🇱🇻 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Lativa, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What Should I Know About Living in Latvia at a Glance?
•Flag: 🇱🇻
•Population: ~1.9 million (national, 2025)
• Currency: Euro (EUR) — Prices are often compared internationally in USD or GBP.
•Average salary: around EUR 20,000–21,500 per year (~USD 21,500–23,000)
•Live EUR ←→ USD / GBP: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
👉 Reviewed by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSP), last updated in June 2025; Bank of Latvia, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Latvia?
The cost of moving to Latvia depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 2,100–2,700 (≈ EUR 1,950–2,500) for a 20-ft FCL from Europe/USA to Latvia — BR LOGISTICS |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 3,400–5,000 (≈ EUR 3,100–4,600) depending on origin & route — BR LOGISTICS +1 |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~5–10 days | Typically higher; often several thousand USD depending on urgency & distance (insufficient public data for a stable benchmark) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Latvia import duty rates range from 0–12% on CIF value, plus 21% VAT applied on the import value including duty & shipping costs — DHL +1 |
👉 Reviewed by Freight & Logistics market sources & Latvian Customs / State Revenue Service (VID) import guides, last updated mid-2025.
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes.
Real-life case“I moved to Latvia in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of belongings in a 40ft container from Toronto, costing around USD 5,600 including door-to-door delivery and customs clearance.” — Anett V., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Latvia choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, and Jūrmala.These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities, making them ideal destinations for newcomers planning to move to Latvia.
What do I need to know about Latvia visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in Latvia. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Family or Partner Visa, Startup or Entrepreneur Visa, and Temporary or Long-Term Residence Permit options available after an extended stay.
Visa categories and eligibility check:
https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/residence-permits
Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents):
https://latvia.travel/en/article/visas-and-entry-requirements
👉 Reviewed by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) & Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, last updated June 2025.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Latvia, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Latvian Customs regulations. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to shipment.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival in Latvia.
At customs, present:
- Detailed inventory list of goods
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of prior residence abroad (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods may be subject to Latvia’s import duties and 21% VAT, applied on the customs value including freight and insurance (CIF).
👉 Reviewed by the State Revenue Service of Latvia (VID), last updated mid-2025.
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
If you’re moving to Latvia, you must declare your vehicle at customs. Import duties and 21% VAT may apply unless you qualify for relocation exemptions (duty-free import of a personal vehicle brought in with your household goods).
Vehicles must meet EU safety and emissions standards, and most imports require technical inspection and registration through the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) before being approved for road use.
Driver’s licence rules:
- EU/EEA licences are valid in Latvia and can be exchanged without additional testing.
- Non-EU licences (e.g., from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Japan) generally need to be exchanged within 12 months of obtaining Latvian residency.
- Depending on the issuing country, a theory and/or practical driving test may be required.
- Depending on the issuing country, a theory and/or practical driving test may be required.
👉 Reviewed by the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) and State Revenue Service (VID), last updated July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Latvia?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by the required documents issued by the Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia (PVD) under the Ministry of Agriculture.
A valid rabies antibody (titration) test may be required depending on the country of origin.
Import requirements vary by species, and all pets must arrive through approved EU entry points, such as Riga International Airport (RIX) or other designated EU Border Control Posts for animals entering Latvia by air or road.
👉 Reviewed by the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD), Government of Latvia, last updated March 2025.
How do I open a bank account and get Latvia’s national identity number (Tax ID / Social Security Number)?
To open a Latvian bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of address in Latvia (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment, student enrollment, or income source (requirements vary by bank)
Latvia’s national identity number is called the Personal Code (Personas kods). It is used for taxation, social security, healthcare, banking, and all official registrations.
Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Social Security Number are generated after:
- Registering your residence with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), which issues your Personal Code
- Completing registration with the State Revenue Service (VID) for tax purposes
- Registering with the National Health Service (NVD) if you qualify for state healthcare coverage
👉 Reviewed by the State Revenue Service (VID), the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), and the National Health Service (NVD), last updated November 2024.
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Latvia?
In Latvia, renting usually requires a security deposit (normally one to two months’ rent) and proof of stable income or financial means. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are often not included in the rent and should be budgeted separately.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of income, employment contract, or study certificate
- Latvian residence registration (Personal Code / Personas kods)
To buy property in Latvia, budget an extra 5–10% for notary fees, Land Register fees, and property transfer costs.
Non-EU citizens may need additional approval from the Ministry of Defence or local municipalities when buying property in border zones or restricted areas.
Top areas for newcomers:
- Riga – capital city and the economic, cultural, and tech hub
- Daugavpils – second-largest city with strong industry and affordable housing
- Liepāja – coastal city known for music culture, beaches, and a fast-growing economy
- Jelgava – university city with good transport links and a strong student community
- Jūrmala – seaside resort area known for nature, wellness, and international residents
👉 Reviewed by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSP) & Latvian Real Estate Association, last updated March 2025.
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Latvia?
If you’re a tax resident in Latvia (living more than 183 days per year or having a permanent home in the country), you are generally taxed on your worldwide income.
Contributions to social security and state pension schemes are mandatory for employees working under a Latvian employment contract.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Latvia applies a progressive tax rate: 20% on annual income up to ~EUR 20,004; 23% on income between ranges; and 31% on high-income brackets | Non-residents are taxed only on Latvia-sourced income |
| Social Contributions | Cover pension, healthcare, parental leave, unemployment insurance | Employee contributes ~10.5%; employer contributes ~23.59% (rates may vary slightly by employment type) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Latvia has agreements with 60+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and all EU members |
👉 Reviewed by the State Revenue Service of Latvia (VID) & National Health Service (NVD), last updated 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a virtual relocation consultation, or explore international moving guides for Lithuania and Estonia.
