When planning to start a business in Latvia you look for opportunities to do it quickly and digitally. Often foreigners find themselves in a situation when they lack access to Latvian e-services and are unable to digitally sign documents without a Latvian-issued eID card and Latvian-certified e-signature. But did you know that there is a solution for this situation?
The Latvian foreigner’s eID card is a digital identification card aimed at providing foreign citizens with secure digital identification system while they are in Latvia. This card allows foreign citizens to securely verify their identity and access public services such as registering for a bank account or filing taxes.
It is a new system approved by the government on 17th of June 2021, while more in-depth implementation started in 2022. It is quite popular to obtain local e-signature, as Latvia does not accept most alternative e-signatures (Latvian authorities only recognize e-signatures with certified timestamp and safe electronic identity), as well as it makes easier to obtain an e-address for the company (that is compulsory!).
Around thousand private individuals have obtained a foreigners e-ID to make it easier to communicate with the state institutions, to confirm his or her e-identity and electronically sign documents, to receive and use e-address, in order to ensure communication with state and municipal authorities, to certify his or her identity in presence at the authorities and companies.
The Latvian foreigner’s eID card is meant for foreigners who do not permanently reside in Latvia. It can be obtained on different grounds – for instance, foreigners who have significant commercial connection to Latvia (e.g board members of a company that has been established in Latvia), own property, are developing science, education etc.
How can foreigner´s eID card help you with different e-services?
The advantages of the eID card include:
• Quick and secure verification of identity
• Secure access to public services
• Easy access to government databases
• Improved data security
The eID card can also be used to access online banking, tax declaration systems, and to register as a user on public and private websites. The card also provides access to the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework, a digital certification system that enhances the security of digital transactions and documents.
How to apply for the Foreigner´s eID card and become part of the program?
1. Register in the Register of Natural Persons to receive a personal identity code. To sign the questioner person must have a safe electronic signature already. If a person does not have one, difficulties arise, and the procedure of being included in the Register of Natural Persons is currently issued case by case.
2. A visit to the local immigration service must be planned. Some embassies also provide this service. During the visit a foreigner will have to present a personal identity document issued by his or her home country. During the process of arrangement of the eID card a foreigner will have to deliver biometrical data at the Office – face image and digital image of two fingers.
3. The card is produced within 2 working days, and the state fee for the service is 80 euros. The card is issued in person – so to receive the card you have to plan the “pick-up” visit.
To use the eID card, the user must first register and download the card reader application and then install it on their computer. Once the application is installed, the user must insert the eID card into the card reader and enter their personal code. After this has been done, the eID card can be used to securely access public services and to securely log into online services.
In conclusion, the Latvian foreigner’s eID card is an easy and secure way for foreign citizens to access public services in Latvia. The card provides strong security features that increase the confidence of all users who are engaging in digital transactions or accessing public databases. To obtain the card, applicants must apply for a residence or work permit. Once the card is in hand, the user can use it to register for tax and banking applications, and to securely access public databases and websites.
While currently the procedure and process of obtaining a foreigners e-identity is unclear and very case-to-case basis, having a foreigner´s eID is the road to future – it will significantly cut the costs of making changes in the Commercial Registers and makes it easier to conduct business in Latvia. Leinonen Latvia´s team is happy to help and guide for applying for the foreigner´s eID card or with any other services when establishing your business in Latvia.
Further information about this topic can be found:
1. Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Republic of Latvia: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/foreigner-eid-card
2. Foreigner´s eID card introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxeERkw67og
3. Leinonen Latvia´s contacts and available services: https://leinonen.eu/lva/
