VAT Latvia Guide

Read our guide and find out all you need to know about VAT in Latvia, from registration to filing, and more.

Latvia has its own specific VAT (Value Added Tax) regulations that are essential for businesses operating in the country to understand. This comprehensive guide delves into the Latvian VAT system, covering VAT rates, registration requirements, and more.

What is the Latvia VAT rate?

In Latvia, VAT, or Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis (PVN) as it’s known there, is a significant aspect of the fiscal framework. The standard Latvia VAT rate is 21%, with reduced rates of 12% and 5% and a zero VAT rate for specific goods and services.

Type of VAT	VAT Rate	Applicable Goods/Services
Standard VAT	21%	All other taxable goods and services.
Reduced VAT rate (1)	12%	Includes food products for infants, hotel accommodation, books (excluding e-books), newspapers and periodicals, and pharmaceutical products.
Reduced VAT rate (2)	5%	Locally produced fruits and vegetables.
Zero rate VAT	0%	Intra-community and international passenger transport.

Registering for VAT in Latvia

Businesses, both local and foreign, engaging in taxable activities in Latvia must register for VAT. The registration threshold for local businesses is €50,000. Unlike resident businesses, non-resident businesses are subject to Latvian VAT registration regardless of their turnover.

For EU-wide cross-border e-commerce, the distance-selling threshold is €10,000. Exceeding this in annual sales to Latvian customers will require you to register your business for Latvia VAT. Registration is also mandatory for businesses storing goods in Latvia or using fulfillment services like Amazon's FBA (Fulfilled-by-Amazon).

To register for VAT and receive a Latvian VAT number, businesses should apply directly to the Latvian State Revenue Service. The registration process typically takes around three weeks to complete.

Fiscal representation in Latvia

Unlike many other EU member states, Latvia does not required non-EU businesses to appoint a fiscal representative when registering for VAT.

Latvia VAT return filing and penalties

Those businesses engaged in intra-community selling must submit a Latvia VAT return monthly. Quarterly returns are required for businesses with non-intra-community sales of between €14,228.72 and €50,000 per annum. If annual non-intra-community sales are below €14,228.72, VAT returns must be filed bi-annually.

Returns should be electronically submitted through the Latvian State Revenue Service’s portal by the 23rd of the month following the reporting period.

Fines of up to €700 may be levied for the late submission of a Latvia VAT return. Failure to pay VAT on time will incur a fine of between 10% and 100% of the VAT owed as well as interest at 18.25%.

Latvian Intrastat declarations

Intrastat declarations are necessary for businesses trading within the EU that have sales surpassing annual thresholds of €330,000 for arrivals and €200,000 for dispatches. These declarations are due by the 10th of the subsequent month and fines may be imposed for late submission.

Reverse charge mechanism in Latvia

The reverse charge mechanism in Latvia applies to certain transactions, such as services from non-residents and intra-community acquisitions as well as a limited number of domestic supplies. It shifts the VAT reporting and payment responsibilities from the supplier to the recipient.

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