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Validate Latvia VAT Numbers via API
When building B2B applications that serve Latvia (Latvija), validating your customers' PVN reģistrācijas numurs (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis) is essential for EU VAT compliance and protecting your business from tax liability.
The TaxID API provides instant validation of Latvia VAT numbers through the EU VIES (VAT Information Exchange System). Every request returns the registration status, company name, and registered address — with sub-100ms response times for cached results.Latvia applies a standard VAT rate of 21% (PVN reģistrācijas numurs) and is fully supported by the VIES system.
QUICK START
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \ http://localhost:3000/api/v1/validate/LV/LV12345678901
Code examples
Choose your language. Every example validates a Latvia VAT number and returns the registration status with company details.
const res = await fetch('http://localhost:3000/api/v1/validate/LV/LV12345678901', {
headers: { 'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY' }
});
const data = await res.json();
// { valid: true, status: "active", company_name: "...", country_code: "LV", cached: false }
console.log(data);When to validate Latvia VAT numbers
B2B cross-border sales
When selling goods or services to Latvia businesses in other EU member states, you must verify their PVN reģistrācijas numurs (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis) to correctly apply zero-rate VAT under the reverse charge mechanism. Failing to validate before zero-rating a transaction makes your company liable for the full VAT amount if the customer turns out to be unregistered.
E-commerce and SaaS checkout
If your platform accepts Latvia business customers, validating the PVN reģistrācijas numurs (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis) at checkout determines whether to apply 21% VAT (B2C) or zero-rate the sale (B2B reverse charge). This directly affects your invoicing, revenue recognition, and quarterly VAT return figures.
Supplier and partner onboarding
For ERP systems, procurement platforms, and DAC7-regulated marketplaces, validating aLatvia supplier's PVN reģistrācijas numurs (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis) during onboarding prevents invalid numbers from entering your accounting system — which can cause rejected invoices and audit failures. Validate once at onboarding, then periodically re-validate to catch deregistrations.
About Latvia VAT format (PVN reģistrācijas numurs)
Latvian VAT numbers are 11 digits long and use the same base as the Latvian personal identification code. Latvia has a growing tech sector and is a key fintech licensing jurisdiction in the Baltic region.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Country code | LV |
| Local name | PVN reģistrācijas numurs (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis) |
| Format | LV + 11 digits |
| Regex pattern | ^LV[0-9]{11}$ |
| Example | LV12345678901 |
| VIES supported | Yes |
VAT rates in Latvia
Latvia applies a standard PVN reģistrācijas numurs rate of 21%. Reduced rates of 12% and 5% apply to essential goods and services.
| Rate type | Percentage | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 21% | EUR |
| Reduced rate | 12% | EUR |
| Reduced rate | 5% | EUR |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Latvia VAT number format?
Latvia VAT numbers (PVN reģistrācijas numurs (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis)) follow the format: LV + 11 digits. A valid example is LV12345678901. The TaxID API validates both the format locally and the registration status via VIES, ensuring you only accept properly registered EU businesses.
Is VAT validation mandatory for selling to Latvia businesses?
EU VAT law requires that suppliers verify a customer's VAT registration before applying zero-rate treatment to intra-community B2B supplies. If you sell goods or services to a Latvia business without VAT and their registration is invalid, your company may be liable for the full VAT amount plus interest and penalties. Validation is not just recommended — it is your legal due diligence obligation.
What is the standard VAT rate in Latvia?
The standard VAT rate in Latvia is 21% (PVN reģistrācijas numurs). Reduced rates of 12% and 5% apply to certain goods and services such as food, books, and medical supplies. The TaxID API's /rates endpoint returns all current rates for programmatic access.
How long does Latvia VAT validation take with TaxID?
For cached results (previously validated in the last 24 hours), the TaxID API responds in under 10ms. For uncached requests, the VIES SOAP call to the Latvia tax authority typically completes in 100–400ms. Active (valid) numbers are cached for 24 hours; invalid numbers are cached for 1 hour to balance performance with freshness.
Does the TaxID API support VIES for Latvia?
Yes. Latvia is fully supported by the EU VIES system and the TaxID API. VIES validates Latvia VAT numbers in real time against the Latvia national tax authority's registration database. Latvian VAT numbers are 11 digits long and use the same base as the Latvian personal identification code. Latvia has a growing tech sector and is a key fintech licensing jurisdiction in the Baltic region.
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