Living in Latvia
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Latvia – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Latvia
Help from the Latvian government
For any questions about moving to or living in Latvia, you may be able to get help from the:
You can also check the Latvian state services portal for help with common questions.
The UK government and the British Embassy in Riga cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Latvia.
Professional help in Latvia
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Latvia, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Latvia to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Latvia. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Latvia before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Latvia.
You can get a visa for:
- work
- study
- business
- joining a family member
- religious activities
For more information, read guidance on visas and residence permits for UK nationals.
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to register your residency in Latvia. You can do this:
- at your local municipality
- at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs – read their guidance on residence permits
- online through the State Administration Services Portal
If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, contact:
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residence permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residence permit
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Latvia if you hold a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, read guidance on:
Citizenship
Latvia recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Latvian citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Latvian citizenship, read guidance on acquiring Latvian citizenship.
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Riga cannot give personalised information or advice on Latvian visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
- the Latvian Embassy in London
- an English-speaking lawyer in Latvia
Residency if you moved to Latvia before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Latvia before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Residence permits if you moved to Latvia before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Latvia before 1 January 2021, make sure you have a residence permit (‘uzturēšanās atļauja’). This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need a residence permit when entering or leaving Latvia. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES to travel within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen Area and denied entry to Latvia or other Schengen countries.
Bringing family members to Latvia if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Latvian government’s information on Brexit explains:
- which family members can join you in Latvia
- how and when they should apply for their residence permit
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have a Latvian residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Latvia does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and residence permit when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence permit or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Latvia using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Latvia, and who have a residence permit (‘uzturēšanās atļauja’), do not need to register with the EES.
If you’re legally resident in Latvia but do not have a residence permit, contact Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs for information on how to get one.
For more information about how the EES will work and when it will come into force, read:
Healthcare in Latvia
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- contact your insurance provider
- read guidance on healthcare in Latvia and health in Latvia
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Latvia
Working in Latvia
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Latvia, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Latvia for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Latvia legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a UK police certificate.
When you get your first job in Latvia, your employer applies to the State Revenue Service for your unique tax code. You can use this with future employers in Latvia. Your employer is responsible for deducting your income tax and social security payments from your income.
If you are self-employed, you must register with the tax authorities yourself. You’ll be responsible for calculating and paying your tax and social security contributions.
If you live in Latvia and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Latvia, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Latvia
Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Latvian Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSSD) provides information on driving in Latvia, including how to apply for or renew a Latvian driving licence.
There is also guidance on registering a foreign vehicle in Latvia and converting it for driving on the right.
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Latvia, in safety and security in the travel advice for Latvia
Driving in Latvia using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Latvia until your licence expires using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Latvia.
Exchanging your driving licence
Before it expires, you must exchange your driving licence.
You’ll need to:
- get a check code from the DVLA – for English, Welsh and Scottish driving licences
- get a check code from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) – for Northern Irish driving licences
- get a medical certificate from a GP or medical institution which provides driving medical certificates
You cannot use an international driving permit instead of exchanging your licence.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for a Latvian parking card for people with disabilities.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Latvia, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Latvia so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the State Revenue Service or HMRC for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Latvia. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Latvia or contact the Latvian Association of Accountants.
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Latvian pension
Contact the State Social Insurance Agency to find out whether you can claim a pension.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Latvian benefits
You may be entitled to some Latvian benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim, read guidance on benefits and allowances in Latvia.
Buying and renting property in Latvia
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Latvia if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Latvia
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Latvian elections
You cannot vote in Latvian elections unless you hold Latvian citizenship.
You also cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.
Studying in Latvia
If you plan to study in Latvia, you must meet all visa and residency requirements before you travel.
You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Latvia legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
- studying in Latvia
- studying in the EU
- travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Latvia
- the Latvian Embassy in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Latvia.
All children aged 5 to 16 must attend school or home school in Latvia.
For more information, read the Latvian government’s guidance on:
Childcare
Municipal education departments manage childcare services in Latvia. For example, the Riga City Council has information about Riga childcare and education (in Latvian).
Contact the municipal government where you live in Latvia for information.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Latvia, you must register the birth with a municipal civil registry office. Contact the municipal government where you live in Latvia for information about how to do this.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Latvia, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Latvian state services portal has guidance on how to get a divorce in Latvia.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Latvia.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Latvia, read guidance on:
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Latvia, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Latvia through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Latvian authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Added new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.
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"Passports and travel" section has been updated with information on EU introducing a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025.
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"Passports and travel" section has been updated with information on EU introducing a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES).
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New guidance on EU Entry/Exit System (EES) that applies from autumn 2024 added to the ‘Passports and travel’ section.
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Removal of the reference to COVID - 19
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Important information in the Working in Latvia, and National insurance sections if you work in Latvia, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
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Guide reviewed and updated with new information, including in the sections on driving in Latvia and national insurance and social security contributions.
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Guidance reviewed for people who are moving or moved to Latvia after 1 January 2021. Following the residency application deadline, it also includes sub-sections relevant to people living there since before 1 January 2021.
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Healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Latvia section updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services and link to DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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Updated as the transition period ends with new information on pet travel and moving to Latvia
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Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
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Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
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Visa and residency section updated with information about how to apply for the new residency document.
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Added information relating to an online event about new resident permits for UK nationals in Latvia.
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Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
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Visa and residency section updated with new guidance on residency permits that expired during state of emergency.
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New information on the Withdrawal Agreement and a new link to Latvian government guidance on residency
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Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
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Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
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Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
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EU Exit update: ´Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU' has been updated. The section now has information about travel to EEA and EFTA countries.
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EU Exit update: added updated information in passports, pensions and returning to the UK section
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EU Exit update: updated EU Exit information in voting, healthcare and visas and residency sections
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We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
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EU Exit update: Added link to Brexit information on the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website in the EU Exit section and added information on registration in the event of ‘No Deal’ from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs website to the visas and residency section. Please see the [information on the OCMA webpage](https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/information-on-brexit.html) on registration in the event of ‘No Deal’ scenario.
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Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
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EU Exit update: Added link to national outreach event to EU Exit section and link to Department for Transport website with information about exchanging driving licences to the driving section.
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EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
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EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.
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EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
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First published.