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Latvia: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Latvia
Business culture in Latvia is generally professional, reserved and relatively formal during initial meetings. Punctuality is valued, and arriving late for appointments is considered discourteous. Meetings often begin with formal introductions and a handshake.
Business dress is usually conservative, particularly in sectors such as finance, law and government. Smart business attire is expected for formal meetings, though dress codes may be more relaxed in creative and technology-related industries.
Latvians often prefer clear, direct and well-organised communication. Business discussions may initially appear reserved compared with southern European cultures, though relationships often become warmer once trust has been established.
English is widely spoken in business circles, particularly among younger professionals and in international companies. Russian is also commonly understood in some sectors and among parts of the population.
Latvia has a diversified economy based largely on services, manufacturing, transport and information technology. Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country has transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system integrated closely with the European Union.
Manufacturing remains an important part of the economy and includes timber products, machinery, electronics, food processing and pharmaceuticals. Latvia's extensive forests support a significant wood-processing and furniture industry, while agriculture remains important in some rural areas.
The technology sector has grown steadily in recent years, with increasing investment in start-ups, IT services and digital industries. Tourism also contributes to the economy, especially in Riga, Jūrmala and nature areas such as Gauja National Park.
Timber and wood products, machinery and electrical equipment, food products, and pharmaceuticals.
Machinery and industrial equipment, vehicles, mineral products, chemicals, and consumer goods.
Keeping in Touch in Latvia
Mobile phone coverage in Latvia is generally good across cities, towns and most rural areas. Coverage is strongest around Riga and other larger towns, though some remote forest and border regions may experience a weaker signal.
The main mobile network operators are LMT, Tele2 and Bite. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports, supermarkets, kiosks and mobile phone shops, and are relatively inexpensive by European standards. A passport or other identification may be required for SIM card registration.
Mobile data is generally reliable and affordable, making local SIM cards a practical option for visitors requiring navigation, internet access or communication during their stay.
As Latvia is a member of the European Union, EU roaming regulations apply for visitors using SIM cards issued within the EU.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants and shopping centres throughout Latvia, particularly in Riga and other larger towns. Connection speeds are generally good and are usually sufficient for streaming, video calls and remote work.
Many cafés and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi, while hotels and guesthouses generally provide wireless internet access as standard. Internet access is widely regarded as reliable by regional standards.
Public Wi-Fi networks are available in parts of Riga and other urban areas. As with any public network, caution is advisable when accessing sensitive information or online banking.
Latvia has a diverse media landscape comprising television, radio, print and digital outlets. Latvian-language media dominate most domestic coverage, though Russian-language media also remain significant due to the country's sizable Russian-speaking population.
Television remains an important source of news and entertainment, with public broadcaster Latvijas Televīzija (LTV) operating alongside a range of private television channels. International channels are widely available through cable and satellite services.
Online news portals and digital media play an increasingly important role in how news is consumed, particularly among younger generations. English-language media is more limited but is available in tourism, business and international news sectors.
Latvia generally has a free and active media environment, though media and information security issues relating to regional tensions and Russian influence remain topics of public and political discussion.
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