Guide to public services · Latvia
Government offices — without the confusion
Clear step-by-step guides to public services in Latvia: what they cost, how long they take, which documents you need. Every figure comes from official sources only.
🚗 Transport & cars
CSDD
Re-registering a car (change of owner)
Cost13.42 EUR in person · cheaper via e-CSDD
DeadlineWithin 5 days after the deal is confirmed
Wheree-CSDD or any CSDD centre
CSDD
Exchanging a driving licence
Cost22.41 EUR
Deadline30 days if personal data changed
WhereCSDD centres issuing licences
CSDD
Vehicle roadworthiness test
Cost36.95 EUR total (retest 18.54 EUR)
DeadlineYearly (less often for new cars)
WhereCSDD and accredited stations
CSDD
Getting your first driving licence (category B)
CostCSDD: theory 11.40 · driving 50.57 · licence 22.41 EUR · ~600–1000 EUR incl. school
DeadlineTraining from 16 · licence from 18
WhereDriving school · exams at CSDD (book at e.csdd.lv)
👨👩👧 Family & benefits
VSAA
State family benefit
Benefit25–225 EUR per month per child
DeadlineFrom the child's 1st year until 16 (20)
WhereLatvija.gov.lv or VSAA in person
VSAA
Parental benefit
Benefit60% of wage (13-month option)
DeadlineApply within 6 months
WhereLatvija.gov.lv (VSAA e-application)
Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa
Registering a child's birth
CostFree
DeadlineWithin one month of birth
WhereAny registry office in Latvia
VSAA
Maternity benefit
Cost80% of the average insured salary
DeadlineClaim within 6 months from the start of leave
WhereLatvija.gov.lv or a VSAA office
💶 Taxes & income
VID
Annual income tax return
CostFree
DeadlineMandatory: 1 March – 1 June
WhereVID EDS (eds.vid.gov.lv)
Pašvaldība
Paying real estate tax (NĪN)
CostPer the payment notice
Deadline31.03 · 15.05 · 17.08 · 16.11 (2026)
Whereepakalpojumi.lv, Latvija.gov.lv, bank
VID
Registering as self-employed
CostFree
DeadlineRegister before starting activity
WhereVID EDS or a service centre
VID
Micro-enterprise tax (MUN)
Cost25% of turnover · minimum 50 EUR per year
DeadlineDeclaration by the 15th of the month after the quarter
WhereVID EDS (eds.vid.gov.lv)
🪪 Documents & residence
Pašvaldība / PMLP
Declaring your place of residence
CostFree online · 4.27 EUR in person
DeadlineWithin 1 month after moving
WhereLatvija.gov.lv or the municipality
PMLP
Getting a passport or eID card
CostPassport 50 EUR · eID 30 EUR (discounted 25/15)
DeadlineProcessing starts only after the fee is paid
WherePMLP branches
Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa
Marriage registration
Cost14 EUR (ceremony extra)
DeadlineWithin 6 months of applying
WhereAny registry office
IeM Informācijas centrs
Criminal record certificate from the Punishment Register
Cost10.40 EUR standard · urgent costs more · −50% for some groups
DeadlineNo deadline — request when needed
Wheree.ic.iem.gov.lv · by post · in person at IeM IC
🩺 Health
NVD
Registering with a family doctor
CostFree
DeadlineChange — usually no more than once per 6 months
WhereLatvija.gov.lv or at the doctor's practice
NVD
EHIC card (EVAK)
CostFree
DeadlineValid for 3 years
Wheree-veselība, Latvija.gov.lv or NVD in person
NVD / E-veselība
E-prescription
CostThe prescription is free
DeadlineExpiry date shown on the prescription
Whereeveseliba.gov.lv and any pharmacy
NVD / ģimenes ārsts
State-paid visit to a medical specialist
CostSpecialist 4 EUR · GP 2 EUR (65+ — 1 EUR)
DeadlineCo-payment cap — 570 EUR per calendar year
WhereAny NVD-contracted institution · rindapiearsta.lv
💼 Work & unemployment
NVA / VSAA
Unemployment benefit
Benefit50–60% of your previous wage
DeadlineRegister with NVA right after losing your job
WhereNVA status → VSAA e-application
VSAA
Sick leave and sickness benefit
BenefitEmployer 75–80% · VSAA 80%
DeadlineNo longer than 26 weeks continuously
WhereE-certificate → VSAA automatically
NVA
Free training with an NVA voucher
CostFree + 5 EUR/day stipend
DeadlineRegister the e-voucher within 10 days
WhereNVA CV and vacancies portal
VSAA
Claiming the old-age pension
CostApplying is free
DeadlineNo earlier than 1 month before 65 · max 6 months back
WhereLatvija.gov.lv · VSAA client centres · with e-signature
🌍 For foreigners
PMLP
Temporary residence permit (TUA)
CostReview 160–560 EUR + card 45–80 EUR
DeadlineA decision can be contested within 30 days
WherePMLP territorial branches
PMLP
Izsaukums and invitation for a foreigner
Cost10 EUR electronically · 17 EUR otherwise
DeadlineMust be arranged before the visa/permit application
WhereE-service on Latvija.gov.lv or PMLP
PMLP
Long-term visa (D visa)
Cost90 EUR (180 EUR at the last minute)
DeadlineApply at least 3 working days before your stay ends
WherePMLP (in Latvia) or representations abroad
PMLP
Latvian citizenship through naturalisation
Cost28.46 EUR · reduced 4.27 EUR · some groups exempt
DeadlineAt least 5 years of permanent residence in Latvia
WhereAny PMLP territorial office
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