🩺 NVD

Registering with a family doctor

Everyone has the right to choose a family doctor and register with one. You can do it in person at the practice by signing an agreement, or via the e-service “Reģistrēties pie ģimenes ārsta” on Latvija.gov.lv. Registration is free of charge.

Service passportUpdated: 28.07.2026.
Cost
Free
Duration
The doctor enters the data within 5 working days
Deadline
Change — usually no more than once per 6 months
Where
Latvija.gov.lv or at the doctor's practice

Who this applies to

The family doctor is the first point of contact in state-funded healthcare: diagnostics, prevention, vaccination and referrals to specialists start there. You choose a doctor by your declared residence — the doctor may refuse if your address is outside their core territory or the patient limit is reached, but the refusal cannot be discriminatory.

Step by step

Find your doctor

To learn which family doctors cover your declared address and cannot refuse registration, call the NVD customer centre free of charge on 80001234 or write to nvd@vmnvd.gov.lv.

Register online or in person

Online: on Latvija.gov.lv choose the e-service “Reģistrēties pie ģimenes ārsta” and log in with eID, eParaksts or internet bank — you can register yourself, your minor children and wards, and track application statuses. In person: contact the practice and sign the agreement in two copies.

The doctor confirms the registration

The doctor enters the new patient into the NVD information system within five working days; the registration takes effect the day after confirmation in the system.

If you want to change doctors

Re-registration works the same way — registering with a new doctor ends the previous registration. Doctors are usually changed no more than once per six months, except in special cases such as moving.

Common mistakes

Thinking a doctor may refuse anyone — if your children, parents or spouse are already registered at the practice, the doctor cannot refuse regardless of your declared address.
Choosing a doctor far from home — outside the core territory the doctor may refuse (unless they agree to take you, e.g. by actual residence).
Staying without a family doctor after moving — re-register at the nearest practice; moving is grounds to change doctors more often than once per half-year.

Frequently asked questions

Does registration with a family doctor cost anything?

No, registration and re-registration are free.

Can a doctor refuse to register me?

Yes, if your declared address is outside their core territory or the patient limit is reached. The refusal cannot be discriminatory, and the doctor cannot refuse if your family members are already registered at the practice.

How often can I change my family doctor?

Usually no more than once per six months; in special cases, such as moving, more often.

Where can I find out which doctors cover my address?

At the NVD customer centre, free phone 80001234, or by writing to nvd@vmnvd.gov.lv with your exact address.

Official sources