Your move to Latvia: relocation services built around you
Moving to Latvia opens the door to a Baltic country that balances medieval old towns, dense forests and a fast-modernising economy. Riga, the capital, anchors cultural and business life, while regions such as Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Latgale and Zemgale each offer a distinct pace and character. What makes relocating here distinctive is the mix: a compact, walkable capital, a genuinely bilingual daily reality (Latvian and Russian are both widely spoken, and English is common in professional settings), and an EU member state with the practical advantages that membership brings. That combination is welcoming, but it still demands organised logistics, accurate inventories and clear timelines.
Careful planning matters because the details. Building access in older Riga apartments, transit scheduling, and the coordination of your inventory shape how smooth your arrival feels. Over more than nine decades we have supported expats, diplomats, families and military personnel relocating to Latvia and across the region, backing each move with FIDI-FAIM certified processes and a global network of vetted local partners.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Latvia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so entry and residence requirements differ significantly depending on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or a national of a non-EU country. EU/EEA citizens generally enjoy freedom of movement and register their residence after arrival, while non-EU nationals usually need to arrange the appropriate residence permit or visa in advance.
Rules on work, study and family reunification each have their own conditions, and they change over time. Always confirm current requirements before you travel or ship your household goods.
For authoritative, up-to-date information, consult the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (pmlp.gov.lv) and your nearest Latvian embassy or consulate.
Housing ranges from renovated apartments in Riga's UNESCO-listed centre to houses in the suburbs and countryside. Rental is common for newcomers, and it is wise to secure temporary accommodation before committing to a long-term lease so you can view properties in person.
Opening a local bank account, understanding your tax residency status and arranging utilities are early practical steps. Requirements for opening an account and for tax registration depend on your residence status and personal circumstances.
For official financial and tax guidance, refer to the State Revenue Service of Latvia (vid.gov.lv) and speak to a qualified local adviser before finalising arrangements.
Latvia operates a state healthcare system alongside a growing private sector, with the main hospitals and specialist services concentrated in Riga. Access to publicly funded care depends on your residence and contribution status, so confirm your eligibility early.
Many expats hold private or international health insurance for faster access and broader coverage, particularly during the settling-in period before local arrangements are complete.
Check current entitlements and registration steps with the National Health Service of Latvia (vmnvd.gov.lv), and arrange appropriate cover before you arrive.
Families relocating to Latvia can choose between state schools, where instruction is primarily in Latvian, and a selection of private and international schools. Most of them are based in and around Riga and offer international curricula in English.
International school places can be limited and popular programmes fill early, so begin enquiries as soon as your move is confirmed. Consider proximity to your future home when shortlisting.
For information on the education system and school registration, consult the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science (izm.gov.lv) and contact prospective schools directly.
Latvia's economy is diverse, with notable activity in IT and technology, finance, logistics, manufacturing and services, and Riga concentrates most professional opportunities. English is widely used in international companies, though Latvian is valued for wider integration.
Your right to work depends on your nationality and residence status: EU/EEA citizens generally have open access, while non-EU nationals typically need a work-authorised permit arranged before starting employment.
For current employment and work-permit rules, consult the State Employment Agency (nva.gov.lv) and the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
Moving to Latvia with Gosselin
Transport options for your move to Latvia
The right transport formula for moving to Latvia depends on where you are coming from and how much you are shipping. For relocations within Europe, road transport is typically the most practical and cost-effective route into Latvia. Either a dedicated van reserved solely for your shipment, or a shared, part-load service (Groupage) that pairs your goods with others heading the same way.
A dedicated van gives you the most control over timing and the most direct schedule, which suits larger households and pressing deadlines. Groupage lowers the cost for smaller volumes by sharing space and transport, with the trade-off of a more flexible timeline. For intercontinental moves, sea freight and air cargo become relevant, and your coordinator will advise on the realistic options for your origin.
Every mode balances cost against speed differently. That is why a Gosselin move coordinator builds your itinerary around three variables; the volume of your household, your ideal timing, and your budget.
Professional packing
Professional packing is what protects your belongings through the demands of road transit into Latvia; the vibration, handling and multiple loading points a long-distance journey involves. Well-packed, properly secured goods arrive as they left, and that is the standard our teams work to on every move. We use quality, largely eco-conscious materials and document your inventory carefully so everything is accounted for from doorstep to doorstep.
Gosselin's trained packing crews handle the full range of a household with method and care:
WHY GOSSELIN?
Top-tier international moving services
Gosselin Moving applies consistent global quality standards on every move, underpinned by FIDI-FAIM certification, the international moving industry's gold standard that fewer than 10% of movers qualify for, and membership of IAM, the International Association of Movers.
Beyond certifications, we bring an established network of vetted local partners serving Latvia, so your goods are handled by professionals who know the ground on both ends of the journey. With 48 offices across 32 countries and a track record stretching back to 1930, we coordinate the whole move under one accountable point of contact.
G.U.E.S.T.
Plan your move to Latvia today
Getting an accurate quote for moving to Latvia no longer means waiting for an in-home visit. With Gosselin's G.U.E.S.T. remote survey technology, you can book a digital survey and walk through your home with your smartphone, recording your household goods on video at a time that suits you.
Our surveyors review the footage, build a precise inventory, and prepare a fast, personalised quote tailored to your volume, timing and chosen services, all without a stranger stepping through your door. It is quicker, more flexible, and just as accurate as a traditional survey.
Ready to see what your move looks like?
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-Friendly packing materials
- Storage service
- Flexibility
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to Latvia with Gosselin
We had an excellent experience with the moving and delivery team. The delivery team from Riga was fantastic; caring, professional, and extremely courteous throughout the process. The service was fast, accurate, and very well organizedm despite some unavoidable delays.
Everyone involved was friendly and professional, and we really appreciated the care and attention given to our belongings. Overall, it was a smooth and positive experience, and we were very happy with the quality of the service.
Your FAQs answered
Get Your Free Moving Quote To Latvia Today
Start your journey by getting a free, no-obligation quote for your move. Our team is ready to assist you with every step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in Latvia. Fill out the form below and start planning your move to Latvia today.