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Road Transport Licensing in Latvia

Latvia's road transport authority is well-structured and efficient: register your SIA, meet the EU financial-standing threshold, get your transport manager's CPC, and apply to the Autotransporta direkcija.

BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements before you commit to anything.

At a glance

Entity
SIA
Capital
€2,800 standard SIA — reduced-capital variant exists under conditions
Remote formation
Yes — with QES & Qualified Timestamp, or a representative
Corporate tax
20% — on distributed and deemed-distributed profits
VAT
21% — standard rate
Registration time
1–3 working days — once your file is correct

Can a foreign founder actually operate here?

Can a foreigner own the company?
Yes, in all EU member states - foreign ownership of the operating entity is not restricted.
Is a local director or resident required?
No director-residency requirement for the SIA itself, but the designated transport manager must be based in Latvia to hold the CPC and be registered with the Autotransporta direkcija.
Is a notary required to incorporate?
No - standard formation does not require a notary.
Is a local transport manager required?
Yes - EU rules require a designated transport manager with a valid CPC, based in the member state of establishment.
Can incorporation be completed remotely?
SIA formation can be completed remotely (QES or a representative), but the transport manager role and CPC registration require an in-country presence.
Where does the CPC/Community License application go?
Autotransporta direkcija (Road Transport Administration), atd.lv - handles both CPC registration and Community License applications.

Steps to obtain the Community License

  1. Register your transport company

    Formally register your SIA in Latvia, suitable for road transport activity.

  2. Meet the financial standing threshold

    Demonstrate the EU-required capital — €9,000 for the first vehicle, €5,000 for each additional vehicle.

  3. Get your transport manager's CPC

    Complete an accredited CPC training program covering transport law, financial management, safety, and operations, then pass the exam. The certificate is valid for 5 years.

  4. Prove good repute

    A criminal record check for the company and its managing staff, with no serious transport offenses on record.

  5. Apply to the Autotransporta direkcija

    Submit your application, CPC, financial standing documents, and good-repute proof together.

  6. Receive your Community License

    Once approved, the license is valid for 10 years and allows both international EU transport and cabotage.

What it costs

Government fees

Financial standing (first vehicle)
€9,000 — plus €5,000 per additional vehicle - EU-wide formula
Community License application fee
€150-300 — depends on the number of vehicles and licenses needed
BIZ TRP fees
Route confirmation & application support
Ask us for a quote — from €120/hour

Company formation is not a transport licence

Registering a SIA in Latvia does not, by itself, give you the right to operate commercial road transport. The Community License, the transport manager's CPC, and financial standing are separate requirements on top of company formation - all four are needed together.

Ready to set up transport operations in Latvia?

BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements for your Latvia transport company — formation, licensing, and financial standing, together.

Talk to us about Latvia transport licensing Email us

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