What is the personalised identity code and why is it important?

The personas kods is Latvia's equivalent of a national ID number — a unique personal identifier required for opening bank accounts, signing leases, accessing healthcare, registering a company, filing taxes, and nearly every administrative process. Getting it is the absolute first priority after arriving. EU citizens get it at PMLP by showing their passport; non-EU nationals get it with their residence permit or visa.

How do I access internet and mobile data in Latvia from day one?

Riga Airport and city centre shops all have LMT, Tele2, and Bite SIM cards available immediately. Latvia has excellent 4G/LTE nationwide coverage and expanding 5G in Riga. A data plan costs €5–€20/month. Many Airbnbs include WiFi; coworking spaces provide fast internet; cafés in Centrs typically have good WiFi.

What is the best bank for expats in Latvia?

Citadele Banka is generally recommended as the most expat-friendly — they're experienced with non-resident and new-resident account openings and have English-language service. SEB Latvia and Swedbank are alternatives. Bring your personas kods, passport, proof of address in Latvia, and documentation of your income source. The AML (anti-money-laundering) review is thorough — be prepared to explain your income clearly.

Can I bring my pet to Latvia?

Yes — EU pet passport and up-to-date rabies vaccination required for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Non-EU pets need a rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate from an authorised vet. Latvia applies standard EU pet import rules. No quarantine is required for compliant pets from most countries.

How long does it take to feel settled in Riga?

Logistically, 3–4 weeks to complete the core admin (identity code, bank account, GP, insurance). Socially, Latvians are initially reserved, so building a local network takes 2–3 months. The expat community is accessible quickly via Facebook groups and coworking events. Most expats report feeling genuinely 'at home' in Riga within 3–6 months.

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🇱🇻 Latvia

Moving Guide

1–5 days

Identity Code Processing

Essential first step

1–2 weeks

Bank Account Opening

Citadele recommended

~30 days

DNV Processing Time

Apply at Latvian Embassy

After residency

Healthcare Registration

Or private insurance

Yes (EU residents)

EU Shipping Duty-Free

Within EU; TOR relief for non-EU

Within 3 months

Population Register

For EU citizens

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Riga 🏖️Jūrmala

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Latvia is administratively straightforward compared to many EU destinations. EU citizens need no visa and can register online; non-EU nationals on the Digital Nomad Visa apply at a Latvian embassy with 30-day processing. The essential first step for everyone is obtaining a personalised identity code (personas kods) — this unlocks banking, healthcare registration, leasing, and all government services. Latvia's digital government portal (latvija.lv) handles most registrations online. Healthcare insurance must be in place from day one; bank account opening typically takes 1–2 weeks. Riga's rental market moves fast — secure housing before arrival if possible.

Key Takeaways

Apply for Digital Nomad Visa at Latvian Embassy in home country — allow 30+ days
Week 1: Obtain personalised identity code (personas kods) from PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs)
EU citizens: no customs duties on household goods moved within the EU
Personalised identity code (personas kods) — PMLP office or issued with residence permit

Before You Arrive in Latvia

Preparation is key to a smooth Latvia move. Sort visa/permit, secure housing, and have insurance in place before landing.

Apply for Digital Nomad Visa at Latvian Embassy in home country — allow 30+ days
Search for housing from abroad on RentInRiga.lv and SS.lv; Expats in Riga Facebook group for direct listings
Arrange international health insurance valid from day one (€42,600 minimum for DNV)
Join 'Expats in Riga' and 'Digital Nomads in Latvia' Facebook groups before moving
Research GP clinics before arrival — private clinics accept walk-ins; public system registration takes time
Get a Latvian SIM card on arrival: LMT, Tele2, or Bite — excellent 4G/5G coverage, plans from €5–€20/month
Learn basic Latvian greetings — appreciated even if English is your working language

Your First Weeks in Latvia

Latvia's digital government infrastructure makes the first administrative steps manageable, but plan 2–4 weeks to complete everything.

Week 1: Obtain personalised identity code (personas kods) from PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs)
Week 1: Register your address — online via latvija.lv or at local PMLP office
Week 1–2: Open bank account (Citadele recommended; SEB and Swedbank also work for residents)
Week 1–2: Get Latvian SIM card — needed for many online registrations and two-factor authentication
Week 2: Register with a family doctor (GP) — either at a public health centre or private clinic
Week 2–3: Register for social insurance if employed; VID tax registration if self-employed
Week 3–4: Explore Riga's neighbourhoods and communities; attend expat meetups; join local coworking

Shipping Belongings to Latvia

Latvia is well-served by Baltic and European logistics networks. Customs rules follow standard EU framework.

EU citizens: no customs duties on household goods moved within the EU
Non-EU expats: 'transfer of residence' relief exempts household goods from customs if owned 6+ months and residence permit is held
Shipping from UK: €1,200–€2,500 depending on volume
Shipping from US: €3,000–€5,500; allow 4–8 weeks
Riga port has standard logistics infrastructure
Car import: register with Latvian Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) within 6 months of residency
Recommended movers: DHL Latvia, Baltic Moving, DPD Baltic

Essential Admin Checklist for New Arrivals

Complete these steps within your first month to be fully set up for Latvian life.

Personalised identity code (personas kods) — PMLP office or issued with residence permit
Address registration — latvija.lv portal or in-person at PMLP
Bank account — Citadele, SEB, or Swedbank (code and proof of address required)
SIM card — LMT, Tele2, or Bite (available at airport or city shops)
GP registration — at a public health centre or private clinic
Health insurance confirmation — ensure your policy meets visa requirements (if applicable)
VID tax registration — mandatory for self-employed and DN Visa holders claiming 15% rate
Vehicle registration (if applicable) — CSDD within 6 months