regulated profession licences. Latvia is a Hague Apostille member; apostille from Hague member countries plus certified Latvian translation required. Academic recognition is processed by the AIC (Akadēmiskā informācijas centrs — Academic Information Centre) at aic.lv. Regulated professions have separate licensing bodies (Latvijas Ārstu biedrība for medicine, Latvijas Zvērinātu advokātu kolēģija for law, etc.).

EU/EEA driving licences are valid in Latvia indefinitely until renewal. Non-EU licences are valid for the period stated on the licence, up to one year from establishing Latvian residency, after which they must be exchanged. Keep the original as it may be needed for exchange.

A Latvian bank account is needed to receive salary, pay rent, utilities, and taxes. Required to open a Latvian bank account: personas kods, passport, and proof of address. Swedbank, SEB, and Citadele are the main options.