Moving overseas requires much more planning and research than moving locally--customs regulations can be complicated. Don't let the excitement of your move abroad distract you from proper preparation and research--find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into your new home country!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Latvia, there are
important documents necessary to gain entry and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, you should enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to ensure that you have all the essential paperwork to clear customs and successfully enter the country.
When moving to Latvia, you will need:
- Packing List
- Valued Inventory (weight per box and individual values of items)
- Letter of Employment (if one will be employed in Latvia)
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of work/residence permit (if a work/residence permit is not available, then an additional letter from employer stating that permit has been applied for may also be accepted)
- Lease/rental contract
- Power of Attorney giving authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance
- Letter from employer on company letterhead; attesting to your length of stay and position
- 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.)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Latvia permanently, the regulations for the importation of personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) include:
- Presence during customs clearance is not required but advised
- The importation of used household goods and personal effects is duty free with no value
restrictions provided goods have been owned and used by the customer for a minimum of six months
- The shipment must arrive within 12 months of the shipper’s arrival
- Returning citizens may import household shipments duty free if having lived abroad for at least 12 months
- Certain goods may be subject to additional duties depending on the country of manufacture
- The standard VAT rate for importing items into Latvia is 21 percent
- All import customs documentation should be kept for presentation when goods are re-exported to avoid export duty and tax
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Latvia, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics/illegal drugs
- Pornography and subversive material
- Moroccan currency
- Politically sensitive material
- Walkie-talkies
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Latvia. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Firearms require a permit from Latvian Police Department
- New items and foodstuffs are dutiable
- Alcohol --anything over two liters of wine and two liters of spirits is dutiable
- Tobacco - anything over 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250 grams of loose
tobacco is dutiable
- Perfumes are dutiable
- Pieces of art older than 50 years must hold permission from Latvian authorities
- List must be provided for books, records, and compact discs stating the title and name of author for each item--items will be
- viewed by the Ministry of Information before a censorship visa is granted
- Electronic and electrical items are dutiable (load near container door for easy access)
- Antiques are dutiable
- Portable phones must be approved by the Ministry of P.T.T.
- Medicines require permit from Ministry of Health
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Latvia, you'll require professional and reliable
international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to transport your car for you without mishap.
The regulations for importing your vehicle into Latvia are:
- Vehicles are allowed temporary import of one year only-- temporary importation is subject to a two percent deposit at the Customs office in Riga, Latvia along with application for temporary import of the vehicle
- Motor vehicles must be registered in the shipper’s name
- Vehicles under seven years will incur 10 percent duty and 10 percent VAT
- Vehicles over seven years will incur VAT only of 18 percent
- Customs has book of car values and will use this as minimum if declared value drops below customs book valuations
You will need the following documents:
- Original Certificate of Title and Registration
- Original Commercial/Purchase Invoice
- Drivers License and International Driving Permit
- Import license
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs for your move to Latvia. To
successfully cross Latvian borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Certificate of Vaccination, including rabies, at least 30 days prior to arrival
- Health Certificate in English & Lithuanian at least 14 days prior to arrival
- Microchip
- The import of all birds, including pet birds and poultry, from countries infected with
Avian influenza is prohibited
- Certain aggressive dog breeds are prohibited--consult your customs agent for more information
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a complex process, requiring research, preparation, and the services of professional, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing a company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure they are qualified for the job and well-versed in the customs process. Staying informed and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will prevent you from making a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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