How to Find Government Tenders in Latvia
Latvia's public procurement market is worth approximately €4 billion annually, representing around 12% of GDP. Fuelled by EU cohesion funding, Rail Baltica construction, NATO defence commitments, and Riga's ongoing urban development, Latvia presents compelling opportunities for suppliers across the EU. This guide covers the legal framework, key portals, and practical strategies for competing in Latvian government tenders.
By TenderRadar Team
Procurement Landscape
Latvia has an active public procurement market underpinned by substantial EU structural and cohesion funding, growing defence expenditure as a NATO frontline state, and ongoing infrastructure modernisation. With a population of around 1.9 million and Riga as the economic hub, Latvia's procurement spending is concentrated in transport infrastructure, IT modernisation, healthcare, and defence. The country's procurement system is fully electronic and EU-harmonised, with the IUB (Iepirkumu uzraudzības birojs — Procurement Monitoring Bureau) serving as the primary oversight body. The EIS (Elektronisko iepirkumu sistēma) platform handles electronic procurement and catalogue purchasing. Latvia is a eurozone member, eliminating currency risk for EU suppliers. EU NextGenerationEU funds, structural investments, and Rail Baltica continue to drive procurement volumes significantly above baseline levels.
€4 billion
Annual procurement value
~12%
Share of GDP
Legal Framework
Latvian public procurement is governed by the Publisko iepirkumu likums (Public Procurement Law), which transposes EU Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU into national law. The law establishes principles of free competition, equal treatment, transparency, proportionality, and the efficient use of public funds. It mandates electronic procurement through the EIS platform and covers open, restricted, competitive dialogue, competitive procedure with negotiation, innovation partnership, and negotiated procedures. Separate legislation governs utilities procurement (Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu sniedzēju iepirkumu likums) and defence/security procurement. Below-threshold contracts follow simplified national rules but must still be published on the IUB website. Latvia has implemented the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) and strengthened provisions for SME access, including mandatory lot division where appropriate.
- Publisko iepirkumu likums (Public Procurement Law) — primary legislation transposing EU procurement directives
- Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu sniedzēju iepirkumu likums — utilities sector procurement law
- Aizsardzības un drošības jomas iepirkumu likums — defence and security procurement law
- Koncesiju likums — concessions law
- Cabinet of Ministers regulations on electronic procurement, qualification criteria, and contract management
Key authority: IUB (Iepirkumu uzraudzības birojs / Procurement Monitoring Bureau)
Official Procurement Portals
EIS (Elektronisko iepirkumu sistēma)
PrimaryLatvia's central electronic procurement system. Used for conducting electronic tenders, managing e-catalogues, and submitting bids online. Contracting authorities use EIS for the full procurement cycle. Suppliers must register to participate in electronic procedures and access catalogue purchasing.
Visit portalIUB (Iepirkumu uzraudzības birojs) Publication Portal
PrimaryThe Procurement Monitoring Bureau's website where all procurement notices are published. Provides a searchable database of current and past tenders, contract award notices, and procurement statistics. This is the primary discovery portal for finding Latvian government tenders.
Visit portalTED (Tenders Electronic Daily)
The EU's official journal supplement where all Latvian tenders above EU thresholds must be published. Essential for tracking high-value procurement opportunities.
Visit portalE-catalogues (e-Iepirkumi)
Latvia's electronic catalogue system for standardised goods and services. Public bodies can procure through pre-established catalogue agreements, providing a streamlined channel for suppliers of common products such as office supplies, IT equipment, and fuel.
Visit portalProcurement Thresholds
| Category | Threshold (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Supplies | €143,000 (central government) / €221,000 (other contracting authorities) |
| Services | €143,000 (central government) / €221,000 (other contracting authorities) |
| Works | €5,538,000 |
These are the standard EU thresholds effective from 1 January 2024. Contracts above these values must be advertised in the OJEU/TED. Below-threshold contracts follow simplified national procedures but must be published on the IUB website. Latvia applies reduced formality rules for low-value procurements below €10,000 for supplies/services and below €20,000 for works, which may be conducted without formal publication.
Key Sectors & Opportunities
Transport & Infrastructure
Latvia's largest procurement sector is driven by Rail Baltica (the cross-Baltic high-speed railway), road network modernisation, Riga International Airport expansion, Riga port development, and urban transport improvements. EU cohesion funds co-finance many of these projects, creating sustained demand for construction, engineering, and project management services.
CPV: 45
Information Technology & Digital Services
Latvia is investing in e-governance, digital public services, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure modernisation. Tenders cover software development, system integration, cloud services, network infrastructure, and data management platforms. Riga's growing tech sector supports an active IT procurement pipeline.
CPV: 72
Defence & Security
As a NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank, Latvia has increased defence spending significantly. Procurement includes military equipment, base infrastructure, surveillance systems, communications technology, and cybersecurity. NATO Enhanced Forward Presence hosting generates additional procurement activity.
CPV: 35
Timber, Forestry & Agriculture
Latvia's extensive forests (covering over 50% of the country) make forestry and timber a significant procurement category. State-owned Latvijas valsts meži manages substantial forestry operations. Agricultural support services, rural infrastructure, and environmental management of natural resources generate regular tender activity.
CPV: 77
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Latvia's public healthcare system drives procurement of medical equipment, hospital supplies, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic technology, and healthcare IT. EU-funded hospital renovation and equipment modernisation programmes create ongoing opportunities, particularly in regional healthcare facilities.
CPV: 33
Energy & Environment
Latvia is pursuing renewable energy expansion (wind, biomass, hydroelectric), building energy efficiency retrofits, district heating modernisation, waste management improvements, and water treatment infrastructure upgrades, aligned with EU Green Deal targets and national energy independence objectives.
CPV: 09
Tips for Suppliers
Register on Both EIS and IUB Portals
Latvia uses two complementary platforms: IUB (iub.gov.lv) for tender publication and discovery, and EIS (eis.gov.lv) for electronic bid submission and catalogue purchasing. Register on both platforms and configure email alerts on IUB for your target CPV codes and sectors. You will need a qualified electronic signature to submit bids through EIS.
Invest in Professional Latvian Translation
All procurement documentation, bid submissions, and official communications must be in Latvian. While the ESPD can be submitted in any EU language, technical proposals and supporting documents require Latvian translation. Engage professional translators experienced in procurement terminology and prepare sworn translations of your corporate certificates, financial statements, and reference letters in advance.
Explore E-Catalogue Opportunities
Latvia's e-catalogue system (e-Iepirkumi) offers framework agreements for standardised goods and services. If your products fit catalogue categories, becoming a registered e-catalogue supplier provides access to orders from public bodies across Latvia without competing in individual tenders. This is particularly effective for IT equipment, office supplies, vehicles, and facility management services.
Target EU Co-Financed Projects
A significant share of Latvian procurement is co-financed by EU structural, cohesion, and recovery funds. These projects tend to be larger, better funded, and more accessible to international bidders. Monitor the Ministry of Finance and Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA) for upcoming EU-funded programmes that will generate procurement opportunities in your sector.
Build Local Partnerships for Complex Tenders
For larger or more complex procurements, consider forming a consortium or partnering with a Latvian company. Latvian procurement law permits joint bidding by groups of suppliers (personu apvienība). A local partner provides language support, understanding of administrative requirements, and relationships with contracting authorities. This is particularly valuable for infrastructure, construction, and IT integration projects.
See how TenderRadar covers Latvia: Latvia coverage details, portals & sources →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Latvian government tenders published?
All Latvian public procurement notices are published on the IUB (Procurement Monitoring Bureau) website at iub.gov.lv. The EIS (Electronic Procurement System) at eis.gov.lv handles electronic bid submission and e-catalogue purchasing. Tenders above EU thresholds are also published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily). Both the IUB and EIS platforms are essential for finding and participating in Latvian procurement.
Can foreign companies bid on Latvian public tenders?
Yes. EU/EEA companies have full and equal access under single market rules. Companies from GPA (Government Procurement Agreement) signatory countries can participate in above-threshold tenders. Foreign bidders must register on EIS, obtain a qualified electronic signature, and submit documentation in Latvian (certified translations accepted for foreign certificates). Non-EU companies may face reciprocity requirements for above-threshold contracts.
What is the typical procurement timeline in Latvia?
Open procedures typically allow 30-35 days for bid submission from publication (minimum 30 days for above-threshold). Below-threshold procedures may allow 15-20 days. Evaluation and award decisions usually take 3-8 weeks. The full cycle from publication to contract signature is typically 2-5 months. EU co-financed projects may have longer timelines due to additional compliance requirements.
What is the role of IUB in Latvian procurement?
The IUB (Iepirkumu uzraudzības birojs / Procurement Monitoring Bureau) is Latvia's primary procurement regulatory body. It publishes all procurement notices, monitors compliance with procurement law, issues guidance and recommendations, handles complaints and review procedures, collects procurement statistics, and oversees the implementation of EU procurement directives in Latvia.
Does Latvia use the euro for procurement?
Yes — Latvia adopted the euro in 2014. All procurement values, contract amounts, and bid prices are denominated in euros. This eliminates currency risk for eurozone suppliers and simplifies financial planning for bidders from other EU member states. EU procurement thresholds apply directly in euros without currency conversion.
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