If you start a business in Latvia and need to register for VAT in 2026, this guide can help you. Explore the following lines about VAT registration for local and foreign companies, and then get in touch with our team of lawyers for in-depth support.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| We offer VAT registration services (Yes/No) | Yes, our Latvian lawyers offer these services |
|
Standard VAT rate |
21% |
|
Lower VAT rates |
– 5% for certain types of food products, media, and subscriptions, and certain printed magazines, etc. – 12% for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, national public transport, and hotel accommodation, baby food and products, etc. |
| Who needs VAT registration in Latvia? | Domestic taxpayers in Latvia are required to register for VAT if the value of taxable supplies made in the last year exceeds the VAT registration threshold – EUR 50,000. |
| Time frame for VAT registration in Latvia (approx.) |
Registration for VAT in Latvia takes 3-5 working days |
| VAT for real estate transactions |
21% VAT in case of new buildings |
| VAT exemptions in Latvia |
Services related to export, import, transit carriage, passenger transport and carriage of international passengers, health care services offered by medical professionals are all exempted from VAT in Latvia. |
| Filing period for VAT in Latvia |
Every 6 months |
| VAT returns support (Yes/No) |
Yes, upon request |
| VAT refund availability (Yes/No) | Yes, available for both EU and non-EU companies upon request |
| Requirement for local tax agent |
Not required |
| How long does it take to register for VAT in Latvia? |
Almost 5 working days after the submission of required information and documentation |
| Who collects VAT |
State Revenue Service |
| Documents for VAT registration in Latvia |
– application form, – certificate of registration, – article of association, – power of attorney, etc |
| VAT number format | LV 12345678910 |
| VAT introduction in Latvia | Starting with the year 1995 |
|
Tax administration in Latvia |
Ministry of Finance, respectively State Revenue Service |
|
Applicable VAT legislation |
Latvian VAT Law |
| VAT for foreign companies in Latvia | Form VAT-22 |
| Other certificates solicited for VAT registration in Latvia |
VAT Certificate from the country of origin |
| VAT threshold for distance selling |
EUR 10,000 |
| VAT threshold for intra-community acquisitions |
EUR 10,000 |
| Submission of Intrastat returns |
Every month |
| Specific cases for annual VAT returns |
For VAT input or VAT adjustments, taxpayers must submit an annual VAT return by the 1st of May of the year following the tax year. |
| Invoice content |
– VAT number, – invoice issue date, – invoice number, – description of goods, – VAT amount, – gross amount, – VAT rate applied, – final price |
| Accounts maintenance |
Accounts of record maintenance must be kept in the company for at least 10 years. |
| VAT for training programs, education services, and linked activities |
0% |
| VAT for residential property rental |
Not imposed, except for hotel accommodation |
| Number of double taxation treaties signed by Latvia |
Around 64 |
| How can our Latvian lawyers help you? |
We can: – prepare the documents for VAT registration, – represent you in front of relevant authorities, – provide tailored legal services at affordable prices. |
Who needs to register for VAT in Latvia?
Any business that carries out economic activities in Latvia, if it reaches the EUR 50,000 threshold in taxable transactions.
Is voluntary registration applicable in Latvia?
Yes.
What are the VAT rates in Latvia in 2026?
- 21% – the standard VAT rate,
- 12% – the reduced VAT rate for various goods and services for sale in Latvia,
- 5% – the reduced VAT rate for periodicals, books, etc.
Are there any VAT exemptions in Latvia?
Yes, for:
- Education,
- Various medical services,
- Intra-community supply of goods,
- Exports, etc.
How do I register a foreign company for VAT in Latvia in 2026?
- the process starts at the State Revenue Service, where specific standard forms must be completed,
- all company documents must be presented,
- supporting documents specifying the company activities are also required,
- IDs/passports of company owners are also solicited.
NOTE: EU and non-EU/EEA company owners will need to provide details on whether goods are supplied or stored in Latvia, the business location, types of transactions, etc.
You can also discover the following infographic with details about the VAT in Latvia:
How do I register a local company for VAT in Latvia in 2026?
By presenting company documents, completing standard forms, and submitting them to the State Revenue Service in Latvia.
Do I need a fiscal agent to register for VAT in Latvia?
- a business with its headquarters in another EU member state does not need to have local fiscal representation or agent in Latvia,
- non-EU enterprises can now register directly with the Latvian State Revenue Service without needing to designate a fiscal representative.
What is the VAT format in Latvia?
It starts with the prefix LV and then has 11 digits for Latvia – for instance, LV-12345678910.
What happens after a company in Latvia receives its VAT number?
- the company can charge VAT,
- the invoices can now have a VAT number,
- VAT return can be submitted, etc.
NOTE: Companies must maintain VAT records in the company.
How are VAT returns filed by companies in Latvia?
Through the VAT declarations that must be submitted periodically.
Here is a video presentation with details about VAT registration in Latvia:
How is VAT refund done in Latvia?
By applying to the State Revenue Service in Latvia via the Electronic Declaration System, taxpayers from Latvia who are not conducting business in the other Member State must address an electronic reimbursement request to that Member State under the new method (EDS).
Are there any precautions to consider when registering for VAT in Latvia in 2026?
It is best to:
- register for VAT right after company formation in Latvia,
- implement the correct VAT rates in Latvia,
- keep all VAT records,
- bear in mind the EU transactions and related VAT,
- issue correct VAT invoices, etc.
REMARK: Latvia continues the digitalization process linked to VAT. There are also stronger electronic compliance regulations to understand if you open a company in 2026, and VAT registration is mandatory.
What is the time frame to register a company for VAT in Latvia?
Around 3-5 days.
Ready to register your company for VAT in Latvia in 2026? Feel free to contact our law firm in Latvia and get your answers today. We offer a free case evaluation first.