Latvia

Specific Information

Intra-EU moves: Household goods moving between EU member states are not subject to customs duties or VAT. No customs declaration is required for goods in free circulation within the EU.

Non-EU imports -- duty-free conditions for returning citizens: Returning Latvian citizens (and EU citizens returning from outside the EU) may import household goods duty-free if they have lived abroad for at least 12 months. The shipment must arrive within 12 months of the owner's arrival in Latvia.

Non-EU imports -- foreigners: Non-EU citizens must have a valid residence and work permit before arriving in Latvia. If these documents are not present at the time of customs clearance, the shipment will be delayed. Foreigners relocating to Latvia from outside the EU are subject to customs duties and VAT on household goods unless they qualify for a transfer of residence exemption under EU Council Regulation 1186/2009 (which generally requires having resided outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months and having owned the goods for at least 6 months).

Diplomats receive duty-free entry.

Road shipment notification: For shipments entering by road, Customs must be notified and receive documents at least 1 hour prior to the shipment's arrival.

EORI number: Required for customs declarations in Latvia (as in all EU member states). The destination agent typically handles registration.

Duties & Taxes

Customs duty: Standard EU Common Customs Tariff applies to non-EU imports. Rates vary by commodity classification.

VAT: 21% (standard Latvian rate). Applied to CIF value plus customs duty for non-exempt imports.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Technical passport / vehicle registration document
• Proof of ownership for a minimum of 6 months

Specific Information

Duty-free conditions: Motor vehicles may enter duty-free only if owned and operated by the owner for a minimum of 6 months and the vehicle meets European requirements (EU type-approval / homologation).

Registration: The vehicle must be registered in the owner's name. Registration is handled through CSDD (Road Traffic Safety Directorate).

Insurance: The vehicle must have a valid licence plate and third-party liability (TPL) insurance valid within the entire territory of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Non-EU vehicles: Vehicles imported from outside the EU must meet EU type-approval standards. Non-compliant vehicles may require individual approval (homologation), which can be costly and time-consuming. The vehicle must also pass a technical inspection (TUV-equivalent).

EU vehicles: Vehicles already registered in another EU member state can be re-registered in Latvia without customs formalities, provided they are in free circulation within the EU.

Pets

• EU Pet Passport with proof of current rabies vaccination From EU Member States
• ISO 15-digit microchip (ISO 11784 / Annex A to ISO 11785), implanted before rabies vaccination From EU Member States
• Current rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel for primary vaccination) From EU Member States
• ISO 15-digit microchip From Part 1 Listed Third Countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.)
• Current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel for primary vaccination) From Part 1 Listed Third Countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.)
• EU Health Certificate completed by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the government veterinary authority From Part 1 Listed Third Countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.)
• Pets must enter through a designated Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE) From Part 1 Listed Third Countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.)
• All of the above, plus From Part 2 Listed Third Countries
• Rabies titer test (FAVN or RNATT) administered at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entry, processed at an EU-approved laboratory From Part 2 Listed Third Countries
• All of the above (including titer test with 3-month wait) From Unlisted Countries
• Additional quarantine may apply From Unlisted Countries

Regulatory update (April 2026): The EU modified its pet transport regulations with important changes to non-commercial transport definitions. A transition period runs until March 2027. Key changes: all pets must enter with their owner (some member states allow a representative to travel up to 5 days before); maximum 5 pets per vehicle for ground transport under non-commercial rules; owners must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport.

By January 2028, all pet microchips must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (new EU regulation). Owners with non-compliant chips should consider updating.

Microchip required. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. The microchip-before-vaccination sequence is strictly enforced.

Rabies vaccination: Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age. The 21-day wait applies to primary vaccinations only; booster vaccinations administered before the previous vaccine expires allow immediate travel.

Additional vaccinations: Recommended (not mandatory for entry) against canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus (dogs) and feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia (cats).

Quarantine: No quarantine for compliant pets. Non-compliant pets may be quarantined, returned, or euthanized at the importer's expense.

Breed restrictions: Latvia does not publish a list of banned breeds.

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