Natalja Purina

Attorney-at-Law, PwC Legal

Some time ago the Latvian personal identification number was available mainly to persons holding a residence permit or an EU national’s registration certificate. Yet we are aware of cases where a foreigner without any special status had legal ties with Latvia but it was still difficult to prove their identity in person or electronically. This article explores the new tool for electronic identification: a foreigner’s eID.

When is the foreigner’s eID useful?

This is mainly useful if you need to communicate with Latvian governmental or other agencies electronically while you are outside Latvia, or to use central or local government e-services. The eSignature on the eID card allows you to sign documents electronically. Also, the eID card holder may apply for an e-address to communicate with the government. Finally, the eID card allows you to prove your identity in person, without having to translate or additionally certify the identification issued in your home country.

Who is eligible?

The eID card is neither a mandatory identification nor a travelling document so it doesn’t in any way confirm your right to stay in Latvia.

The foreigner’s eID is available to:

• A person that has legal ties with Latvia giving rise to mutual rights and obligations in real estate, business, health, taxation, benefits, or education
• A person wishing to obtain a Latvian eID card to promote the development of economic, scientific, educational or cultural communications
• A person wishing to obtain government services in Latvia electronically using a means of electronic identification issued by an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
• An asylum seeker in Latvia

Formalities

The good news is that a foreigner’s eID is issued very quickly – within two working days. It’s valid for five years.

There’s a stamp duty of EUR 80 for issuing the eID.