DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 
- Copy of passport
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
- Detailed inventory in English
- Pro-forma invoice with values
- Formal letter to Customs with detailed information about reasons of moving into Latvia (the first time or return, temporary move or permanent, etc.)
- Letter of employment (foreigners)
- Copy of employment contract (foreigners)
- Rental agreement (foreigners) / proof of real estate ownership (returning citizens or EU citizens from outside the EU)
- Proof of living abroad from origin shipping country of European Union (EU) for a period of at least 12 months) (returning citizens, EU citizens from outside the EU)
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- The shipment must arrive within 12 months of the owner of the goods’ arrival.
- Diplomats may import household shipments duty free.
- Returning citizens may import household shipments duty free if having lived abroad for at least 12 months.
- Returning citizens must present a letter issued by the Repatriation Centre of Latvian Citizenship and Migration Affairs of their status and may import household shipments duty free.
- If the owner of the goods is not a resident of Latvia, they must have a residence and work permit before arriving to Latvia.
- If these documents are not present at the time of Customs clearance, the shipment will be delayed.
- For shipments entering by roadway, Customs must be notified and receive documents at least 1 hour prior to shipment arrival.
AUTOMOBILE REQUIREMENTS
- Cars under 7 years + 1600 cc Petrol or + 1800 cc Diesel subject to 10% duty + 18% VAT.
- Cars over 7 years old and under 1600 cc petrol or 1800 cc diesel only VAT 18% applicable
- Temporary Import is possible. 2% deposit is to be made to Riga Customs together with application for temporary import. Maximum temporary import is 1 year.
- Diplomatic cars can be registered through Foreign Ministry only and Embassies know procedures
- Customs has book of car values and will use this as minimum if declared value drops below customs book valuations.
- Motor vehicles may enter duty free only if owned and operated for a minimum of 6 months and the vehicle meets European requirements.
PETS
- The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of import.
Documents Required:
- Rabies vaccination certificate valid for 12 months (dogs)
- Original international vaccination book
- Certificate of origin
- Veterinary health certificate in English or Latvian
ANTIQUES, ARTIFACTS, CARPETS, PAINTINGS
- Antiques and artwork:
- All antiques and artwork must be declared.
- Two photographs for each item need to accompany documentation.
- Contact the destination agent for specific information.
RESTRICTED/DUTIABLE ITEMS
- Weapons:
- For the import of personal arms, hunting weapons, gas pistols (revolvers) and munitions, the owner of the goods must apply for a license at the Home Affairs Ministry Police Department.
- The license must be obtained prior to import as a valid firearms license from abroad must be presented upon entry.
- Medications:
- The owner of the goods can import all medicines as long as the owner of the goods can provide proof that they are for personal use only.
- It is recommended to attach a doctor’s prescription to prove the necessity.
- Drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as equipment for the use of them, cannot be imported.
- Alcohol:
- The import of alcohol is restricted.
- Some exceptions may be allowed depending on the mode of transport used to enter the country.
- Contact the destination agent for specific information.
- Excise goods:
- Excise goods such as tobacco, coffee, lemonade, etc. may be restricted.
- Contract the destination agent for specific information.
- Fur and hunting trophies:
- A license is required for import.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Pornographic materials
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Subversive materials
DUTY RATES ON AUTOS
- Cars under 7 years + 1600 cc Petrol or + 1800 cc Diesel 10% duty + VAT at 10%.
- Cars over 7 years old + 1600 cc petrol or 1800 cc diesel VAT only 18%
- Temporary Import is possible. 2% deposit is to be made to Riga Customs together with application for temporary import. Maximum temporary import is 1 year.
- Diplomatic cars can be registered through Foreign Ministry only and Embassies know procedures
- Customs has book of car values and will use this as minimum if declared value drops below customs book valuations.
DUTY AND TAX RATE
- Used household goods or personal effects are free of duty and VAT provided that the importer will either accompany or arrive in Latvia.