Criminal record certificate from the Punishment Register
The certificate of criminal record or its absence from the state Punishment Register is issued by the Information Centre of the Ministry of the Interior. It is most often required by employers (especially for work with children, security, finance) and for foreign visas and residence permits. The standard certificate costs 10.40 EUR and is prepared within 5 working days; urgent processing takes 1 working day for a higher fee. The easiest route is the e-service at e.ic.iem.gov.lv: the electronic certificate carries a secure e-signature and is valid for submission to institutions.
Who this applies to
Step by step
Clarify which certificate you need
Ask the institution or employer what data must be included (criminal record only, or administrative penalties too; current or also archive data) and in what language and form — electronic with e-signature or paper. The price depends on this.
Apply via the e-service
At e.ic.iem.gov.lv log in with internet banking, eID card or eParaksts and fill in the request, choosing the certificate type and delivery channel. Alternatives: send an e-signed application to kanceleja@ic.iem.gov.lv, post it to Bruņinieku iela 72B, Riga, or apply in person.
Pay the state fee
The standard certificate (5 working days) costs 10.40 EUR; urgent (1 working day) costs more per the IeM IC price list (Cabinet Regulation No. 693). If you qualify for the 50% discount, state the status document number in the request or present the original. English translation and registered mail are extra paid services.
Receive the certificate
The electronic certificate arrives at your e-mail or official e-address, signed with a secure e-signature verifiable at eparaksts.lv. A paper certificate can be delivered in a sealed envelope by registered mail to a Latvian address or collected in person. From abroad, the e-service works the same — you only need to authenticate.
Common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
How much does the certificate cost?
Standard processing (5 working days) — 10.40 EUR. Urgent processing (1 working day) costs more per the IeM Information Centre price list (Cabinet Regulation No. 693). English translation and registered mail delivery cost extra.
Can I get it while abroad?
Yes — the e-service at e.ic.iem.gov.lv works from anywhere if you can authenticate with Latvian internet banking, eID or eParaksts. The e-certificate arrives by e-mail; a paper version can also be requested via a Latvian diplomatic mission.
How long is the certificate valid?
The law sets no single validity period — the requesting institution decides. In practice most accept certificates no older than 3–6 months, so don't order too early.
Can my employer request my certificate?
Third parties can obtain a person's Punishment Register data only in cases set by law. Usually the employer asks the candidate to provide it — request it in your own name and submit electronically or on paper.
Official sources
- IeM Informācijas centrs — izziņa no Sodu reģistra
- e.ic.iem.gov.lv — e-pakalpojumu portāls
- MK noteikumi Nr. 693 — IeM IC maksas pakalpojumu cenrādis