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Latvia - DOING BUSINESS


Local business incentives


Foreign companies, willing to set up in Latvia can contact the Trade Register in order to get informed on the different procedures or contact the Register of Foreign Companies for the constitution of agencies. They can also check the Latvian Development Agency site.


Legal forms of companies


Form Number of partners/shareholders Minimum and/or maximum capital Liability Registration fee Release of financial documents
The sabiedriba ierobezotu atbildibu is a Private Limited Company.   The number of shareholders varies from 1 to 50.   Minimum LVL 2,000. 50% of the capital must be released at the corporation and the remainder within the year.   Liability is limited to the amount contributed.   LVL 15 for the publication in the Latvijas vestnesis Journal. LVL 100 for the Register of companies.   Yes  
The akciju sabiedriba is a Public Limited Company.   Minimum 3 shareholders. Possibility of having only one shareholder if he is a foreign investor or represents a public authority.   Minimum LVL 5,000. 50% of the capital must be released at the constitution and the remainder within the year.   Liability is limited to the amount contributed.   LVL 15 for the publication in the Latvijas vestnesis Journal. LVL 100 for the Register of companies.   Yes  


Registration and licensing procedures


The registration procedure with the Register of companies must be made within 30 days, or 60 days if a license is required.
As for foreign companies' agencies, they can be set up in Latvia provided that they register with the Latvian Ministry of Justice. The constitution expenses vary from 800 to 1,000 dollars.



Foreign exchange control


There is no currency exchange control in Latvia. Free repatriation of capital and profits is carried out.


Regulations concerning equity investment


A majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal.  


FDI inflows in Latvia




FDI inflows (millions US$) 2000 2001 2002 World rank
Foreign Direct Investments (F.D.I.) 254   300   647   74 / 196
Sources : UNCTAD Database FDI/TNC


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Last modified in December 2003
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