Latvia taxes foreign retirement income when a U.S. retiree becomes a Latvian tax resident, usually after staying 183 days. Foreign pensions are taxed as personal income at progressive rates of about 25.5%–33%. Some pension income may be exempt, and U.S. retirees can claim foreign tax credits.

Retiring in Latvia can offer a lower cost of living and access to Europe. But Americans who move abroad still need to understand how both countries tax retirement income.

If you’re a U.S. retiree living in Latvia, you may need to file taxes in both countries. Latvia may tax certain foreign pension income, while the Internal Revenue Service still requires U.S. citizens to report worldwide income.

How Latvia Taxes Foreign Pensions?

If you become a Latvian tax resident, Latvia typically taxes your worldwide income, including foreign pension income.

Tax Residents

Latvia taxes worldwide income. If you are considered a Latvian tax resident, foreign pension income normally must be declared in your annual tax return.

Tax Rates

Personal income tax is approximately 25.5% on income up to €105,300 and 33% on income above that threshold.

Pension Allowance

Pensioners may receive roughly €12,000 per year tax-free, which reduces the amount of pension income subject to tax.

Double Tax Treaties

Many tax treaties allow Latvia to tax the pension if you live there. Some treaties allow a foreign tax credit if tax has already been paid in another country.

Non-Residents

If you are not a Latvian tax resident, Latvia generally taxes only Latvian-source income. Foreign pensions are usually not taxed.

Example

If a retiree receives a €20,000 foreign pension, about €12,000 may be tax-free. The remaining €8,000 could be taxed under Latvia’s personal income tax rules. If foreign tax has already been paid, a foreign tax credit may reduce the Latvian tax owed.

Latvian Tax Rates on Pension Income

Latvia uses a progressive personal income tax system.

Annual Income Level	Tax Rate	Description
Up to €105,300	25.5%	Standard personal income tax rate applied to pension income within this bracket.
Above €105,300	33%	Higher tax rate applied to pension income exceeding the lower threshold.
Above €200,000	Additional 3% surtax	Extra surtax applied to high-income earners whose total income exceeds €200,000.

These rates apply to pension income above the tax-free allowance.

Pension Tax Allowance in Latvia

Latvia offers a special tax break for retirees.

Starting in 2025, pensioners can receive €1,000 per month tax-free and €12,000 per year tax-free.

Any pension income above that amount is taxed under the normal rates.

Foreign Tax Credits in Latvia

Latvia provides relief to prevent double taxation.

If a foreign pension was already taxed in another country, Latvia generally allows a foreign tax credit.

• If the foreign tax rate is higher than Latvia’s, no additional Latvian tax is owed.
• If the foreign tax rate is lower, the taxpayer may need to pay the difference in Latvia.

This system ensures the income is taxed only once at the higher rate.

U.S. taxpayers may also claim a foreign tax credit on their U.S. return for Latvian taxes paid.

How Latvian pensions are taxed for foreigners

Foreign residents who receive a Latvian pension may be taxed according to tax treaty rules.

Under the United States–Latvia Tax Treaty, pensions are usually taxed only in the country where the recipient lives.

A U.S. resident receiving a Latvian state pension would normally pay tax in the United States only.

In these cases, retirees often need to provide Latvia with a certificate of tax residence to claim treaty benefits.

Do Americans living in Latvia still file U.S. taxes?

Yes, U.S. citizens must generally file U.S. taxes even if they live abroad.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, Americans living overseas must report worldwide income, including:

• Pension income
• Investment income
• Social Security benefits
• Rental income

Most retirees abroad file the same tax return used by U.S. residents: Form 1040.

U.S. Tax Rules for Expats in Latvia

Americans living in Latvia should be aware of several key tax rules.

Tax Rule	Description
Worldwide income reporting	All income must be reported on a U.S. tax return, regardless of where it was earned.
Foreign tax credit	Taxpayers can often claim a credit for Latvian taxes paid on foreign income.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion	The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion may allow expats to exclude a portion of foreign wages from U.S. tax. This usually applies only to earned income, not pensions.
Foreign account reporting	If foreign bank account balances exceed $10,000 at any time during the year, taxpayers must file an FBAR report. Additional reporting may be required under FATCA if foreign financial assets exceed certain thresholds.

U.S. Tax Deadlines for Americans Living in Latvia

U.S. expats receive extra time to file their tax returns.

Deadline	Description
April 15	U.S. tax payment deadline. Even if you live abroad, any taxes owed are generally due by this date to avoid interest.
June 15	Automatic filing extension for Americans living overseas. Expats receive two extra months to file their U.S. tax return.
October 15	Final extended filing deadline if an additional extension is requested using IRS Form 4868.
October 15 (FBAR)	Deadline to file the FBAR report for foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000. The FBAR extension is automatic and aligns with the October deadline.

Taxes in Latvia for foreign residents

Foreign nationals living in Latvia usually follow the same tax rules as Latvian residents.

If you qualify as a Latvian tax resident, you generally pay tax on:

• Worldwide income
• Foreign pensions
• Investment income

Non-residents are taxed only on Latvian-source income.

Latvia does not have special “expat tax rates.” Instead, double taxation relief usually comes from tax treaties and foreign tax credits.

How Americans file U.S. taxes from Latvia

Most expats file their U.S. tax return electronically.

1

Prepare your income information

Americans living in Latvia must report their worldwide income to the United States. This includes pensions, investment income, wages, and any other taxable earnings received during the year.

2

Choose how you want to file

Most expats file their U.S. tax return electronically. Options include IRS Free File programs, commercial tax software designed for expats, or professional tax preparation services.

3

Complete the main U.S. tax return

The primary tax return for Americans abroad is still Form 1040. This form reports worldwide income and determines whether any U.S. tax is owed.

4

Add required international reporting forms

Depending on your financial situation, additional forms may be required to report foreign income, foreign taxes paid, and overseas financial accounts.

Common Forms Americans in Latvia May Need

• Form 1116 – Claim a foreign tax credit for Latvian taxes paid
• Form 2555 – Claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
• Form 8938 – Report certain foreign financial assets under FATCA
• FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) – Report foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000

Many retirees and long-term expatriates choose specialized expat tax software or professional accountants to help ensure compliance with both U.S. and international tax rules.

Americans retiring in Latvia may need to follow tax rules in both countries.

Fortunately, tax treaties and foreign tax credits can help prevent double taxation.

Before retiring abroad, many experts recommend consulting a tax professional familiar with both U.S. and Latvian tax systems.