Business Licenses in Latvia: Types, Requirements and Documents

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Many activities in Latvia require not only company registration but also special licensing. Licensing protects public safety, financial stability and health standards. Each sector has its own regulator, requirements and document package. Proper preparation reduces delays and ensures compliant operations.

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Financial and Investment Licenses

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Financial services are regulated by Latvijas Banka.
Official information:
https://bank.lv/pakalpojumi/finansu-tirgus-dalibnieku-licences

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When a license is required

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• payment services
• electronic money
• investment brokerage
• fund management
• insurance services

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Required documents

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• application
• business plan (3–5 years)
• AML/KYC procedures
• risk management rules
• internal control system
• proof of capital origin
• management qualification and reputation documents
• IT security documentation

Financial licensing involves the most complex review due to compliance and capital requirements.

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Food Production and Catering

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Food-related activities require registration with the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD).
Official information:
https://www.pvd.gov.lv/lv/pakalpojumi/partikas-uznemuma-registracija-vai-atdzisana

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When registration is needed

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• restaurants and cafes
• food production
• food warehouses
• retail and online food trade

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Required documents

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• premises plan
• equipment list
• hygiene plan
• cleaning and disinfection schedule
• waste management contract
• water quality test
• staff medical checks
• proof of legal use of premises

PVD often performs an on-site inspection before approval.

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Alcohol and Tobacco Sales

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Alcohol and tobacco trade is regulated by VID and the local municipality.
Official information:
https://www.vid.gov.lv/lv/pakalpojumi?title=licence

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When a license is required

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• retail alcohol sales
• wholesale alcohol distribution
• tobacco product sales

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Required documents

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• application to VID and municipality
• shop layout
• lease or ownership documents
• fire safety compliance
• municipal approval for the address
• payment confirmation

Requirements differ slightly among municipalities.

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Gambling and Lotteries

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Gambling and lottery activities are supervised by the Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection (IAUI).
Official information:
https://www.iaui.gov.lv/

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When a license is required

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• gaming halls
• online gaming
• totalizators
• lotteries

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Required documents

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• application
• evidence of required capital
• security and monitoring systems
• data storage procedures
• equipment certificates
• internal control rules

This sector has strict regulatory standards.

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Passenger and Freight Transport

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Transport licensing is handled by the Road Transport Administration (ATD).
Official information:
https://www.atd.lv/lv/pakalpojumi/licences

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When a license is required

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• commercial passenger transport
• international freight transport
• domestic freight transport

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Required documents

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• application
• vehicle documents
• insurance (OCTA and CASCO)
• driver qualification (code 95)
• financial capacity documents
• base location documentation

ATD checks both technical and financial readiness.

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Medical and Pharmaceutical Licenses

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Medical institutions and pharmaceutical activities are regulated by ZVA and IKVD.
ZVA: https://www.zva.gov.lv
IKVD: https://ikvd.gov.lv

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When a license is required

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• clinics and medical practices
• pharmacies
• medicine production, import and wholesale

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‍Required documents

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• layout of premises
• list of medical equipment
• staff qualification documents
• hygiene and safety procedures
• rules for storage and handling of medicines

These licenses impose high requirements on staff and facilities.

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Security Services and Weapons Handling

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Security service providers and companies working with weapons are licensed by the State Police.
Official information:
https://www.vp.gov.lv/lv/licences-un-atlaujas

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Required documents

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• application
• guard certification
• criminal record certificates
• security system descriptions
• documentation for weapon storage
• safety compliance documents

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Educational Licenses

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Educational programs require approval from IKVD.
Official information:
https://ikvd.gov.lv/lv/izglitibas-iestadem

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Required documents

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• program description
• study plan
• teacher qualifications
• compliance of premises and equipment
• internal quality system

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Construction Licenses

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The construction sector in Latvia is one of the most strictly regulated fields due to its direct impact on safety, structural reliability, and long-term building quality. Licensing ensures that construction work is carried out by qualified companies and certified specialists who comply with national standards and technical regulations.

Construction supervision and registration are carried out by the State Construction Control Bureau (BVKB).

Official information:
https://bvkb.gov.lv/lv/buvkomersantu-registresana-un-sertificesana

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When a Construction License (Contractor Registration) Is Required

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A company must be registered as a būvkomersants (construction contractor) if it performs:

• general construction work;
• installation of load-bearing structures;
• engineering communications (water supply, sewage, heating, ventilation, gas);
• electrical installations and low-voltage systems;
• HVAC systems;
• internal and external utility networks;
• construction management;
• author supervision and construction supervision;
• building inspections and technical expertise;
• architectural and engineering design.

Without registration, a company is not allowed to participate in construction projects, sign contracts, or take part in procurement procedures.

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Types of Construction Licenses (Certification Categories)

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Licensing in Latvia is divided into two parallel systems:

1. Contractor registration for companies;
2. Professional certification for individual specialists.
3. ‍

1. License for Performing Construction Works

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Covers:

• general construction;
• structural works;
• masonry and concrete work;
• facade and interior finishing;
• installation of utilities;
• electrical systems;
• heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).

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2. License for Design (Project Development)

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Required for:

• architectural design;
• structural engineering;
• design of engineering systems;
• preparation of technical documentation.

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3. Construction Supervision License

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A certified supervisor ensures that work is completed according to building standards and approved design documentation.

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4. Author Supervision License

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Architects and designers monitor compliance with the original project throughout construction.

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5. Building Expertise License

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Used for:

• evaluation of the technical condition of buildings;
• structural safety assessments;
• assessment of design compliance;
• evaluation of construction quality.

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Contractor Registration with BVKB

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The official register of construction companies is available here:
https://registrs.bvkb.gov.lv/bis/bis/#!buvkomersanti

This registration is mandatory for all companies wishing to legally operate in the industry.

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Required Documents for Contractor Registration

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• application form;
• company registration documents;
• details of qualified specialists;
• copies of professional certificates;
• description of the types of work the company performs;
• documentation confirming the availability of equipment and technical resources;
• civil liability insurance (if required);
• proof of payment of the state fee.

Applications are submitted through the BIS electronic system or in person.

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Certification of Construction Specialists

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Certification is obligatory for:

• architects;
• structural engineers;
• construction supervisors;
• construction managers;
• technical experts;
• design engineers.

Certification institutions:

• Latvian Association of Civil Engineers – https://lbsa.lv
• Latvian Association of Architects – https://www.latarh.lv

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Required Documents for Specialist Certification

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• diploma in the relevant construction field;
• proof of professional experience;
• reference or professional recommendation;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• additional training certificates (if required);
• certification application form;
• proof of payment of the certification fee.

Without certification, a specialist cannot legally manage, supervise or design construction projects.

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Construction Process Oversight and Legal Responsibility

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A registered construction company gains the right to:

• perform construction work legally;
• manage construction processes;
• participate in public procurement;
• prepare and submit technical documentation;
• provide supervision and author supervision services.

Oversight is carried out by:

• BVKB — national-level supervision;
• municipal building authorities — control of construction compliance;
• certified specialists — ensuring quality and safety at construction sites.

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Penalties for Operating Without a License or Certification

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Unlicensed or uncertified activity may result in:

• suspension of construction work;
• administrative fines;
• disqualification from future projects;
• exclusion from procurement procedures;
• civil or criminal liability if damage is caused.

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Conclusion

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Licensing ensures transparent and safe business operations in Latvia. Regulators review facilities, documentation, personnel and internal procedures before approval. A complete and accurate document package speeds up the licensing process and reduces the risk of rejection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Are electronic applications accepted?
Yes, many regulators accept digital submissions.

2. How long does licensing take?
From several days to several months.

3. Do licenses expire?
Some licenses require periodic renewal.

4. Are inspections mandatory?
Yes, especially in food, medical, pharmaceutical and transport sectors.

5. Do company data changes affect licenses?
Most regulators require updated information to keep the license valid.