The Saeima ¹ has adopted and
the President has proclaimed the following law:

On the Regulated Professions and the Recognition of Professional Qualifications

Part A
Regulated Professions in the Republic of Latvia

Chapter I
General Provisions

Section 1. Terms Used in the Law

The following terms are used in the Law:

1) adaptation period - a period during which a person who has obtained a professional qualification in a foreign country (hereinafter - the applicant) works in a regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia under the supervision of a qualified representative of the relevant profession. The length of such period shall not exceed three years and shall end in the work assessment of the applicant;

1¹) Internal Market Information System - an information exchange system managed by the European Commission with whose intermediation the mutual administrative cooperation of the responsible authorities of the European Union Member States and countries of the European Economic Area is implemented in the implementation or application of the European Union legal acts governing the internal market of the European Union;

1²) European Professional Card - an electronic certificate certifying the conformity of the documents certifying the education and professional qualification of a person with the conditions under which the professional qualification required for the continuous professional activities or temporary provision of professional services in the European Union Member States and countries of the European Economic Area are recognised;

2) [17 July 2008];

3) [17 July 2008];

4) certificate of competence - a document certifying qualification which is issued by a competent authority in accordance with the procedures laid down in law and in which the following is indicated:

a) the education of a person for which a diploma of higher education, diploma for the first level higher vocational education or a certificate of vocational education within the meaning of this Law is not issued; or

b) a positive assessment of the abilities, experience, and knowledge of a person which are necessary to perform independent work in the relevant profession;

5) aptitude test - an assessment of the professional knowledge of the applicant performed by authorities which issue the certificates of the recognition of a professional qualification in the regulated professions. The objective of the test is to evaluate the abilities of the applicant to work in the regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia;

5¹) country of legal status - the country in which the applicant has the right to pursue professional activities;

6) home country - the country in which the applicant obtained his or her professional qualification. If a citizen of a European Union Member State has partly or completely obtained a professional qualification outside the European Union, the European Union Member State in which this professional qualification was recognised the first time, shall be regarded as the home country;

7) self-employed person - a person who earns employment income independently, without entering into employment relationship with an employer, and does not occupy a position that gives the right to remuneration;

8) [17 July 2008];

9) professional qualification certificate - a document issued by an authorised authority in accordance with the procedures laid down in law, which certifies the professional qualification or specific level of the professional qualification of the owner thereof, or certifies that the owner thereof has successfully fulfilled the certification requirements for the acquisition of a specific profession or professional specialisation (including work involving new materials, machinery, and technology);

10) professional experience - previous actual and lawful work in the relevant profession in the Republic of Latvia, and also a European Union Member State or another foreign country if it is determined by law or international agreements approved by the Saeima;

11) regulated education - any specially organised education for the acquisition of specific profession, the structure and level of the programme of which in the Republic of Latvia, other European Union Member States and member states of the European Free Trade Association is determined by legal acts and is approved and controlled by authorities authorised for this purpose;

12) regulated profession - professional activities regulated in the Republic of Latvia or the aggregate of regulated professional activities in the professions specified in this Law, and also such professional activities or aggregate of regulated professional activities in other European Union Member States and member states of the European Free Trade Association for the commencement and performance of which a requirement for an adequate professional qualification has been put forward in the legal acts of the relevant country;

13) speciality - the field of activities corresponding to the profession in which the relevant person has obtained the professional qualification. The narrowest field of the relevant speciality forms a sub-speciality or professional specialisation, but the field which is common to two or more specialities forms additional speciality;

14) [17 July 2008];

15) regulated professional activity - an activity which in aggregate or a separate type of which has special requirements laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities in relation to education, documents certifying the professional qualification or the use of the title of the professional activity of the performer of professional activity.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 7 April 2011; 12 November 2015; 10 September 2020]

Section 2. Purpose and Operation of this Law

(1) The purpose of this Law is:

1) to ensure the conformity of professional activities with specific quality requirements and criteria, if these activities are related to the protection of public interests, the safety and the protection of health thereof;

2) to protect individual socially important professions from the involvement of unqualified persons therein, determining higher requirements for these professions;

3) to ensure the opportunity for professional qualifications obtained in the Republic of Latvia to be recognised in foreign countries and the professional qualifications obtained in foreign countries to be recognised in the Republic of Latvia;

4) to promote free movement of persons in the European Union Member States and the member states of the European Free Trade Association.

(2) The Law determines the regulated professions, and also the basic requirements to be observed for the recognition of the qualifications obtained in these professions in the Republic of Latvia and in foreign countries.

(2¹) The Law prescribes the procedures for testing proportionality of such requirements by which new regulated professions are determined or amendments in relation to the requirements for the commencement or performance of independent professional activity in regulated professions are made.

(3) The provisions of the Law for the requirements to be put forward for education and professional qualification shall apply to natural persons who wish to commence work in the regulated professions or to work therein independently as self-employed persons or employees.

(4) The provisions of this Law for the recognition of professional qualifications for citizens of the European Union Member States obtained in the relevant foreign countries shall apply to citizens and non-citizens of Latvia who have acquired their education and professional qualifications in foreign countries.

(5) The provisions of this Law for the recognition of professional qualifications shall apply to stateless persons who have received a travel document of a stateless person issued in a foreign country, and also to refugees and persons who have been granted alternative status.

(6) The same provisions of this Law which apply to the citizens of the European Union Member States shall apply to the citizens of those countries which, in accordance with the Agreement on the European Economic Area, have the rights of the European Union Member States specified in the abovementioned agreement in the field of the recognition of professional qualifications and to citizens of the Swiss Confederation.

(7) The provisions of this Law shall not apply to:

1) cases where activities in the regulated professions are related to the performance of the functions of State administration or the judicial power;

2) professions which, in accordance with the law or Cabinet regulations, have been put forward any of the requirements referred to in Section 3, Paragraph five of this Law, but the evidence of education or formal qualification necessary for the regulated professions have not been indicated;

3) professional activities in the field of road transport, rail transport, and civil aviation.

(8) The same provisions of this Law which apply to the citizens of the European Union Member States shall apply to the citizens of those countries which, in accordance with the international agreements approved by the Saeima, have the rights of the European Union Member States specified in these agreements in the field of the recognition of professional qualifications and to citizens of the Swiss Confederation.

(9) The same provisions of this Law which apply to citizens of European Union Member States shall apply to third country nationals who, in conformity with the provisions of the Immigration Law, are transferred to the work of a manager, specialist, or trainee in the Republic of Latvia within the scope of a group of undertakings.

[4 November 2004; 13 December 2007; 17 July 2008; 16 February 2017; 11 April 2019; 10 September 2020; 16 March 2023]

Section 2.¹ Proportionality Test of the Requirements for the Regulation of Professional Activity

(1) Prior to the determination of a new regulated profession or adopting amendments in relation to the requirements for the commencement or performance of independent professional activity in regulated professions, and also in relation to the requirements to be brought forward for the providers of temporary professional services in the Republic of Latvia in regulated professions, a proportionality test of the requirements for the regulation of professional activity in the scope corresponding to their essence, content, and impact shall be performed.

(2) The proportionality test shall be performed not less than once in five years, taking into account the changes which have occurred since the last proportionality test under circumstances which determined the requirements for the commencement or performance of independent professional activity in regulated professions, and also the requirements brought forward for the providers of temporary professional services in the Republic of Latvia in regulated professions.

(3) The proportionality test shall be performed by the ministry which is the leading State administration institution in the field of policy corresponding to the regulated profession. Proportionality shall be tested in accordance with the procedures for the possible impact assessment of legal acts specified in laws and regulations.

(4) The ministry which is the leading State administration institution in the field of policy corresponding to a regulated profession shall prepare and submit a proportionality test to the Saeima for draft laws which provide for the laying down of new regulated professions or the requirements for the commencement or performance of work in regulated professions, and also the requirements to be brought forward for the providers of temporary professional services in the Republic of Latvia in regulated professions and the submitter of which is not the Cabinet. The relevant ministry shall prepare and submit this proportionality test within the time limit stipulated by the responsible committee of the Saeima.

(5) The proportionality test of such requirements for the regulation of professional activity which are determined in a law, Cabinet regulations, or by professional organisations authorised in the accordance with the State Administration Structure Law shall be performed by the State administration institution to which the authorised professional organisation is subordinated.

(6) The proportionality test shall not be performed in relation to such requirements for the regulation of professional activity which are laid down by international agreements binding on the Republic of Latvia and the directly applicable legal acts of the European Union.

[16 March 2023]

Section 3. General Requirements for Education, Professional Qualification and Activities in the Regulated Professions

(1) The minimum requirements for the education programmes of the regulated professions shall be determined by the law and Cabinet regulations.

(2) Such person has the right to work in a regulated profession who has completed an accredited education programme corresponding to this profession or obtained a professional qualification and it is certified by evidence of education or formal qualification, which is specified in the law and has been issued in the Republic of Latvia, or evidence of education or formal qualification issued in other countries which is recognised in the Republic of Latvia in accordance with this Law and the international agreements approved by the Saeima.

(3) Evidence of education and formal qualification issued by the educational institutions of the former U.S.S.R. shall be recognised in the Republic of Latvia, except for:

1) the documents issued by educational institutions of the former Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the All Union Leninist Communist Youth League;

2) the documents which do not conform with the requirements put forward for education and professional qualification in the international conventions and international agreements approved by the Saeima.

(4) The rights of a person who is preparing to commence work in a regulated profession for the first time may be restricted by the law or Cabinet Regulations, determining the requirement to acquire professional traineeship during or after acquisition of an educational programme by working under supervision of a certified (licensed) specialist or to work without the right of use of the title corresponding to the profession or determining restrictions for activity in the status of a self-employed person for a period of time which does not exceed five years. The content of such professional traineeship, the description of its course and results to be achieved shall be included in the requirements set out for the regulated profession. A person may acquire professional traineeship abroad and it is recognised if it conforms to the description of the content of the professional traineeship, its course and results to be achieved. These provisions shall not apply to a person whose evidence of education and formal qualification obtained in a foreign country has been recognised in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law.

(5) The following additional requirements may be put forward in the law or Cabinet regulations for the commencement of work, independent activities in a profession or for activities in the status of a self-employed person for individual regulated professions:

1) the giving of an oath or solemn declaration;

2) the observation of the professional code of ethics;

3) an appropriate reputation, a person does not have a criminal record, he or she has not been imposed administrative fines or disciplinary measures in relation to violations of the norms of the relevant professional activities;

4) adequate health;

5) insurance against civil legal liability or financial risk;

6) an appropriate level of proficiency in the official language;

7) regular repeated professional certification (re-certification) or attestation which is performed after a specific period;

8) additional provisions for activities in the status of a self-employed person, including the necessity of a special licence for separate types of activities.

[23 October 2003; 4 November 2004; 10 September 2020]

Section 4. Regulation of Professions in Professional Organisations

Professional organisations authorised in the law, Cabinet regulations, or in accordance with the State Administration Structure Law shall:

1) issue evidence of formal qualification and grant the right to use the title corresponding to the profession and qualification;

2) ensure the retention of high criteria for professional qualification and the maintenance and raising of qualification in the relevant field of activities;

3) develop and approve the rules of professional conduct in the relevant field of activities and supervise the conformity with these rules;

4) develop proposals for the requirements to be brought forward for the commencement or performance of independent professional activity in regulated professions, and also for the providers of temporary professional services and submit such proposals to the ministry which is the leading State administration institution in the field of policy corresponding to the regulated profession.

[16 March 2023]

Section 5. Protection of the Regulated Professions and the Titles of Professional Specialisations

The use of the titles of the regulated professions specified in this Law and the specialities, sub-specialities or additional specialities thereof is only permitted in cases where the relevant person has an adequate evidence of education and formal qualifications specified by law. This provision shall also apply to the titles of positions if they are identical to the titles referred to in this Section.

Section 6. Competence of the Cabinet in the Determination of Regulated Professions and the Requirements to be Put Forward Thereto

The Cabinet shall:

1) approve the lists of specialities, sub-specialities and additional specialities for the regulated professions indicated in the law if no other procedures for approval of these lists have been specified by law;

2) determine the minimum requirements for education programmes or the requirements in relation to the professional knowledge and skills in those regulated professions and specialities in which it is necessary for the recognition of professional qualification in foreign countries. The abovementioned requirements shall be included in the relevant standards of professions and education programmes.

Chapter II
Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification in the Regulated Professions in the Field of Architecture and Construction

Section 7. Regulated Professions in the Field of Architecture and Construction

(1) In the field of architecture, the regulated profession is architect in which the minimum requirements for the acquisition of the professional qualification are determined by the Cabinet.

(2) In the field of construction, the regulated professions in which the qualification requirements are determined by the requirements specified by accredited educational programmes and the laws and regulations in the field of construction, are as follows:

1) construction work manager;

2) construction engineer;

3) construction expert.

(3) [12 November 2015]

[4 November 2004; 27 January 2011; 12 November 2015; 18 February 2021]

Section 8. General Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification of Architects

(1) The right of a person to commence activity in the profession of an architect shall be certified by a diploma of higher education issued by a higher education institution regarding the completion of an accredited study programme in architecture.

(2) The education of an architect shall be acquired through studies which conclude with the successful passing of examinations corresponding to an architect's diploma or the requirements for an academic degree, the issuance of a diploma, and the awarding of the title of the profession and shall conform with one of the following conditions:

1) the total duration of the acquisition of education in a higher education institution shall be at least four full-time study years and two years of practical work experience under supervision of a certified architect;

2) full-time studies of at least five years in a higher education institution.

(3) The education of architect may also be acquired by gradual raising of qualification or by acquiring the study programme referred to in Paragraph one of this Section with interruptions which ends in successful passing of examinations if the person has worked under the supervision of a certified architect or with a merchant who provides architectural services for at least seven years. Examinations shall conform to the requirements referred to in Paragraph two, Clause 2 of this Section which are applied to education of full-time studies.

(4) In order to acquire the right to independent practice in the field of architecture, the relevant person, in addition to the diploma of higher education issued by a higher education institution referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, shall require an architect's practice certificate awarded in accordance with the Construction Law which certifies that the relevant person has, under supervision of a certified architect, acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for independent practice.

(5) In accordance with the procedures laid down in the law, the title of the profession of architect may also be awarded for exceptional achievements in the field of architecture if the conditions of this Section have only been fulfilled partly. In such cases the professional qualification certificate of architect which gives the same rights as the education determined in this Section shall be issued.

[4 November 2004; 17 November 2005; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016]

Section 8.¹ General Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification in the Regulated Professions in the Field of Construction

The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the professions referred to in Section 7, Paragraph two of this Law shall be attested by a certificate of the building specialist which has been acquired in accordance with the laws and regulations of the field of construction, and also:

1) in the profession of a construction work manager - a first or second level higher vocational education diploma;

2) in the profession of a construction engineer - a second level higher vocational education diploma;

3) in the profession of a construction expert - a higher education diploma corresponding to that specified in Section 8, Paragraph two or to Clause 2 of this Section.

[21 June 2018; 18 February 2021]

Chapter III
Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification in the Regulated Professions in the Field of Health Care

Section 9. Regulated Professions in the Field of Health Care

(1) In the field of health care, the regulated professions for which the minimum requirements for the acquisition of professional qualification are determined by the Cabinet shall be as follows:

1) a doctor;

2) a dentist;

3) a pharmacist;

4) a nurse (general care nurse);

5) a midwife.

(2) In the field of health care, the regulated professions in which the qualification requirements are determined by accredited education programmes and the provisions for professional certification in cases specified in the law shall be as follows:

1) a doctor's assistant (paramedic);

2) a pharmacist's assistant;

3) a biomedical laboratory assistant;

4) a dental technician;

5) a dental hygienist;

6) a physiotherapist;

7) an occupational therapist;

8) an optometrist;

9) a physiotherapist's assistant;

10) an occupational therapist's assistant;

11) [21 June 2018];

12) [21 June 2018];

13) a technical orthopaedist;

14) a cosmetician;

15) a dentist's assistant;

16) a nurse's assistant;

17) [10 September 2020];

18) a speech therapist;

19) a radiology assistant;

20) a dietician;

21) a military paramedic;

22) a podologist;

23) a radiographer;

24) a beauty specialist in cosmetology;

25) a masseur;

26) an art therapist.

(3) In professions and specialities regulated in the field of health care, the clinical training of medical education shall be implemented by medical treatment institutions and medical practitioners who have the right to teach students in medical treatment institutions, but practical training - by educational institutions or medical treatment institutions and medical practitioners who have the right to teach students in medical treatment institutions.

[4 November 2004; 2 November 2006; 17 July 2008; 31 March 2011; 16 June 2011; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 10 September 2020 / The new wording of Paragraph one, Clause 4 shall come into force on 1 January 2022. See Paragraph 9 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 10. General Requirements for Education of Doctors

(1) The right of a person, in accordance with the competence specified in laws and regulations, to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of doctor shall be certified by a higher education diploma certifying the basic education of a doctor and the inclusion of the person in the Register of Medical Practitioners. The right of a person to practice in any of the primary specialities, sub-specialities, or additional specialities of the profession of doctor shall be certified by a diploma of higher education regarding the completion of an accredited full-time medical study programme, a professional qualification certificate which has been obtained in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Medical Treatment Law, and the inclusion of the person in the Register of Medical Practitioners.

(2) Persons with a secondary education which gives the right to study in a higher education institution shall be accepted in medical study programmes.

(3) The minimum duration of a study programme for the acquisition of a diploma of higher education certifying the basic education of a doctor shall be six years or 5500 contact hours. The Republic of Latvia shall recognise a diploma of higher education certifying the basic education of a doctor issued in another European Union Member State or country of European Economic Area for the completion of a study programme of at least five years in the amount of not less than 5500 contact hours.

(4) Higher medical education shall ensure adequate knowledge for the profession of doctor in the key sectors, clinical disciplines and practice of medicine, and also adequate clinical experience.

(5) [4 November 2004]

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016]

Section 11. General Requirements for the Residency Education Programme for Doctors Entitled to Practice

The general requirements for the residency education programme for doctors entitled to practice following the completion of which a diploma of higher education certifying the specialisation of a doctor or another equivalent certification of qualification is issues, shall be as follows:

1) persons who have acquired the study programme referred to in Section 10 of this Law and persons who have a recognised professional qualification in the profession of a doctor in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law shall be admitted to this programme;

2) the programme includes theoretical and practical knowledge according to an accredited residency education programme and may be completed at a higher education institution, a clinic or, if the circumstances are appropriate, in another medical treatment institution which conforms to the requirements referred to in Section 9, Paragraph three of this Law.

[12 November 2015; 11 February 2016; 10 September 2020]

Section 12. General Requirements for Education of Dental Practitioners

(1) [4 November 2004]

(2) The right of a person to perform professional activity in the profession of a dentist shall be certified by a higher education diploma regarding the completion of an accredited full-time dental study programme and the inclusion of the person in the Register of Medical Practitioners.

(2¹) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities and the right to practice in the basic speciality of a dental practitioner shall be certified by a diploma of higher education regarding the completion of an accredited full-time dental study programme, a professional qualification certificate the provisions for the acquisition of which are governed by the Medical Treatment Law, and the inclusion of the person in the Register of Medical Practitioners, but in one of the sub-specialities of the dental profession - also a diploma regarding the completion of the accredited residency education programme of dentistry.

(3) Education in dentistry shall be an accredited study programme acquired in full-time studies the minimum duration of which is at least five years or 5000 contact hours.

(4) Persons with a secondary education which gives the right to study in a higher education institution shall be admitted to the dentistry programme.

(5) Education in dentistry shall ensure the knowledge and skills which are necessary for the performance of all the activities which include the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and medical treatment of diseases of the teeth, alveolar ridges and the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, jaw and the tissue related thereto.

[4 November 2004; 16 June 2011; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016]

Section 13. General Requirements for the Residency Education Programmes of Dentistry Sub-specialities

(1) [4 November 2004]

(2) The general requirements for the residency education programme of dentistry sub-speciality after the completion of which a diploma of higher medical education is issued or another equivalent certification of qualification is obtained shall be as follows:

1) persons who have completed the study programme referred to in Section 12 of this Law and persons who have a recognised professional qualification in the profession of a dentist in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law shall be admitted to this programme;

2) the programme includes theoretical and practical knowledge which is acquired in full-time studies according to an accredited residency education programme.

[4 November 2004; 10 September 2020]

Section 14. General Requirements for Education of Nurses

(1) The right of a person to pursue professional activities in the profession of a nurse shall be certified by a diploma of secondary vocational education or a diploma of the first level higher vocational education, or a diploma of higher education regarding the completion of an accredited study programme for nurses which conforms to the requirements of Paragraph three of this Section, and the inclusion of the person in the Register of Medical Practitioners.

(2) A person has the right to pursue independent professional activities in the specialities of profession of a nurse if he or she has fulfilled the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities.

(3) The minimum duration of an education programme for nurses shall be:

1) at a nursing school or medical college - full-time studies for three years or 4600 theoretical and clinical contact hours, the duration of the theoretical training representing at least one-third and the duration of the practical training at least one half of the total duration of the training;

2) at a higher education institution after acquisition of secondary general education - four years;

3) full-time studies of four academic years in the amount of 160 credit points which include at least 4600 theoretical and clinical contact hours, the duration of the theoretical training representing at least one-third and the duration of the clinical training at least one half of the minimum duration of the education programme. Educational and medical treatment institutions ensuring the implementation of the education programme for nurse shall be responsible for coordinating the theoretical and clinical training during the whole study period.

(3¹) A document certifying the education of a nurse issued in a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association shall be recognised in the Republic of Latvia regarding the acquisition of an education programme of at least three years which shall include not less than 4600 theoretical and clinical contact hours of which theoretical training shall cover at least one third and clinical training - at least half of the minimum duration of the education programme.

(4) Persons with a secondary education which gives the right to study in a higher education institution shall be admitted to the education programme for nurses.

(5) An education programme for nurses shall include knowledge in the branches of science on which the care of patients is based, knowledge of the nature and the ethics of the profession, and also an adequate clinical experience.

(6) Clinical training of nurses shall be part of an education programme implemented in medical treatment institutions which may ensure the completion of the education programme for nurses, direct contact with a healthy or ill individual and the public as training based in the work environment under management of qualified nurses and in cooperation with other medical practitioners.

(7) [10 September 2020]

(8) [10 September 2020]

[4 November 2004; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016; 10 September 2020; 13 January 2022]

Section 15. General Requirements for Education of Midwives

(1) [4 November 2004]

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities and the right to specialist practice in the profession of a midwife shall be certified by a diploma of secondary vocational education or a diploma of the first level higher vocational education, or a higher education diploma regarding the completion of an accredited study programme for midwives which conforms to the requirements of Paragraph four, six or seven of this Section, a professional qualification certificate the provisions for the acquisition of which are governed by the Medical Treatment Law, and the inclusion of the person in the Register of Medical Practitioners.

(3) Persons with a nurse education or secondary education which gives the right to study in a higher education institution shall be admitted to the education programme for midwives.

(4) If the acquisition of an education programme for midwives is commenced with a secondary education, the minimum duration thereof shall be three years of full-time studies or 4600 theoretical and practical contact hours and at least one third of the total duration of the education programme shall be taken up with clinical training. This education programme shall comprise knowledge in those branches of sciences on which the professional activities of midwives are based, knowledge of the ethics of the profession and the laws and regulations in the field of professional activities, and also the practical skills and clinical experience corresponding to the abovementioned knowledge.

(5) The clinical training of a midwife shall be performed in medical treatment institutions under management of qualified midwives in cooperation with other medical practitioners. The practical training and clinical training of a midwife shall be consistent with the theoretical part of the education programme.

(6) If the acquisition of the education programme for midwives is commenced after acquisition of the education programme for nurses in accordance with the requirements referred to in Section 14 of this Law, the minimum duration thereof shall be two years or 3600 contact hours. This education programme shall be acquired in full-time studies and the minimum thereof shall be the subjects and courses conforming with the requirements of Paragraphs three and four of this Section which do not form part of equivalent subjects and courses in the education programme for nurses.

(7) If the acquisition of an education programme for midwives is commenced after acquisition of the education programme for nurses in accordance with the requirements of Section 14 of this Law, the minimum duration thereof shall be 18 months or 3000 contact hours if it has been supplemented with one year of professional traineeship during which the person has successfully worked as a midwife in a hospital or another relevant health care institution after obtaining the qualification of a midwife. The education programme for midwives shall be acquired in full-time studies and the minimum thereof shall be the subjects and courses conforming with the requirements of Paragraphs three and four of this Section which do not form part of equivalent subjects and courses in the education programme for nurses.

[4 November 2004; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016; 10 September 2020]

Section 16. General Requirements for Education of Pharmacists

(1) The right of a person to commence the professional activity of a pharmacist shall be certified by a diploma of higher education regarding the completion of an accredited vocational or academic study programme for pharmacists.

(2) The education of pharmacists shall be supplemented by professional experience in the relevant field, if higher requirements are put forward for individual types of professional activity in the laws and regulations governing the field of pharmacy.

(3) Persons with a secondary education which gives the right to study in a higher education institution shall be admitted to the study programme for pharmacists.

(4) The diploma of the education of a pharmacist shall certify that the owner thereof has acquired a study programme in the duration of at least five years which comprises:

1) full-time studies of at least four years in a higher education institution;

2) a traineeship of at least six months during theoretical and practical training or at the end thereof in a general or open-type pharmacy or closed-type pharmacy or pharmacy of a medical treatment institution.

(5) The diploma of the education of a pharmacist shall certify that the relevant person has acquired appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge regarding medicinal products and substances which are used in the production of medicinal products, regarding the pharmaceutical technology and control, the use of medicinal products and regarding the laws and regulations in the field of pharmacy.

[4 November 2004; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016]

Section 17. General Requirements for Education of Optometrists

[10 September 2020]

Section 17.¹ General Requirements for Education of Military Paramedics

(1) The right of a person - a professional service soldier - to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of a military paramedic shall be certified by a diploma of the first level higher vocational education which conforms to the requirements referred to in Paragraph two of this Section, and the inclusion of the person in the Register of Medical Practitioners.

(2) The minimum duration of the education programme for military paramedics shall be two years in the first level higher vocational education programme.

(3) Persons - professional service soldiers - with a secondary education shall be admitted to the education programme for military paramedics.

(4) In the education programme for military paramedics, knowledge of the nature and ethics of the profession, the provision of emergency medical assistance in circumstances dangerous to health and life, and also corresponding clinical and military experience shall be acquired.

(5) The clinical traineeship of a military paramedic shall be organised under management of qualified medical practitioners in medical treatment institutions, but the military traineeship - in the National Armed Forces.

[31 March 2011]

Chapter IV
Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification in the Regulated Professions and the Regulated Professional Activities in the Field of Transport

[17 November 2005]

Section 18. Regulated Professions in the Field of Transport

(1) [11 April 2019]

(2) [10 September 2020]

(3) In the field of seafaring, the regulated professions shall be as follows:

1) the person in charge of a ship;

2) an engineering officer;

3) a rating;

4) a radio specialist;

5) [12 November 2015].

(4) [23 October 2003]

(5) [23 October 2003]

(6) [11 April 2019]

(7) [11 April 2019]

(8) [12 November 2015]

[23 October 2003; 4 November 2004; 17 November 2005; 12 November 2015; 11 April 2019; 10 September 2020]

Section 19. Requirements for the Regulated Professions and Regulated Professional Activities in the Field of Road Transport

[11 April 2019]

Section 20. Requirements for the Regulated Professions in the Field of Rail Transport

[10 September 2020]

Section 21. Requirements for Professional Qualification of the Carriers of Goods and Passengers by Inland Waterways

[23 October 2003]

Section 22. Requirements for Regulated Professions in the Field of Seafaring

(1) The conformity of the professional qualification with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995, and the conventions of the International Labour Organisation shall be a mandatory prerequisite for a person, after receiving a relevant professional qualification certificate, to be entitled to pursue professional activities in the field of seafaring.

(2) A professional qualification certificate which has been issued on the grounds of the international agreements approved by the Saeima or the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia shall be a mandatory prerequisite for a person to be entitled to pursue professional activities in the following regulated professions in the field of seafaring:

1) the person in charge of a ship;

2) an engineering officer;

3) a rating;

4) a radio specialist.

[4 November 2004; 12 November 2015]

Section 23. Requirements for the Regulated Professions in the Field of Civil Aviation

[11 April 2019]

Section 24. Requirements for the Regulated Professions in the Field of Airport Operations

[23 October 2003]

Section 25. Requirements for the Regulated Professions in the Field of Carriage of Dangerous Goods

[11 April 2019]

Chapter V
Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification in the Regulated Professions in the Field of Veterinary Medicine and Breeding Activities

Section 26. Regulated Professions in the Field of Veterinary Medicine and Breeding Activities

(1) In the field of veterinary medicine, the profession of veterinary surgeon shall be regulated, in which the minimum requirements for the acquisition of professional qualification are determined by the Cabinet.

(2) The regulated professions in the field of breeding activities, in which the qualification requirements are determined by accredited veterinary or zootechnical study programmes and in cases specified in the law - the provisions for professional certification, shall be determined by the law in the field of breeding activities.

Section 27. General Requirements for Education of Veterinary Surgeons

(1) Persons who conform to the requirements of the laws and regulations of the veterinary medical field may engage in veterinary medical practice.

(2) The education diploma of a veterinary surgeon shall certify that the owner thereof has acquired a full-time study programme for at least five years in a higher education institution which comprises theoretical and practical knowledge.

(3) Persons with a secondary education which gives the right to study in a higher education institution shall be admitted to the study programme for veterinary medicine.

(4) The study programme for veterinary medicine shall comprise the theoretical and practical knowledge corresponding to the profession in those branches of sciences on which the activities of the veterinary surgeon are based, knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of animals, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, of the hygiene and technology which apply to the foodstuffs of animal and plant origin intended for human consumption, knowledge of the regulatory documents in the field of professional activities, and also adequate clinical and other practical experience under supervision of qualified specialists.

(5) Practical education may be acquired in full-time studies under direct control of the authorities stipulated by the Cabinet. The acquisition of the practical education within the total duration of the study period shall not exceed six months.

(6) [4 November 2004]

[4 November 2004; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016]

Chapter VI
Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification in Other Regulated Professions

Section 28. Requirements for Regulated Professions in the Field of Education and Sport

(1) Regulated professions in the field of education and sport in which the qualification requirements are determined by accredited education programmes or the provisions for professional certification in cases specified in the law shall be as follows:

1) a teacher;

2) a sports specialist.

(2) The education and professional qualification requirements in the regulated professions of teachers and sports specialists shall be determined by the laws governing the field of education and sport.

[2 November 2006]

Section 29. Requirements for the Regulated Professions in the Field of Electric Power Engineering

(1) Regulated professions in the field of electric power engineering in which the qualification requirements are determined by accredited education programmes or the provisions for professional certification in cases specified in the law shall be as follows:

1) an electrical engineer;

2) an electrical equipment specialist;

3) [21 June 2018];

4) [21 June 2018].

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the professions referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall be certified as follows:

1) in the profession of an electrical engineer - a diploma of the second level higher vocational education and qualification of an electrical engineer or a Master's degree in engineering;

2) in the profession of an electrical equipment specialist - a diploma of the first level higher vocational education and qualification of an electrical equipment specialist;

3) [21 June 2018];

4) [21 June 2018].

(3) In individual fields of professional activity, in addition to the documents specified in Paragraph two of this Section, a professional qualification certificate which certifies the acquisition of an additional qualification in the relevant field shall be necessary in accordance with the laws governing the field of electric power engineering.

[4 November 2004; 21 June 2018]

Section 30. Requirements for the Regulated Professions of Lawyers

(1) The regulated profession of lawyer shall be the profession of lawyer (sworn lawyer, sworn lawyer's assistant) in which the qualification requirements are determined by accredited study programmes and - in cases specified by the law - the provisions for professional certification.

(2) The right of a person to apply for work in the profession of lawyer shall be certified by:

1) a diploma of the second level higher vocational education regarding the acquisition of a programme in law accredited in the Republic of Latvia and the qualification of a lawyer;

2) the conformity with the requirements for the professional qualification and professional experience which are determined by the Advocacy Law.

[4 November 2004]

Section 31. Requirements for Education and Professional Qualification of Sworn Auditors

The requirements for the education and professional qualification of sworn auditors shall be determined by the law or Cabinet regulations in the field of financial and auditing work.

Section 32. Requirements for Regulated Professions in the Field of Land Survey and Valuation of Immovable Property

(1) Regulated professions in the field of land survey and valuation of immovable property in which the qualification requirements are determined by accredited study programmes and in cases specified in the law - the provisions for professional certification shall be as follows:

1) a surveyor;

2) an evaluator of immovable property.

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of a surveyor shall be certified by a diploma of higher education issued by a higher education institution regarding the completion of an accredited study programme and the professional qualification of a geodetic engineer or a land management engineer, or a cartography engineer, or a photogrammetric engineer, or a Master's degree in engineering sciences and a professional qualification certificate of a surveyor, the provisions for the acquisition of which are governed by the laws in the field of land surveying.

(3) The minimum total duration of the acquisition of education in the study programmes referred to in Paragraph two of this Section shall be four years in a full-time study programme or studies of equivalent duration in a part-time study programme, and they shall end in successful passing of examinations corresponding to the requirements of the diploma of an engineer or an academic degree and the issuance of a diploma.

(4) The professional qualification of a surveyor may also be obtained by gradually raising the qualification or by completing education programmes with interruptions which end in successful passing of examinations if a person has worked for at least three years within the last five years under management of a surveyor or with a merchant who provides surveying services.

(5) [12 November 2015]

(6) The Cabinet shall determine the requirements for the professional qualification of an evaluator of immovable property and the procedures by which a professional qualification certificate for the evaluation of immovable property shall be issued.

[4 November 2004; 17 November 2005; 5 December 2013; 12 November 2015; 11 February 2016]

Section 32.¹ Requirements for Regulated Professions in the Field of Conformity Assessment

[21 June 2018]

Section 32.² Requirements for Regulated Professions in the Field of Tourism

[14 January 2010]

Section 32.³ Requirements for Regulated Professions in the Field of Detective Activities and Security Activities

(1) The regulated profession in the field of detective activities shall be detective and in the field of security activities - security employee.

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the professions referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall be certified by a certificate for the performance of detective activities obtained in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities and, accordingly, a security guard certificate.

[13 December 2007]

Section 32.⁴ Requirements for Regulated Professional Activities in the Field of Protection of Species and Habitats

(1) The regulated profession in the field of protection of species and habitats shall be an expert in the field of protection of species and habitats.

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the field of protection of species and habitats shall be attested by a certificate issued in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet.

[3 June 2010]

Section 32.⁵ Requirements for Regulated Professions in the Field of the Circulation of Explosives for Civil Uses

(1) The regulated professions in the field of the circulation of explosives intended for civil uses shall be as follows:

1) a blaster;

2) a blasting manager.

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of a blaster shall be certified by a blaster certificate acquired in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities.

(3) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of a blasting manager shall be certified by a blasting manager certificate acquired in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities.

[5 December 2013]

Section 32.⁶ Requirements for the Regulated Profession in the Field of the Circulation of Pyrotechnic Articles

(1) The regulated profession in the field of the circulation of pyrotechnic articles shall be a pyrotechnician.

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the profession referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall be certified by a pyrotechnician certificate acquired in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities.

[5 December 2013]

Section 32.⁷ Requirements for the Regulated Profession in the Field of Psychology

(1) The regulated profession in the field of psychology shall be a psychologist.

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the profession referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall be certified by a psychologist certificate acquired in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities.

[30 March 2017]

Section 32.⁸ Requirements for Regulated Profession in the Field of the Protection of Industrial Property

(1) The regulated profession in the field of the protection of industrial property shall be a professional patent holder.

(2) The right of a person to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of a professional patent holder shall be attested by the inclusion of a person in the list of professional patent holders of the Patent Office in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities.

[21 June 2018]

Section 32.⁹ Regulated Profession in the Field of Energy Efficiency

(1) In the field of energy efficiency, the regulated profession shall be an independent expert on the energy efficiency of buildings.

(2) A person has the right to pursue independent professional activities in the profession referred to in Paragraph one of this Section if he or she has fulfilled the requirements of competence laid down in the laws and regulations governing the relevant field of professional activities.

[21 June 2018]

Part B
Recognition of Professional Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries

[4 November 2004]

Chapter VII
General Provisions for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries

[4 November 2004]

Section 33. Recognition of Professional Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries

(1) A person who has obtained a professional qualification in foreign countries may apply for the recognition of the professional qualification in such regulated profession of the Republic of Latvia which includes professional activities comparable with the professional activities which he or she has pursued in the home country thereof.

(2) A person whose professional qualification has been recognised in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law has the same right to activities in the relevant regulated profession and the same obligations related to such activities as persons who have obtained the qualification required for professional activities in the profession regulated in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia.

(3) The following systems for the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in foreign countries shall be applied for the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in foreign countries in the Republic of Latvia:

1) the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications;

2) the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications;

3) the recognition of professional qualifications on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant.

[17 July 2008; 21 June 2018]

Section 34. Application of the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications

(1) The special system for the recognition of professional qualifications shall be applied:

1) to the regulated professions for which the qualification requirements are determined by the international agreements binding to the Republic of Latvia, i.e., to the following professions:

a) seafaring professions;

b) [11 April 2019];

c) [10 September 2020];

2) for the acquisition of such evidence of education and formal qualifications corresponding to the unified minimum requirements specified in the European Union Member States which conform to the evidence of education and formal qualifications issued by the competent authorities of the European Union Member States or member states of the European Free Trade Association, the titles of which have been specified in accordance with Section 36, Paragraphs five and six of this Law or in the directly applicable legal acts of the European Union in the field of the recognition of professional qualifications, in the following regulated professions:

a) an architect;

b) a doctor;

c) a dentist;

d) a pharmacist;

e) a nurse (general care nurse);

f) a midwife;

g) a veterinary surgeon;

3) in the recognition of the right of lawyers to practice, if a lawyer of a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association wishes to practice in the Republic of Latvia under the professional title of the home country thereof;

4) [11 April 2019];

5) [12 November 2015];

6) [21 June 2018];

7) to the profession of a professional patent attorney.

(2) If the home country of the applicant has not joined the international agreements referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, the professional qualification of the applicant shall be recognised only if his or her education and level of professional experience, in terms of the content and duration, does not differ significantly from the requirements laid down for the relevant profession in the Republic of Latvia.

(3) [17 July 2008]

(4) [17 July 2008]

[23 October 2003; 4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 3 June 2010; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 11 April 2019; 10 September 2020; 16 March 2023]

Section 35. Application of the General System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the Recognition of Qualification on the Basis of the Professional Experience of the Applicant

(1) The general system for the recognition of professional qualifications shall be applied:

1) to the professions referred to in Section 34, Paragraph one of this Law, if the evidence of education and formal qualifications of the applicant does not conform with the requirements of Section 34 of this Law;

2) to other regulated professions in the Republic of Latvia.

(2) Both the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications and the recognition of qualification may be applied for the recognition of professional qualifications in individual fields of economic activities on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant which he or she has acquired in the home country.

(3) The recognition of professional qualification on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant shall be applied in relation to the citizens of the European Union Member States and the member states of the European Free Trade Association, if their professional qualification has been obtained in the European Union Member States or in the member states of the European Free Trade Association. In the cases referred to in Paragraph two of this Section, the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications shall be applied for the recognition of the professional qualifications of citizens of other countries if different procedures have not been specified in the international agreements approved by the Saeima.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008]

Section 36. Competence of the Cabinet in the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries

In conformity with the norms of the relevant international agreements approved by the Saeima which ensure the opportunity for mutual recognition of professional qualifications in the Republic of Latvia and foreign countries, the Cabinet shall:

1) determine additional requirements for the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in foreign countries in regulated professions (also for citizens of the European Union Member States whose education and professional qualification partly conform to the requirements specified in the Republic of Latvia for the relevant profession);

2) determine the duration and type of the professional experience for the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in foreign countries on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant, in the regulated professions in the fields of those economic activities to which specific requirements have been put forward in relation to general or professional knowledge and skills;

3) determine the information authorities and authorities issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualifications;

4) approve the sample documents related to the recognition of professional qualifications and the issuance of qualification recognition certificates;

5) determine the evidence of primary specialities, sub-specialities, or additional specialities of doctors and the profession of doctor, education and professional qualification of pharmacists and veterinary surgeons which are recognised by applying the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications, the institutions which have issued these documents, and the titles of the qualification obtained (the name of the institution and the title of the qualification shall also be indicated in the language of the country which issued the documents);

6) determine the evidence of professional titles of sub-specialities of architects, nurses, midwives, and dentists and education and professional qualification thereof obtained in foreign countries which are recognised by applying the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications, the institutions having issued these documents, and also the titles of the qualifications obtained (the name of the institution and the title of the qualification shall also be indicated in the language of the country which issued the document);

7) determine the professional titles (qualifications) of lawyers obtained in foreign countries which are recognised by applying the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications;

8) determine the procedures by which an applicant shall submit and the information authorities and authorities issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualifications in the regulated professions shall review the documents submitted by an applicant;

9) determine the regulated professions in the Republic of Latvia in which the provider of temporary professional services:

a) is required to submit a declaration on the provision of temporary professional services, and also to determine the content to be included in this declaration, the documents to be attached thereto, the procedures for the submission, examination, and updating of the declaration;

b) may carry out an aptitude test as well as determine the procedures for such a test;

c) has an obligation to provide the information specified in Section 42, Paragraph ten of this Law to the recipient of the service;

10) determine the professional organisations of the European Union Member States and the member states of the European Free Trade Association the professional education and qualification documents issued by which are recognised in the Republic of Latvia;

11) determine the procedures by which, within the scope of the Internal Market Information System, information shall be exchanged between the authorities of the Republic of Latvia and the authorities of other European Union Member States and the countries of the European Economic Area, and also the liability of the authorities involved in the exchange of information and the supervision of the exchange of information in the field of regulated professions and the recognition of professional qualifications;

12) determine the procedures by which a professional qualification acquired in foreign countries the European Professional Card of which has been issued by the competent authorities of other European Union Member States and the countries of the European Economic Area shall be recognised;

13) determine the procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications in relation to part of the professional activities of the regulated profession;

14) determine the procedures by which the applicant shall cover the expenses related to the recognition of professional qualifications, the examination of qualifications for the provision of temporary professional services, the processing of the application for a European Professional Card, and the issuing of a European Professional Card, and also the amount of such expenses.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 7 April 2011; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 10 September 2020]

Section 37. Evidence of Education and Formal Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries

(1) The evidence of education and formal qualifications obtained in foreign countries which an applicant submits for the recognition of professional qualification in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law must certify that:

1) the applicant has the education and professional qualification which is necessary in order to allow him or her to commence and pursue independent professional activities in the relevant profession in the home country thereof;

2) the applicant has acquired at least three years of professional experience in the relevant profession in a European Union Member State or in a member state of the European Free Trade Association, if the evidence of education and formal qualifications has been issued in a country which is not a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association, and the professional qualification of the applicant has already been recognised in any of these countries;

3) the applicant has professional experience in a European Union Member State or in a member state of the European Free Trade Association in an unregulated profession which has been acquired for at least a year in work with a normal working time or an equivalent duration of part-time working time during the previous 10 years prior to submitting an application for the acquisition of a certificate of the recognition of professional qualifications(hereinafter - the qualification recognition certificate). If the applicant has acquired a regulated education, the requirement for the experience of one year need not be applied;

4) the applicant has acquired the professional experience specified in laws and regulations of Latvia in the relevant regulated profession if the documents certifying education and professional qualification have been issued in a country which is not a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association, and the professional qualification of the applicant has not been recognised in any of these countries.

(2) Certifications of vocational education and qualification issued by professional organisations of the European Union Member States and member states of the European Free Trade Association shall also be recognised as the evidence of education and formal qualifications obtained in foreign countries referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, if the right of the abovementioned organisations to issue such certifications in relation to the regulated professions has been recognised in the European Union and such organisation has been specified in accordance with Section 36, Clause 10 of this Law or in the directly applicable legal acts of the European Union in the field of the recognition of professional qualification.

[17 July 2008; 21 June 2018; 16 March 2023]

Section 38. Provisions for the Use of Professional Titles and Academic or Scientific Degrees (Designations, Titles)

(1) If the professional qualification of a person has been recognised in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law, this person has the right to use the corresponding title of the regulated profession specified in this Law.

(2) In the case referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, a person also has the right to use the academic or scientific degree (designation, title) lawfully recognised in his or her home country and, if necessary, the abbreviation thereof in the language of the home country.

(3) The authorities of the Republic of Latvia which issue the certificate of the recognition of professional qualification are entitled to request that, in addition to the academic or scientific degree (designation, title) referred to in Paragraph two of this Section, the name and location of the relevant institution or the institution having organised the examination and awarded the degree (designation, title) is indicated.

(4) If the relevant academic or scientific degree (designation, title) used in the home country of the applicant is identical to a degree which may be used in the Republic of Latvia and which certifies that the relevant person has acquired additional or other education, the authorities which issue the qualification recognition certificates, are entitled to request that the degree (designation, title) of the home country of the applicant is supplemented with the necessary explanatory wording.

[4 November 2004]

Section 39. Professional Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries and the Professional Organisations of the Republic of Latvia

(1) If persons whose qualification conforms to specific requirements for professional qualification are accepted into a professional organisation of the Republic of Latvia, these requirements shall be regarded as fulfilled in relation to the person whose professional qualification has been recognised in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law.

(2) If the evidence of education and formal qualifications specified for members by a professional organisation authorised by the law or Cabinet regulations are necessary for practising in a regulated profession, the person whose professional qualification has been recognised in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law has the right to use the professional titles or the titles certifying qualification and abbreviations thereof of the abovementioned organisation only if he or she has been accepted in this organisation.

(3) If, in accordance with this Law or other laws and regulations, the right to pursue professional activities in a regulated profession are related to the mandatory registration of the relevant person in a register of the professional organisation or in other registers, the qualification recognition certificate referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall concurrently give the right to such registration.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 21 June 2018]

Section 40. Documents Necessary for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Acquired in Foreign Countries

(1) An applicant shall submit the following to information authorities:

1) an application for the acquisition of the qualification recognition certificate, indicating the type, the status (employee or self-employed person) and the duration (temporary or permanent activities) of professional activities;

2) documents which certify the education, professional qualification, and professional experience of the applicant;

3) additional documents which are necessary for the recognition of the professional qualification in the cases specified in this Law.

(2) For activities in any of the regulated professions for which any of the requirements of Section 3, Paragraph five of this Law are put forward, the applicant shall submit documents which certify the fulfilment of these provisions in the home country of the applicant. In cases when the requirements of Section 3, Paragraph five, Clause 3 of this Law should be complied with, the abovementioned documents shall certify that the applicant has not been temporarily deprived of the right or prohibited from working in the relevant profession.

(3) The documents referred to in Paragraph two of this Section shall be valid for submission to an information authorities three months from the date of issuance thereof. The term of validity of the relevant documents certifying appropriate proficiency in the official language shall be governed by the laws and regulations regarding the level of proficiency in the official language necessary for the performance of the professional and office duties and the procedures for the verification of the proficiency in the official language.

(4) If the competent authorities of the home country of the applicant do not issue the documents referred to in Paragraph two of this Section which certify the fulfilment of the requirements of Section 3, Paragraph five, Clause 3 or 4 of this Law in the home country thereof, the applicant may substitute the abovementioned documents with a written declaration on the fulfilment of the relevant requirements, but this declaration shall be approved and the authenticity thereof notarised or in a judicial institution of the home country of the applicant, or an administrative institution of this country, or a recognised professional organisation of this country, as determined by the legal acts of the home country of the applicant.

(5) If a person who wishes to work in a regulated profession gives an oath or pledge in accordance with Section 3, Paragraph five, Clause 1 of this Law, but it is not acceptable to the applicant, the authority issuing the qualification recognition certificate shall offer the applicant an acceptable and equivalent form of oath or pledge.

(6) Upon request of an information authority, the applicant has an obligation to submit the following:

1) certified translations of the documents referred to in this Section in the official language if they have been issued in a European Union Member State, a member state of the European Free Trade Association or another country which has been granted the right of a European Union Member State in the field of the recognition of professional qualifications in accordance with the international agreements approved by the Saeima;

2) certified translations of the documents referred to in this Section in the official language if they have been issued in countries not referred to in Clause 1 of this Paragraph and with which the Republic of Latvia has entered into bilateral or multilateral agreements on legal assistance and legal relations in civil matters, family matters, and criminal matters, and conform to the provisions of these agreements;

3) the documents referred to in this Section legalised in accordance with the procedures laid down in the international agreements approved by the Saeima, appending certified and legalised translation of these documents in the official language, if they have been issued in countries which are not referred to in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Paragraph or do not conform with the documents referred to in Clause 2 of this Paragraph.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 21 June 2018]

Section 41. Documents which Certify the Conformity of Education and Professional Qualification Acquired in Foreign Countries with the Requirements Specified in the Republic of Latvia

(1) The conformity of education and professional qualification acquired in foreign countries with the requirements laid down in the Republic of Latvia shall be certified by the certificate of the recognition of professional qualifications or the equivalent documents referred to in Paragraph two of this Section which are issued by the authorities referred to in the law or Cabinet Regulations.

(2) In professions in which the right to commence work or pursue independent activities in the Republic of Latvia is certified by certificates or other documents issued by competent authorities, these certificates or other documents may be issued instead of qualification certificates.

(3) The documents referred to in Paragraph two of this Section shall be issued according to the same procedures and in conformity with the same provisions by which the issuance of the qualification recognition certificates are provided for in this Law.

(4) The qualification recognition certificate shall not be necessary for professions in which the international agreements approved by the Saeima allow the recognition of a professional qualification without the professional qualification aptitude test.

[4 November 2004; 21 June 2018; 11 April 2019]

Section 42. Temporary Professional Activities in the Regulated Profession with Evidence of Education and Formal Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries

(1) A person whose country of legal status is a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association shall be regarded as a temporary professional service provider in the profession regulated in the Republic of Latvia if his or her professional activities in the relevant profession in the Republic of Latvia are limited in terms of duration or have the nature of being occasional.

(2) A provider of temporary professional services shall not require the recognition of the documents certifying education and professional qualifications in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law, but, when commencing the temporary provision of professional services in the Republic of Latvia for the first time, has an obligation to notify the authority issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualifications in the relevant regulated profession thereof. This obligation shall be fulfilled by submitting a declaration on the provision of temporary professional services. When providing emergency medical assistance or other services corresponding to the professional qualification thereof, the urgency of which is determined by special circumstances, the declaration may be submitted as soon as possible after the provision of the service.

(3) The declaration referred to in Paragraph two of this Section shall be renewed not less than once a year if the provider of temporary professional services intends to provide temporary professional services recurrently during the abovementioned period. The declaration shall be renewed without delay if the information provided therein has changed significantly or if changes in the documents appended to the declaration have occurred.

(4) A provider of temporary professional services in a regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia has the same rights and obligations in the provision of services as the inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia who pursue independent professional activities in the relevant regulated profession. The conditions of good practice and the requirements of professional ethics laid down in the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia shall also apply to the provider of temporary professional services even if they differ from the requirements of the country of legal status thereof. If the provider of temporary professional services violates the relevant laws and regulations, he or she shall be held liable as specified in the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia and information shall be sent to the relevant authorities of the country of legal status thereof on the commencement of the abovementioned procedure, giving them an opportunity to participate in the procedure, and also these authorities shall also be informed of the decisions taken.

(5) In the professions stipulated by the Cabinet, a service provider shall be required to receive a permit for the provision of temporary professional services prior to the provision of services in the Republic of Latvia. An authority which issues certificates of the recognition of professional qualifications, prior to issuing a permit to provide temporary professional services, has the right to verify the professional qualifications of such service provider before he or she provides services in the Republic of Latvia for the first time in order to ascertain the professional qualifications of the service provider.

(6) The aptitude test may only be performed in such regulated professions in which the professional service is related to the health and safety of the recipient of services. The aptitude test shall not be performed and the professional qualification of the provider of temporary professional services shall be regarded as corresponding if the evidence of education and formal qualifications of the service provider conform to the requirements of Section 34, Paragraph one, Clause 2 of this Law.

(7) A permit for the provision of temporary professional services and the results of the aptitude test or the decision not to perform an aptitude test for the provider of temporary professional services shall be notified within one month from the day of the receipt of the declaration and the documents appended thereto. If the provider of temporary professional services has not appended all the necessary documents to the declaration or if additional information has to be requested from the country of legal status thereof, the deadline for taking a decision may be extended in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law for a period which is not longer than four months after receipt of the declaration.

(8) The authority issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualifications shall register the provider of temporary professional services free of charge, if registration in a professional organisation or register is necessary for activities in the regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia in accordance with the laws and regulations, or send copies of the decision to issue a permit for the provision of temporary professional services, declaration, and the documents appended thereto to the authority which performs temporary registration.

(9) Temporary professional services shall be provided, using the professional title of the country of legal status. The title shall be indicated in the language of the country of legal status of the service provider and the translation thereof in the Latvian language shall be appended. If there is no professional title for the relevant service in the country of legal status of the provider of temporary professional services, in providing temporary professional services, the title of the professional qualification of the service provider in the language of the country of legal status thereof shall be used and the translation thereof in the Latvian language shall be appended.

(10) If temporary professional services in the regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia are provided, using the professional title or the title of the professional qualification of the country of legal status, the provider of the temporary professional services in a profession stipulated by the Cabinet has an obligation to provide the following information to the recipient of services:

1) the registration number of the service provider or an equivalent means of identification in the Commercial Register of the country of legal status or equivalent national register, indicating the title of this register;

2) the name and address of the supervisory authority of the service provider if a permit is required for the provision of the relevant services in the country of legal status;

3) the title of the professional association or register in which the service provider is registered;

4) the professional title or the title of the professional qualification of the service provider;

5) the registration number of the service provider in the register of persons subject to value added tax in the country of legal status, if the service provider is a payer of value added tax;

6) professional liability insurance or equivalent guarantee of professional liability.

(11) If the evidence of education and formal qualifications of the provider of temporary professional services have been examined in accordance with the procedures laid down in Paragraph five of this Section, he or she shall provide temporary professional services, using the professional title specified for the relevant regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia.

[17 July 2008; 21 June 2018; 10 September 2020]

Section 43. Procedures for Examination of Applications, Documents and Evidence of Rights of Applicants

(1) [21 June 2018]

(2) [21 June 2018]

(3) The application of an applicant and the documents appended thereto shall be reviewed and the decision with the justification thereof shall be notified to the applicant:

1) not later than within three months after submission of all documents in relation to the regulated professions to which the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications is applied, if the person wishes to pursue independent professional activities in the Republic of Latvia;

2) not later than within four months after submission of all documents in relation to the regulated professions to which the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications is applied on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant;

3) [17 July 2008];

4) [17 July 2008];

5) not later than within six months after submission of all the documents, if a person who obtained professional qualifications in the home country which is not a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association on the day of the acquisition of the qualification applies for the recognition of professional qualifications. If it is necessary to request, obtain, and assess additional information in accordance with Paragraph six of this Section, the time limit for taking he decision and notification may be extended to 12 months.

(3¹) The submission of the applicant - a member of the diaspora - and the documents appended thereto shall be examined and the decision with the justification thereof shall be notified to the applicant:

1) not later than within one and a half months after submission of all the documents in relation to the regulated professions to which the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications is applied if the applicant wishes to pursue independent professional activities in the Republic of Latvia;

2) not later than within two months after submission of all the documents in relation to the regulated professions to which the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications and the recognition of professional qualifications shall be applied on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant, if the applicant has obtained the professional qualifications in another European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association. If it is necessary to request, obtain, and assess additional information in accordance with Paragraph six of this Section, the time limit for taking the decision and notification may be extended to four months;

3) not later than within three months after submission of all documents, if a member of the diaspora who has obtained professional qualifications in a Member State of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the Australian Union, the Federal Republic of Brazil, New Zealand, or a country with which the Republic of Latvia has entered into an agreement for the recognition of dual citizenship applies for the recognition of professional qualifications. If it is necessary to request, obtain, and assess additional information in accordance with Paragraph six of this Section, the time limit for taking the decision and notification may be extended to six months.

(4) The time limit for the examination specified in Paragraphs three and 3.¹ of this Section shall be counted from the day when the applicant has submitted all the documents necessary for obtaining the certificate of the recognition of professional qualifications.

(5) The applicant may contest the decision referred to in Paragraphs three and 3.¹ of this Section in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law in the ministry which is the leading State administrative authority in the field of policy relevant to the regulated profession in accordance with the procedures specified in the by-laws of this ministry.

(6) An authority which issues the qualification recognition certificates has the right to request additional information from the competent authorities of foreign countries or from the applicant if it has justified doubts of the authenticity of the documents of the applicant, has information on the actions of the applicant which are not permissible in professional terms outside the Republic of Latvia, or there is a lack information on the education, professional qualifications, or professional experience acquired by the applicant. In the request it shall indicate the deadline for the provision of a response, taking into account the total time limit for the examination of an application specified in Paragraphs three and 3.¹ of this Section. If a response is not received within the specified period, the authority shall take the decision in accordance with the information at the disposal thereof.

(7) [21 June 2018]

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 21 June 2018; 10 September 2020]

Chapter VIII
Provisions for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications in Relation to Professions to which the General System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the Recognition of Qualifications is Applied on the Basis of the Professional Experience of Applicant

Section 44. General Provisions for the Recognition of the Professional Qualification of Applicant

(1) An education and professional qualification obtained in a foreign country in the regulated professions of the Republic of Latvia, applying the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications, and also on the basis of the professional experience of an applicant, shall be recognised by determining the conformity of education and professional qualification of the applicant with the requirements specified in the Republic of Latvia for the relevant regulated profession, in accordance with the following criteria:

1) the conformity of education and professional qualification of the applicant with the requirements specified in the Republic of Latvia in relation to the level, content, and nature of education (regulated or non-regulated education), and also the duration of education;

2) the status of the profession or professional activities corresponding to education and professional qualification of the applicant in the home country - regulated or non-regulated profession or professional activity;

3) the duration and type of the professional experience of the applicant in the home country;

4) the certification by the competent authority of the home country of the applicant - a citizen of a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association, that the education acquired has been recognised as corresponding to the requirements specified for the relevant profession in the home country. The abovementioned certification shall be necessary in the following cases:

a) the evidence of education and formal qualifications of the applicant has not been obtained in the home country which is a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association;

b) the home country has raised the requirements for obtaining professional qualifications in the relevant profession and the documents obtained by the applicant certifying education and professional qualifications do not conform to the raised requirements, if they have been acquired prior to the raising of such requirements;

c) the applicant has obtained documents certifying education and professional qualifications outside the formal education system.

(2) For the application of the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications the evidence of education and formal qualifications shall be divided into the following levels:

1) Level 1 - documents attesting to the completion of a full-time education programme of at least four years or a part-time education programme of corresponding duration at a level of higher education the amount of which may be expressed by a specified number of credits, and, if necessary, have been supplemented with the documents certifying the completion of professional training;

2) Level 2 - documents attesting to the completion of a full-time education programme of at least three to four years or a part-time education programme of corresponding duration at a level of higher education the amount of which may be expressed by a specified number of credits, and, if necessary, have been supplemented with the documents certifying the completion of professional training;

3) Level 3 - documents attesting that after completion of such secondary education programme which is necessary in order to start studies at a higher education level, at least one of the following programmes has been completed:

a) a full-time education programme with the duration of at least one year or a part-time education programme of corresponding duration;

b) a secondary education programme;

c) a vocational education programme following the acquisition of the education programme referred to in Sub-clause "b" of this Clause;

d) a regulated education programme;

e) a professional training programme with a special structure corresponding to the level of the education programmes referred to in Sub-clauses "a" and "b" of this Clause the acquisition of which ensures the level of knowledge, skills, and competence required for the professional qualifications corresponding to the regulated profession, as attested by a document issued by the competent authority of the home country of the applicant;

4) Level 4 - documents which certify that at least one of the following programmes has been acquired at the level of a secondary education:

a) a general secondary education programme, if the documents certifying its acquisition are supplemented by documents certifying the acquisition of professional training other than that referred to in Clause 3 of this Paragraph or the acquisition of professional traineeship;

b) a vocational secondary education programme;

c) a vocational secondary education programme, provided that the documents certifying the acquisition have been supplemented by the documents supporting professional training or training referred to in Sub-clause "a" of this clause;

5) Level 5 - documents which certify that education or practical working skills have been acquired in at least one of the following ways:

a) general basic education or general secondary education;

b) a vocational education programme at the basic level and other education for the acquisition of which an education document corresponding to the Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 is not issued;

c) the passing of a special examination without the acquisition of previous education;

d) the duration of at least three years of professional experience at work with a normal working time or an equivalent duration of part-time work in the relevant profession during the period of the preceding 10 years prior to the submission of an application for the acquisition of the qualification recognition certificate.

(3) The professional qualification of an applicant shall be recognised in the following cases:

1) the documents submitted by the applicant conform to the requirements which have been specified for the relevant profession in the laws and regulations governing the field of the relevant professional activities in the Republic of Latvia;

2) the applicant may compensate the significant differences in the nature, content, and level of education in accordance with the additional requirements stipulated by the Cabinet for the recognition of professional qualification in such profession to which the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications is applied;

3) the duration and type of professional experience of the applicant conforms to the duration and type of professional experience stipulated by the Cabinet in relation to the professions to which the recognition of professional qualifications is applied on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant;

4) [10 September 2020];

5) [21 June 2018].

[17 July 2008; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 10 September 2020]

Section 44.¹ Provision of Temporary Services in the Field of Education, Science and Sport

[17 July 2008]

Section 45. Cases when Education and Professional Qualifications of Applicants Differs from the Requirements Put Forward by the Republic of Latvia

(1) Education and professional qualifications of applicants shall differ significantly from the requirements put forward for the relevant profession regulated in the Republic of Latvia in the following cases:

1) the education acquired by the applicant is shorter by more than one year than that specified in the Republic of Latvia;

2) the content of the study subjects (study courses) and courses of further education acquired by the applicant differs significantly from that specified in the Republic of Latvia or the education acquired does not comprise all the study subjects (study courses), the knowledge of which is significant, when pursuing professional activities in the relevant profession in the Republic of Latvia;

3) the regulated profession in which the applicant wishes to pursue professional activities in the Republic of Latvia comprises one or several regulated professional activities, which are not included in the relevant profession in his or her home country, and for the pursuing of such professional activity or activities in the Republic of Latvia, such study subjects (study courses) shall be acquired, which are not comprised in the education acquired by the applicant;

4) the relevant profession is not regulated in the home country of the applicant, and the evidence of education and formal qualifications submitted by the applicant have been issued for the acquisition of non-regulated education.

(2) If the professional qualification of the applicant does not differ significantly from the requirements put forward in the regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia, the professional qualification shall be recognised in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, applying additional requirements in relation to the duration and type of the professional experience of the applicant in his or her home country.

(3) If the professional qualification of the applicant differs significantly from the requirements put forward for the relevant regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia, the institutions which issue qualification recognition certificates, in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, are entitled to put forward the requirement to the applicant for an adaptation period or the taking of an aptitude test:

1) giving the applicant the right of choice to fulfil one of the abovementioned requirements;

2) determining the fulfilment of one of the referred to requirements as mandatory (without giving the applicant the right to choose);

3) determining the execution of both abovementioned requirements as mandatory.

(4) The requirements laid down for professional experience in Paragraph two of this Section and the requirements laid down in Paragraph three for the adaptation period or for the examination of the conformity of professional qualifications shall be substantiated by the applicant. The adaptation period shall not exceed three years. The applicant may also acquire the necessary education and training during the adaptation period.

(5) The professional qualification of the applicant shall be recognised as non-compliant with the requirements put forward for the relevant regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia, if the evidence of his or her education and formal qualifications:

1) does not meet the additional requirements laid down in accordance with Paragraph two of this Section;

2) is not applicable to the conditions of the professional aptitude test or adaptation period;

3) is not applicable to the recognition of professional qualification on the basis of the professional experience of the applicant in the regulated professions in the fields of those economic activities for which specific requirements have been put forward in relation to the general or professional knowledge and skills;

4) does not meet the requirements laid down in Section 37, Paragraph one, Clause 4 of this Law.

(6) In the cases specified in Paragraph five of this Section the applicant has, in order to commence professional activities in a regulated profession, the obligation to fulfil the requirements which have been laid down for the acquisition of the relevant professional qualification in the Republic of Latvia in the laws and regulations governing the field of professional activities. Information authorities and authorities issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualification shall assess the content and duration of education of the relevant person on the basis of the diplomas, certificates, and other evidence of qualification submitted, taking into account the professional experience of the person, the vocational in-service training in the profession and shall inform the applicant of the necessary duration and content of additional training the acquisition of which is essential for activities in the relevant regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia. In such case the applicant has the right to take an examination immediately, in order to prove that he or she has the necessary knowledge.

(7) If the professional qualification of the applicant differs significantly from the relevant requirements brought forward for the profession regulated in the Republic of Latvia, the authorities which issue certificates of recognition of professional qualifications in the regulated professions are entitled, in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, in assessing each case separately, to recognise professional qualifications in relation to part of the professional activities of the regulated profession, if the following conditions have been fulfilled:

1) the professional qualifications of the applicant have been recognised in his or her home country in the professional activities in which the recognition of professional qualifications is requested in relation to part of the professional activities of the regulated profession;

2) the differences between the professional activities performed by the applicant in his or her home country and the relevant profession regulated in the Republic of Latvia are so great that the application of additional requirements for the recognition of professional qualifications would mean the completion of a full education programme;

3) the professional activities to which the recognition of professional qualifications is applied in relation to part of the professional activities of the regulated profession may be objectively distinguished from other activities which are part of the relevant profession regulated in the Republic of Latvia. The authorities issuing professional qualification certificates shall take into account whether the professional activities may be pursued separately in the home country of the applicant.

(7¹) In regulated professions in the field of health care, Paragraph seven of this Section shall apply to professional qualifications acquired in a European Union Member State or a country of the European Economic Area.

(8) An aptitude test may be determined for a candidate in accordance with that specified in Section 42, Paragraphs five and six of this Law before he or she provides temporary professional services in the Republic of Latvia for the first time if the relevant services conform to such regulated professional activities which are related to the health and safety of the recipient of services and the conditions referred to in Paragraph seven of this Section.

(9) After recognition of the professional qualifications referred to in Paragraph seven of this Section in relation to part of the professional activities of the regulated profession, a person shall use the professional name accepted in his or her home country when pursuing his or her professional activities or providing temporary professional services. The title shall be indicated in the language of the home country of the service provider and the translation thereof in the Latvian language shall appended. The title shall clearly reflect the scope of the professional activities.

(10) The recognition of the professional qualifications referred to in Paragraph seven of this Section in relation to a part of the professional activities of the regulated profession shall not be applied to applicants whose professional qualifications are recognised in accordance with that specified in Section 34, Paragraph one, Clause 2 of this Law.

(11) Professional qualifications in respect of a part of the professional activities of the regulated profession need not be recognised and the procedures referred to in Paragraphs seven and eight of this Section need not be applied if it is necessary for the protection of public health and safety.

(12) If the applicant has acquired the professional qualification in a country which is not a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association, Paragraph three, Clause 1 of this Section shall not be applied to the recognition of his or her professional qualification.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 11 April 2019; 18 February 2021; 16 March 2023]

Section 46. General Provisions for the Professional Adaptation and Aptitude Test of Applicants

(1) An authority issuing the qualification recognition certificates in the relevant profession, in accordance with the requirements stipulated by the Cabinet shall determine the duration of the adaptation period of an applicant and, in conformity with the wishes of the applicant as much as possible, shall approve a specialist under whose supervision the applicant shall spend the adaptation period. At the conclusion thereof a work assessment shall be given, the criteria and procedures of which are determined by the abovementioned authority.

(2) In order to perform an aptitude test of the applicant, the authorities issuing the qualification recognition certificates in the relevant profession shall determine detailed procedures for the aptitude test, develop a list of study subjects or courses for the acquisition of which, in comparison with the extent of education specified in the relevant regulated profession in the Republic of Latvia, the applicant does not have a document certifying the relevant education and the acquisition of which is essential in order for a person to work in the relevant profession. The abovementioned subjects and courses may include both theoretical knowledge and practical skills which are necessary in the relevant profession, and also knowledge of professional standards in the relevant field.

(3) In determining the content of the aptitude test, the fact that the professional qualification of the applicant in his or her home country is recognised as sufficient for work in the relevant profession shall be taken into account.

(4) The professional aptitude test shall take place not later than within six months from the date of the determination of such examination. The applicant shall, not later than a month before the aptitude test, be informed of the content and procedures thereof.

(5) The provisions for the entry and residence of the applicant at a time when he or she is preparing for the aptitude test or is spending the adaptation period in the Republic of Latvia shall be determined by the Immigration Law.

(6) During the adaptation period of the applicant in the Republic of Latvia, the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia governing employment relationship shall apply thereto. The applicant shall acquire the right to State social insurance services at the time of the occurrence of a case of social security if the criteria for obtaining the relevant social insurance service are met and the applicant is socially insured in accordance with the law On State Social Insurance.

[4 November 2004; 12 November 2015; 10 September 2020]

Section 47. Recognition of Qualification on the Basis of the Professional Experience of Applicants

(1) This Section applies to the recognition of professional qualifications in the regulated professions in such fields of economic activities for which specific requirements have been brought forward in relation to the general, commercial, or professional knowledge and skills and shall be applied by issuing the qualification recognition certificate to citizens of the European Union Member States.

(2) The issuance of qualification recognition certificates in the regulated professions referred to in Paragraph one of this Section may not be refused, using a non-compliant qualification as the grounds for refusal, if the professional qualification or skills of the applicant and his or her right to pursue independent activities in the relevant profession certified in the documents issued by the competent authorities of the home country have not been compared with the requirements which have been brought forward for this profession in the Republic of Latvia. If such comparison is necessary, the authorities issuing the qualification recognition certificates in the relevant professions shall make such comparison and:

1) issue the qualification recognition certificate in the relevant profession to the applicant, if the professional qualification of the applicant conforms to the requirements brought forward for this profession in the Republic of Latvia (including the requirements of Section 3, Paragraph five of this Law);

2) determine the necessity of an adaptation period or aptitude test in accordance with Section 46 of this Law, if the professional qualification of the applicant differs significantly from the requirements brought forward for this profession in the Republic of Latvia.

(3) In relation to the regulated professions referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, the certification of the professional qualification of a citizen of a European Union Member State shall be both the certification of the professional qualification referred to in Paragraph two of this Section and an adequate professional experience in the relevant profession in the home country. The duration and type of experience necessary for the recognition of the qualification of the applicant shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(4) The fulfilment of the provisions of Paragraph three of this Section shall be certified by a document issued by the competent authorities of the home country of the applicant which the applicant shall append to the application for the issuance of the qualification recognition certificate for the relevant professional activities in the Republic of Latvia.

[4 November 2004]

Chapter IX
Provisions for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications in Relation to Professions to which the Special System for Recognition is Applied

Section 48. Recognition of the Professional Qualification of Architects

(1) This Section shall relate to activities in the field of architecture, if the title of the profession of architect is used.

(2) Such diplomas, certificates, and other evidence of formal qualification of an architect shall be recognised in the Republic of Latvia which are recognised in the European Union, conform to the requirements which are laid down in this Law and Cabinet regulations regarding the minimum requirements of an education programme for the acquisition of the professional qualification of an architect, and give the right to operate in the relevant countries, using the title of the profession of an architect.

(3) The certificate of an architect which has been awarded in a European Union Member State or in a member state of the European Free Trade Association according to the same provisions as are referred to in Section 8, Paragraph five of this Law shall be regarded as conforming to the requirements laid down in Paragraph two of this Section.

(4) The documents referred to in Section 34 of this Law and Paragraphs two and three of this Section, after the relevant procedure of recognition performed by the authorities issuing the qualification recognition certificates in the profession of architect, and after receipt of the qualification recognition certificate, give the right to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of architect in the Republic of Latvia.

(5) [3 June 2010]

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 3 June 2010]

Section 49. Recognition of Professional Qualifications in the Professions in the Field of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy

(1) Such diplomas, certificates, and other evidence of formal qualifications which are recognised in the European Union and conform to the requirements laid down in this Law and Cabinet regulations regarding the minimum requirements of an education programme for the acquisition of a professional qualification shall be recognised in the Republic of Latvia in the following professions:

1) a doctor;

2) a dentist;

3) a nurse (general care nurse);

4) a midwife;

5) a veterinary surgeon;

6) a pharmacist.

(2) [10 September 2020]

(3) [10 September 2020]

(4) The documents referred to in Section 34 of this Law and Paragraph one of this Section, after the relevant procedure of recognition performed by the authorities issuing the qualification recognition certificates in the profession of architect and after receipt of the qualification recognition certificate, give the right to pursue independent professional activities in the profession of architect in the Republic of Latvia.

(5) An applicant who wishes to acquire the basic specialities, sub-specialities, or additional specialities of the profession of doctor or dentist or a diploma in the sub-speciality of dentistry or other corresponding certificates of qualification which are not awarded in the home country thereof shall fulfil the requirements laid down in the Republic of Latvia for the acquisition of the relevant professional qualification. Information authorities and authorities issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualification shall assess the content and duration of education of the relevant person on the basis of the diplomas, certificates, and other evidence of qualification submitted, and taking into account the professional experience of the person, the vocational in-service training in medicine, shall inform the applicant of the duration and content of the necessary additional training.

(6) A person with a recognised professional qualification in the profession of a doctor, dentist, nurse, or doctor and a person who has obtained an education and professional qualifications in the relevant profession certified by a document in accordance with Section 10, 12, or 14, Section 36, Clause 5 or 6 of this Law or directly applicable legal acts of the European Union may apply for the recognition of a professional qualification in the basic speciality, sub-speciality, or supplementary speciality of the profession of a doctor, dentist, nurse, and physician assistant, applying the general system of recognition of professional qualifications.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 10 September 2020 / The new wording of Clause 3 of Paragraph one shall come into force on 1 January 2022. See Paragraph 9 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 50. Provision of Temporary Services in the Field of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or Architecture

[17 July 2008]

Section 51. Recognition of Professional Qualifications Obtained in Foreign Countries in Seafaring Professions

In the professions in the field of seafaring for which the qualification requirements are determined by the international agreements approved by the Saeima and the legal acts of the European Union, professional qualifications obtained in a foreign country shall be recognised in accordance with these agreements and legal acts of the European Union.

[10 September 2020]

Section 52. Recognition of Professional Qualifications in Other Professions in the Field of Transport

[11 April 2019]

Section 53. Provisions for the Professional Practice of Lawyers of the European Union Member States and the Member States of the European Free Trade Association in the Republic of Latvia

(1) The professional qualification and the title of the profession of lawyer of a European Union Member State and a member state of the European Free Trade Association (also other countries which, in accordance with the international agreements approved by the Saeima have the rights of the European Union Member States specified in these agreements in the field of the recognition of professional qualification), which has been recognised in the European Union and certified by evidence of the professional rights issued by the competent authorities of his or her home country, without determining the conformity of the referred to qualification with the requirements laid down in the Republic of Latvia, shall be recognised in the Republic of Latvia.

(2) The recognition of the professional qualification of lawyer within the meaning of Paragraph one of this Section gives the right to pursue professional activities in the Republic of Latvia, using the title of the profession specified in the home country and expressed in the language of the home country, specifying the authority which has granted the relevant person the right to pursue professional activities, i.e.:

1) to provide temporary services (if evidence of the professional rights has been submitted to the Latvian Council of Sworn Lawyers);

2) to work independently in the profession (if the person is registered with the Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates).

(3) A lawyer whose professional qualification and rights have been recognised within the meaning of Paragraphs one and two of this Section is entitled to participate in court proceedings only together with a lawyer of the Latvian Collegium of Sworn Advocates.

(4) For applicants from the European Union Member States, member states of the European Free Trade Association and other countries which have the rights of a European Union Member State in the field of the recognition of professional qualification, the certificate of the recognition of professional qualification in the profession of lawyer in the Republic of Latvia shall be issued by the Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates, if:

1) the applicant has the evidence of professional qualification and rights of lawyer recognised in the home country and he or she has successfully passed the aptitude test in accordance with Section 46, Paragraph two of this Law; or

2) the applicant has pursued professional activities in the Republic of Latvia for at least three consecutive years, using the title of the profession in accordance with the provisions referred to in Paragraph two, Clause 2 of this Section, and has certified the necessary knowledge and practice acquired in the field of law of the Republic of Latvia.

(5) A lawyer of a European Union Member State and a member state of the European Free Trade Association (also other countries which,, in accordance with the international agreements approved by the Saeima, have the rights of the European Union Member States specified in these agreements in the field of the recognition of professional qualification), whose professional qualification has been recognised within the meaning of Paragraph four of this Section, has the same right to professional activities as a lawyer of the Republic of Latvia.

(6) The requirements referred to in this Section for the professional qualification, certification of knowledge and the procedures for the registration of lawyers of a European Union Member State and a member state of the European Free Trade Association (also other countries which, in accordance with the international agreements approved by the Saeima, have the rights of the European Union Member States specified in these agreements in the field of the recognition of professional qualification) practising in the Republic of Latvia, and also the provisions for the professional practice thereof shall be regulated by the Advocacy Law.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008]

Section 53.¹ Recognition in the Republic of Latvia of the Qualification of Professional Patent Attorneys of European Union Member States and Countries of the European Economic Area

(1) The qualification of a professional patent attorney of a European Union Member State and a country of the European Economic Area which has been certified by the documents issued by the competent authorities of the relevant country regarding the right to operate as a professional patent attorney in this country shall be recognised in the Republic of Latvia.

(2) The qualification of a professional patent attorney within the meaning of Paragraph one of this Section shall be recognised by the Patent Office in accordance with the Law on Industrial Property Institutions and Procedures.

[16 March 2023]

Section 54. Cases When the Professional Qualification of Applicants Partially Corresponds to the Minimum Requirements

(1) If an applicant for activities in the regulated professions in the field of medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or architecture has evidence of education and formal qualifications which certifies that he or she has acquired an education conforming to the requirements of this Law (in relation to the structure, content, and specialisation), but which does not conform to the relevant minimum requirements stipulated by the Cabinet, he or she shall also need a document issued by the competent authority of a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association which certifies the professional experience of a specific duration in this profession in the relevant Member State. The duration and type of the additional experience necessary shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(2) [17 July 2008]

(3) If an applicant for activities in the regulated professions in the field of medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or architecture has the evidence of formal qualifications which has been issued in a European Union Member State or a member state of the European Free Trade Association, but whose title does not conform with the titles approved by the Cabinet, he or she shall additionally need a document which has been issued by the competent authorities of the European Union Member State or the member state of the European Free Trade Association in which the qualification has been obtained regarding education and the professional title (qualification) awarded in the relevant country being equivalent to the education, qualification, and professional title referred to in the list approved by the Cabinet.

(4) [17 July 2008]

(5) [17 July 2008]

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008]

Part C
Ensuring the Implementation of Law

Section 55. Accreditation of Education Programmes of Regulated Professions

The accreditation of the education programmes of regulated professions shall take place in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Education Law and other laws.

Section 55.¹ Issue of a European Professional Card

(1) A European Professional Card shall be issued to a person who has the right to pursue professional activities in the Republic of Latvia and who is applying for the provision of temporary professional services in a profession regulated in another European Union Member State if the professional activities in this profession are not related to the health and safety of the recipient of services or if the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications is applied for the recognition of professional qualifications.

(2) A European Professional Card shall be issued to a person:

1) who has acquired education and professional qualifications in another European Union Member State and is applying for independent professional activities in a profession regulated in the Republic of Latvia;

2) whose country of legal status is another European Union Member State and who is applying for the provision of temporary professional services in a profession regulated in the Republic of Latvia in which the professional activities are related to the health and safety of the recipient of services and the special system for the recognition of professional qualifications is not applied for the recognition of professional qualifications.

(3) If a person who has the right to pursue professional activities in the Republic of Latvia is applying for the receipt of a European Professional Card for independent professional activities or for the provision of temporary professional services in another European Union Member State in a regulated profession in which the professional activities are related to the health and safety of the recipient of services, the application for a European Professional Card shall be received, examined, and sent to the competent authority of the host country.

(4) A European Professional Card shall be issued in professions which have been specified in the directly applicable legal acts of the European Union in the field of the recognition of professional qualifications.

[21 June 2018; 10 September 2020]

Section 56. Functions of Coordination and Information in the Field of Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualification

(1) The Cabinet shall:

1) approve the coordinator for the recognition of professional qualifications;

2) determine the procedures by which a European Professional Card shall be issued and cancelled in the Internal Market Information System and the procedures by which information related to the receipt of applications for a European Professional Card and the keeping of the personal file of the applicant, the processing and further direction thereof shall be ensured in the Internal Market Information System;

3) determine the procedures by which applications of such persons who have acquired education and professional qualifications in the Republic of Latvia and are applying for the receipt of a European Professional Card in other European Union Member States or countries of the European Economic Area shall be received, examined, and sent to the competent authorities of the host country in the Internal Market Information System;

4) determine the procedures by which information shall be sent in the Internal Market Information System to the competent authorities of other European Union Member States and countries of the European Economic Area on persons with a professional qualification to whom the right to pursue professional activities in the regulated profession is restricted or denied in the Republic of Latvia;

5) determine the procedures by which information received in the Internal Market Information System from another European Union Member State or country of the European Economic Area on persons with a professional qualification to whom the right to pursue professional activities in regulated professions is restricted or denied shall be transmitted for processing, including deletion, to authorities which issue certificates of the recognition of professional qualification in regulated professions;

6) determine the authorities which issue and cancel the European Professional Card and ensure the receipt of applications for a European Professional Card and the keeping of the personal file of the applicant, the processing and further direction thereof;

7) determine the authorities which shall accept, examine, and send to the competent authorities of the host country the applications of those persons who have acquired education and professional qualifications in the Republic of Latvia and are applying for the receipt of a European Professional Card in other European Union Member States;

8) determine the authorities which shall send information to the competent authorities of other European Union Member States on persons with professional qualifications to whom the right to pursue professional activities in the regulated profession is restricted or denied in the Republic of Latvia.

(2) The coordinator for the recognition of professional qualifications shall:

1) coordinate the cooperation between authorities issuing the qualification recognition certificates and information authorities in issues related to the recognition of professional qualifications;

2) maintain communication with the European Commission and the relevant foreign authorities and ensure exchange of information on the legal acts and the responsible authorities in the field of the recognition of professional qualifications;

3) participate in the work of the Committee for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications of the European Commission.

(3) The Academic Information Centre:

1) [21 June 2018];

2) shall maintain and continuously update the website with information on the recognition of professional qualifications in the Republic of Latvia, and also maintain and continuously update the database of regulated professions;

3) shall provide consultations and support in issues of the recognition of professional qualifications;

4) [21 June 2018];

5) shall cooperate with the competent authorities and ensure that information on persons with professional qualifications to whom the right to pursue professional activities in the regulated profession is restricted or denied in the Republic of Latvia is received in the Internal Market Information System and sent to the competent authorities of the European Union Member States and the countries of the European Economic Area;

6) [21 June 2018].

(4) [21 June 2018]

(5) The information authorities in the field of activities thereof shall:

1) provide information to those inhabitants of Latvia who wish to work in European Union Member States and member states of the European Free Trade Association on the legal acts, the requirements, the information authorities, and the competent authorities of the relevant countries in the field of regulated professions;

2) provide information on the laws and regulations, requirements of the professional ethics, academic and professional requirements for education and professional qualification in the field of the regulated professions in the Republic of Latvia;

3) [21 June 2018];

4) [21 June 2018];

5) [21 June 2018];

6) maintain communication with the competent authorities of foreign countries in order to ensure mutual exchange of information in the field of the regulated professions;

7) [21 June 2018];

8) maintain a register of the applications submitted and examined;

9) [21 June 2018].

(6) If necessary, the information authority shall prepare a temporary statement and send it to the authority issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualification in the relevant profession for the creation of an expert commission. The composition of the expert commission shall be determined by the authority which issues the qualification recognition certificates, also including representatives of the information authority therein. The expert commission shall submit its opinion to the authority which issues the certificates of the recognition of professional qualification.

(7) In the field of seafaring, the functions of a coordinator and information authority shall be performed by the Register of Seafarers of valsts akciju sabiedrība "Latvijas Jūras administrācija" [State joint-stock company Maritime Administration of Latvia] in accordance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and the amendments thereto and the 1995 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel.

(8) The Cabinet shall determine the competent authorities of the Republic of Latvia which shall issue the documents necessary for the recognition in foreign countries of the professional qualification acquired in Latvia, the procedures for the issuance of these documents, and the fee for the issuance thereof.

[23 October 2003; 4 November 2004; 2 November 2006; 17 July 2008; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 16 March 2023]

Section 57. Authorities Issuing the Certificates of the Recognition of Professional Qualification in the Regulated Professions

(1) Authorities issuing certificates of the recognition of professional qualifications in the regulated professions shall, in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, examine the applications of applicants for the receipt of the qualification recognition certificate in the relevant regulated profession and the documents attached thereto. These authorities may take the following decisions:

1) to recognise professional qualifications, including professional qualifications in relation to a part of the professional activities of the regulated profession, and to issue a certificate of the recognition of professional qualifications for professional activities in the Republic of Latvia;

2) to request additional documents in accordance with this Law;

3) to determine an adaptation period and the aptitude test of the qualification or one of these;

4) to refuse the recognition of professional qualification, including the recognition of professional qualifications in relation to a part of the professional activities of the regulated profession;

5) to issue a permit for the provision of temporary professional services;

6) to examine the qualification of a temporary professional service provider in accordance with Section 42 of this Law;

7) to refuse to issue a permit for the provision of temporary professional services;

8) to cancel a permit for the provision of temporary professional services if the professional activities of a temporary service provider in Latvia do not conform to the characteristics of temporary services specified in Section 42, Paragraph one of this Law.

(2) The authorities referred to in this Section shall cooperate with the authorities referred to in Section 56 of this Law and ensure exchange of information with the relevant foreign and European Union competent authorities in order to ensure the coordination of the requirements of education and professional qualifications in the Republic of Latvia and foreign countries and mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

(2¹) The authorities referred to in this Section shall, in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, cooperate with the Academic Information Centre and provide information on persons with professional qualifications to whom the right to pursue professional activities in the regulated profession is restricted or denied in the Republic of Latvia, and also receive information from another European Union Member State on persons with professional qualifications to whom the right to pursue professional activities in the regulated profession is restricted or denied.

(2²) The authorities referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall cooperate with the responsible authorities of the European Union Member States and the countries of the European Economic Area in the field of the recognition of regulated professions and professional qualifications, using the Internal Market Information System.

(3) Professional organisations are entitled to participate, in an advisory capacity, in the work of those authorities issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualification, when they are reviewing matters related to the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in foreign countries.

[4 November 2004; 17 July 2008; 12 November 2015; 21 June 2018; 18 February 2021]

Section 58. General Provisions for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications

[21 June 2018]

Section 59. Annulment and Suspension of Operations of a Certificate of Recognition of Professional Qualifications

Authorities issuing the certificates of the recognition of professional qualification are entitled to annul the certificates of the recognition of professional qualification or to suspend the operation thereof, or suspend the operation of a professional qualification certificate if violations of laws and regulations or the provisions of professional activities have been established.

[4 November 2004]

Transitional Provisions

1. Part B of this Law shall come into force on 1 January 2003.

2. The Cabinet shall, by 1 January 2002, approve the requirements referred to in Section 6, Clause 2 of this Law.

3. The persons who, until the day of the coming into force of this Law, have obtained the right to pursue activities in any of the regulated professions shall retain this right even if the professional qualification of this person does not conform to the requirements of this Law. This right shall be retained for the period which corresponds to the period between certification and re-certification, if such is provided for in the relevant profession. Further rights to activities in this profession shall be determined by provisions in respect of, and results of, certification (re-certification).

4. Until the day of the coming into force of the regulations provided by Section 6, Clause 2, Section 26, Paragraph one, Section 27, Paragraph five, Section 36, Clauses 5 and 6, Section 54, Paragraph one and Section 56, Paragraph eight of this Law but not later than by 30 April 2005, the following Cabinet Regulations shall be in force insofar as they are not in contradiction with this Law:

1) Cabinet Regulation No. 370 of 20 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Education of Doctors and Documents Certifying Professional Qualification which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

2) Cabinet Regulation No. 372 of 20 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Education of General Care Nurses and Documents Certifying Professional Qualification which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

3) Cabinet Regulation No. 373 of 20 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Education of Architects and Documents Certifying Professional Qualification which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

4) Cabinet Regulation No. 374 of 20 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Education of Veterinary Surgeons and Documents Certifying Professional Qualification which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

5) Cabinet Regulation No. 375 of 20 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Education of Midwives and Documents Certifying Professional Qualification which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

6) Cabinet Regulation No. 379 of 22 April 2004, Minimum Requirements of Education Programmes for the Acquisition of the Professional Qualification of a Driver (Administrator) for Road Haulage;

7) Cabinet Regulation No. 394 of 22 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Education of Dentists and Documents Certifying Professional Qualification which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

8) Cabinet Regulation No. 395 of 22 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Institutions which Issue the Documents Required to Inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia for the Recognition of Their Professional Qualification in Foreign States;

9) Cabinet Regulation No. 424 of 22 April 2004, Regulations Regarding Education of Pharmacists and Documents Certifying Professional Qualification which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

10) Cabinet Regulation No. 426 of 22 April 2004, Regulations Regarding the Professional Titles of Lawyers Acquired in Foreign States which are Recognised by Applying the Special System for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications;

11) Cabinet Regulation No. 732 of 24 August 2004, Regulations Regarding the Minimum Requirements of Education Programmes for the Acquisition of the Professional Qualification of a Veterinary Surgeon and Regarding Institutions under Direct Control of which Practical Education in the Profession of a Veterinary Surgeon may be Acquired;

12) Cabinet Regulation No. 845 of 12 October 2004, Procedures by which Information Institutions and Institutions Which Issue the Certificates of the Recognition of Professional Qualifications in the Regulated Professions shall Examine the Documents Submitted by Applicants for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Acquired in Foreign States for Independent Professional Activities in the Republic of Latvia;

13) Cabinet Regulation No. 846 of 12 October 2004, Regulations Regarding the Recognition of Professional Qualifications on the Basis of the Duration and Type of Professional Experience in the Individual Fields of Economic Activities.

[4 November 2004]

5. Section 32.² of this Law shall come into force on 1 January 2008.

[2 November 2006]

6. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2018, issue the regulations referred to in Section 36, Clause 14 and Section 56, Paragraph one, Clauses 6, 7, and 8 of this Law. Until the day of the coming into force of the provisions referred to in Section 36, Clause 14 of this Law but not later than until 31 December 2018, Cabinet Regulation No. 298 of 10 June 2003, Procedures by Which an Applicant Shall Cover Expenses Related to the Recognition of the Professional Qualifications of a Person, shall be applicable insofar as they are not in contradiction with this Law.

[21 June 2018]

7. Until making the relevant amendments to other laws and regulations, the term "independent expert in the field of the energy efficiency of buildings" used therein shall conform to the term "independent expert on the energy efficiency of buildings" used in this Law.

[21 June 2018]

8. The Cabinet shall, by 31 October 2020, issue the regulations referred to in Section 36, Clause 9 of this Law. Until the day of the coming into force of this Regulation but not later than until 31 October 2020, Cabinet Regulation No. 168 of 28 March 2017, Procedures for the Provision of Temporary Professional Services in a Profession Regulated in the Republic of Latvia, shall be applicable insofar as they are not in contradiction with this Law.

[10 September 2020]

9. Amendments regarding the new wording of Section 9, Paragraph one, Clause 4 of this Law, the supplementation of Section 14, Paragraph three f this Law with Clause 3, the new wording of Section 14, Paragraph four of this Law, and the new wording of Section 49, Paragraph one, Clause 3 of this Law shall come into force on 1 January 2022.

[10 September 2020]

10. Persons who have acquired the education specified in Section 14, Paragraph three, Clauses 1 and 2 of this Law until 31 December 2021 are entitled to continue independent professional activities in the profession of a nurse (general care nurse).

[10 September 2020]

11. Students who have been matriculated in an education programme for nurses implemented by medical colleges until 2 September 2021 shall, until 31 December 2021, undertake an education programme for nurses the duration of which is three years of full-time studies and which comprises 4600 theoretical and clinical contact hours, the duration of theoretical training representing at least one-third and the duration of the clinical training at least one half of the total duration of the training, and from 1 January 2022 continue studies in the second level higher vocational education study programme with the qualification to be obtained "nurse (general care nurse)".

[10 September 2020]

12. Persons who have acquired the education specified in Section 14, Paragraph eight of this Law by 31 August 2020 are entitled to continue their own professional activities in the profession of dental practitioner's assistant.

[10 September 2020]

13. The Cabinet shall, by 31 August 2023, issue the regulations referred to in Section 56, Paragraph eight of this Law. Until the day of the coming into force of the abovementioned regulations but not longer than until 31 August 2023, Cabinet Regulation No. 128 of 14 February 2006, Regulations For Institutions that Issue to the Inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia Documents Necessary for the Recognition of their Professional Qualifications in Foreign States, and Procedures for Issuance of such Documents, shall be applied insofar as it is not in contradiction with this Law.

[16 March 2023]

Informative Reference to European Union Directives

[4 November 2004; 17 November 2005; 13 December 2007; 17 July 2008; 3 June 2010; 5 December 2013; 12 November 2015; 16 February 2017; 21 June 2018; 10 September 2020; 16 March 2023]

The Law contains legal norms arising from:

1) Council Directive 77/249/EEC of 22 March 1977 to facilitate the effective exercise by lawyers of freedom to provide services;

2) [21 June 2018];

3) [21 June 2018];

4) [21 June 2018];

5) [21 June 2018];

6) [21 June 2018];

7) [21 June 2018];

8) [21 June 2018];

9) [21 June 2018];

10) [21 June 2018];

11) [21 June 2018];

12) [21 June 2018];

13) [21 June 2018];

14) [21 June 2018];

15) [21 June 2018];

16) [21 June 2018];

17) [21 June 2018];

18) [21 June 2018];

19) [21 June 2018];

20) [12 November 2015];

21) Directive 98/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 to facilitate practice of the profession of lawyer on a permanent basis in a Member State other than that in which the qualification was obtained;

22) [21 June 2018];

23) [21 June 2018];

24) [21 June 2018];

25) Directive 2002/84/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 November 2002 amending the Directives on maritime safety and the prevention of pollution from ships (Text with EEA relevance);

26) Directive 2003/103/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 amending Directive 2001/25/EC on the minimum level of training of seafarers (Text with EEA relevance);

27) [12 November 2015];

28) Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted;

29) Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (Text with EEA relevance);

30) [10 September 2020];

31) Directive 2013/55/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 amending Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications and Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System m (Text with EEA relevance);

32) Directive 2008/106/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on the minimum level of training of seafarers and Directive 2012/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 amending Directive 2008/106/EC on the minimum level of training of seafarers;

33) Directive 2014/66/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the framework of an intracorporate transfer;

34) Directive (EU) 2018/958 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 June 2018 on a proportionality test before adoption of new regulation of professions.

The Law has been adopted by the Saeima on 20 June 2001.

President V. Vīķe-Freiberga

Rīga, 6 July 2001

¹ The Parliament of the Republic of Latvia

Translation © 2023 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)