Living in Latvia

Coronavirus

You should follow the advice of the Latvian Government.Government and your local authority. You can also read our Latvia travel advice for our latest guidance.

For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Latvia see our coronavirus travel advice.

Stay up to date

You should:

• sign up for email alerts to this guidance
• follow the British Embassy Riga on Facebook and Twitter

The

Attend Withdrawala Agreement

citizen outreach meeting

IfThe youBritish wereEmbassy legallyholds residentevents in Latvia beforefor 1UK Januarynationals. 2021,Upcoming youroutreach rightsevents will be protectedadvertised byhere, see a summary of past outreach meetings.

You can also:

• read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia website

The Withdrawal Agreement

The Withdrawal Agreement. Yousets mustout applythe terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a newdeal residenceon statuscitizens’ byrights. 30It Junesets 2021out toa securetransition yourperiod rights.

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study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020.

If you wereare legally resident in Latvia beforeat 1the Januaryend 2021,of the transition period, you mustwill applybe covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for aas newlong residencyas documentyou byremain 30resident Junein 2021.Latvia.

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Residency

If willyou beare ableresident toin collectLatvia before the newtransition residenceperiod documentends fromon January31 2021December onwards.

If2020, you havewill notbe previouslyable registeredto andstay.

If haveyou beenplan livingto stay in Latvia for morelonger than 903 days,consecutive months, you must register with the OCMAOffice forof aCitizenship residenceand permitMigration Affairs (OCMA).

Once you are resident in Latvia you must also declare your place of residence. You can do this:

• at your local municipality (in Latvian)
• at the OCMA
• online through the Public Administration Services Portal (in Latvian)

Moving to Latvia

CheckRead the entryLatvian requirementsgovernment’s forguidance Latviaon residency registration processes.

Passports

If your residency permit expired between 11 February 2020 and travel

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Passports

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

You can apply for or renew your British passport from Latvia.

Passports from 1 January 2021

YouCheck your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.

From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Latvia, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

You will need to Renewrenew your passport before bookingtravelling your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

As a non-EEA national, different border checks will apply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. You mayYour alsopassport needmay tobe showstamped afor returnvisits orto onwardthese ticket.countries.

Entry requirements

YouFrom can1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism.

To stayThis longeris thana 90rolling days180-day inperiod.

To anystay 180-dayfor period,longer, to work or study, or for business travel, you mustwill need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travellingtravelling. to. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.

Periods of timestay authorised byunder a visa or permit dowill not count towardsagainst yourthe 90-day visa-free limit. Travel to the UK and the Ireland will not change.

Different rules will apply to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.

Driving in Latvia

TravelDriving tolicence therules UKwill andstay Irelandthe hassame notuntil changed.

Driving31 inDecember Latvia

2020.

You should exchange your UK licence for a Latvian driving licence. You can still use your Latvian licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.

For information on driving in Latvia, read our guidance on:

• what you need to drive abroad

• driving rules in Latvia

• driving licence exchanges and renewals

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Latvia

Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.

If you are resident in Latvia, you must register your car and make the necessary changes so that it is suitable for left-hand driving. You have 6 months from the date you registered your residency to do this. The Latvian Road Traffic Safety Directorate has more information.

You can read the EU´s guidance on car registration and taxes in Latvia. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so, you will need certificates of exemption.

Driving in the UK with a Latvian licence

Healthcare

YouIf canyou useare yourliving Latvian licence in theLatvia UK for short visits, or exchangemove itthere forpermanently abefore UK31 licenceDecember without2020, takingyou’ll ahave test.life-long Wehealthcare willrights updatein theseLatvia pagesas ifyou theredo arenow, anyprovided changesyou toremain the rules, as soon as information is available.resident.

Healthcare

If you are a permanent resident of Latvia, you are entitled to the same healthcare as Latvian nationals. If you are a temporary resident and live in Latvia in connection with your employment or you are self-employed, you and your family members can receive state-funded healthcare services.

Read our guidance on who can access healthcare in Latvia and make sure you are correctly registered.

If your UK employer has sent you to Latvia temporarily, your access to healthcare is different. Find out how to access healthcare as a posted workerregister.

State healthcare: S1

If you havelive a registered S1 form and were living in Latvia beforeand 1receive Januaryan 2021,exportable yourUK rightspension, tocontribution-based accessEmployment healthcareSupport willAllowance stayor theanother sameexportable ifbenefit, you aremay either:

• receivingcurrently abe UKentitled Stateto Pension
• receivingstate somehealthcare otherpaid ‘exportablefor benefits’
• aby frontierthe workerUK. whoYou livesmust inapply Latviafor anda commutescertificate toof workentitlement inknown theas UK

an S1 certificate.

Read our guidance on usinghow an S1 form in Latvia to ensureget youan areS1 correctly registered for healthcare.form.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are resident in Latvia, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC from the UK for healthcare in Latvia.

IfWhen you weretravel livingfrom Latvia for a temporary stay in Latviaanother beforeEuropean 1Economic JanuaryArea 2021,(EEA) country or Switzerland, you maycan beuse eligiblean forEHIC ato newaccess UK-issuedstate-provided EHIChealthcare ifin you’re:that country. During that short stay: 

• athe UKEHIC studentcovers intreatment Latvia
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• aan frontierEHIC workeris withnot a registeredreplacement S1for comprehensive travel insurance 

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You should also read guidance on:

• healthcare and studying abroad
• finding an English-speaking doctor in Latvia
• checking your prescriptions are legal in Latvia

Working inand Latvia

Ifstudying you were legally resident in Latvia before 1 January 2021, you have the right to work, as long as you remain legally resident.

Read our guidance on working in an EU country.

Some jobs may need you to apply for a UK criminal records check.

Your employer will need to apply to the State Revenue Service for your unique tax code. If you already have a personal code in Latvia, they will use this. Your employer is responsible for deducting your income tax and social security payments from your income.

If you are self-employed, you must register with the tax authorities yourself. You will be responsible for calculating and paying your tax and social security contributions.

Frontier workers

If you liveare resident in Latvia andon commute to work in an EU or EFTAbefore country,the from31 JanuaryDecember 20212020, youyour mayright need a permit to provework that you are a frontier worker. We will updatestay this guidance when more information is available.

Studying in Latvia

You will be eligible for broadly the samesame, support as Latvian nationals, as long as you wereremain legally resident in Latvia before 1 January 2021. You must apply for a residence permit in Latvia.

Read

Studying our guidance on:

• continuing your studies in the European Union
• healthcare for students in Latvia

Moving to Latvia to study

If you are planningresident to study in Latvia,Latvia makeon sureor you meet all visa requirements before you31 arrive.December Contact2020, theyour relevantright Higherto Educationstudy providerwill instay Latviathe tosame, checkas whatlong feesas you mayremain haveresident toin pay.Latvia.

ForRead morethe informationguidance readon studyingcontinuing your studies in the European Union.

Money and tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Latvia to ensure you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Latvia have not changed.

Read the guidance on:

• tax if you leave the UK to live abroad

• tax on your UK income if you live abroad

• paying income tax in Latvia by the EU

We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Latvia. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Latvia.

You can also seek professional advice at the Latvian Association of Accountants.

National Insurance

Find out if you needcan to pay National Insurance inwhile the UK or social security contributionsabroad in Latvia.

Banking

Whetherorder UK banks can provide services to customersprotect livingyour inState thePension EEAand isentitlement ato matterother ofbenefits local law and regulation.allowances.

If Your bank or finance provider should contact you ifare theyemployed needor toself-employed makein anythe changesEU to your product or theEEA wayand they provide it. If you have anya concernsUK-issued aboutA1/E101 whetherform, you mightwill beremain affected,subject contactto yourUK providerlegislation oruntil seek independent financial advice.

Read the Moneyend anddate Pension Service guidance on banking,the insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.form.

Pensions

Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in Latvia.

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

If you retire to Latvia, you can claim:

• your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre to claim

• your Latvian pension, if you have worked in Latvia

• pensions from working abroad, if you have worked in other EU countries

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a life certificate from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you don’t.

Benefits

Pensions after 31 December 2020

ReadThere ourwill guidancebe no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on entitlementclaiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.

If you are living in Latvia by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.

If you work and pay social security contributions in Latvia you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Latvian pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to Latvia on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

You whilecan youcontinue areto livingreceive your UK State Pension if you live in Latvia.the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.

Benefits

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

CheckYou may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Latvia. You must:

• read our guidance on claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad

• use our tool to check which UK benefits you canmight claimbe able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them.them

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.

Latvian benefits

You may be eligible to claim some Latvian social security benefits if you have made enough social security contributions in Latvia.

To get benefits you must have a residence document and be living in Latvia for employment or family reasons.

The State Social Security Agency has more information.

Benefits after 31 December 2020

There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.

If you work and pay social security contributions in Latvia, your UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Latvian contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to Latvia on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

Voting

You cannot vote in local municipal elections in Latvia or European Parliament elections.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

• check if you are able to vote

• register as an overseas voter if you would like to vote

Births, deaths and getting married

If your child is born in Latvia, you will need to register a birth abroad.

If someone dies in Latvia you can:

• read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad

• find a list of English-speaking funeral directors in Latvia

Find out how you can get married abroad.

You may also need:

• English-speaking lawyers

• translators in Latvia

• notarial and documentary services for Latvia

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad.

Pets

IfCurrent you have a pet passport issued by Latvia or another EU member state, you can use it to travel withrules yourwill petstay tothe Greatsame Britainuntil and31 elsewhereDecember in the EU.2020.

AIf GB-issuedyou’re EUtravelling petwith passportyour ispet not valid for travel to the EUfirst ortime Northernyou Ireland.must Youvisit should speak to your vet before you travel to get thea necessary pet travel documents and ensure you’re compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.passport.

Read guidance on:

• on bringing your pet to GB
• travelling with your pet in the EUUK
• travelling to Northern Ireland with your pet

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel..

Emergencies

Dial the European emergency number on 112 or Latvia also has:

• 110 – police

• 113 – first aid

If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact the British Embassy Riga.

Returning to the UK

Tell the Latvian and UK authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.

To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.

If you return to the UK check if your tax status will change.

If you get healthcare in Latvia through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Disclaimer

Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Latvian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.