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Doing business in Latvia: 5 key areas for investors before market entry

December 1, 2025

When doing business in Latvia, companies enter a Northern European market that blends industrial tradition with strong innovation potential. The economy is shaped by key sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, ICT, smart energy and business services, while investment incentives encourage growth in forward-looking areas including bioeconomy, photonics, medical technologies and global service operations.

Latvia offers a transparent and efficient environment for company formation, taxation and VAT obligations, supported by digital public registers and clear procedures for both local and foreign businesses. Labour regulations follow well-defined rules on employment contract types and eligibility for EU and non-EU workers, complemented by a structured personal income tax and social security framework that applies across different categories of income and business activity.

Together, these factors make Latvia an appealing destination for investors seeking opportunities in the Baltic region. This infographic highlights the essential points to review before entering or expanding on the Latvian market.

Compare Latvia to 16 other markets in our FULL EXPANSION guide

Our free eBook on international expansion was created in cooperation with our global business community, Accace Circle, providing basic yet valuable information from 17 countries. Breeze through the specifics of doing business across different markets and compare key data that may be crucial for your ambitions of international expansion.


Industries & investment incentives

Most common industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail and wholesale trade
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Real estate and construction
  • ICT and business services
  • Smart energy
  • Transport and logistics

Industries favoured by investment incentives:

  • ICT
  • Bioeconomy
  • Smart materials and photonics
  • Biomedicine, medical technologies and pharmacy
  • Smart energy and mobility
  • Global Business Services
  • Construction
  • Transport and logistics
  • Defense

Company formation in Greece

Most common legal form of business: Limited liability company

Required no. of shareholders: at least 1

Required no. of directors: at least 1

Official company registers: www.ur.gov.lv/en/

Incorporation time
1-3 business days

%
Incorporation fee
EUR 26 – 225 *

%

* When submitted electronically a state fee 75 EUR (expedited registration 225 EUR); if paper-based a state fee and notary/postal costs typically EUR 26 to EUR 100


Corporate tax

Standard CIT rate
20%

%

Who are tax residents: companies that are incorporated in Latvia, have a place of effective management located in the country or have a permanent establishment formed

Tax period: monthly

Due date for CIT return: filed each month if a tax base (i.e., distributed profits) arises. The due date is the 20th day of the following tax period

Standard VAT rate
21%

%
Reduced VAT rate
5% and 12%

%
Reduced VAT rate
0%

%

VAT registration for residents: Mandatory if taxable transactions exceed EUR 50,000/year, if receiving services from abroad, or providing services to VAT-registered EU entities. Register before cross-border transactions. Voluntary registration allowed before threshold.

VAT registration for non-residents: Mandatory for EU businesses exceeding EUR 50,000 in taxable/exempt transactions, over EUR 10,000 in EU goods acquisitions, supplying excise goods, or providing distance/electronic sales beyond EUR 10,000 (unless Union scheme applies). Also required for installing goods or EU-wide supplies over EUR 100,000. Third-country businesses must register if liable for VAT in LV, unless non-Union scheme applies.

Other applicable taxes:

  • Excise tax on certain goods, including alcohol, tobacco, non-alcoholic beverages, and fuel
  • Energy tax on certain energy products and electricity
  • Real estate tax on immovable property, including land and buildings
  • Company car tax on company-owned or leased vehicles depending on the type, weight, and engine size of the vehicle
  • Real estate tax, where landlords pay 10% income tax and 9% VAT on rental income; sellers pay 10% tax on capital gains from property sales.
  • Natural resources tax on activities that harm the environment, such as pollution or the extraction of natural resources.
  • Customs duty on goods imported from outside the European Union

In Latvia, there is no wealth tax or regional income tax.


Labour law and employment

Who is entitled to work in Latvia:

  • EU/EEA citizens
  • Non-EU/EEA citizens with a work permit and a residence permit

Types of employment contract:

  • indefinite employment contract
  • fixed-term employment contract
  • part-time contract

Personal income tax

Standard PIT rate
25.5% – 33%*

%

* 25.5% on annual income up to €105,300 and 33% on the portion of annual income exceeding €105,300

Additional 3% surcharge is applied to total annual income exceeding €200,000

Who are tax residents:  Individuals who have a permanent place of residence in Latviaare present in Latvia for 183 days or more within any 12-month period or are a citizen of Latvia employed by the Latvian government abroad

Tax period: calendar year

Due date for PIT return: for income up to €105,300 the return must be submitted between March 1 and June 1 of the following year, for income above €105,300 – between April 1 and July 1 of the following year

Taxable incomes in Latvia: employment and self-employment income, capital gains, rental and other income, e.g., sale of agricultural products

Social security contributions

Paid by employer
23.59%

%
Paid by employee
10.5%

%

Health insurance contributions

There are no separate health insurance contributions – a portion of the social security contributions is allocated to healthcare.


How we can help with doing business in Latvia

Doing business in Latvia can be a smooth process when you have the right support team by your side. Entering the Latvian market brings both exciting opportunities and certain challenges, but with the help of skilled professionals, you can confidently manage any local requirements. Whether you are starting a new business or planning to expand your current company, our experienced Latvian specialists are ready to develop personalized solutions just for you.

Our team delivers a full range of advisory and BPO services in Latvia to help you handle tax, legal and corporate responsibilities, along with accounting, reporting, payroll and HR tasks. We make sure your operations are efficient, accurate and always in line with Latvian laws and regulations.

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