backend/data/curated/startup_knowledge.json

[
  {
    "question": "What business structures are available in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Latvia offers several business structures: SIA (Sabiedrība ar ierobežotu atbildību) — Limited Liability Company, the most common for startups with minimum share capital of €2,800 (or €1 for micro-SIA with restrictions on profit distribution). IK (Individuālais komersants) — Sole Proprietorship, simplest to register, owner has unlimited personal liability. AS (Akciju sabiedrība) — Joint-Stock Company, minimum capital €35,000, required for public companies. Partnerships (PS and KS) and branches of foreign companies are also available. For most startups, SIA is the recommended choice due to liability protection and investor-friendliness.",
    "source": "Komerclikums (Commercial Law)",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/5490"
  },
  {
    "question": "How do I register a SIA (limited liability company) in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Steps to register a SIA: 1) Choose a company name and verify availability at ur.gov.lv — name must be unique and not misleading. 2) Prepare founding documents: articles of association (statūti) and founder's decision or memorandum of association. 3) Open a temporary bank account and deposit the share capital (minimum €2,800; can be €1 for micro-SIA but profit distribution is restricted until capital reaches €2,800). 4) Submit registration application to the Enterprise Register (Uzņēmumu reģistrs) online via latvija.lv or in person at their offices in Riga. 5) Pay state fee: €20 online, €40 in person, €200 for same-day registration. 6) Registration typically takes 1–3 business days. 7) After registration, register with the State Revenue Service (VID) as a taxpayer, and register employees if applicable.",
    "source": "Enterprise Register / latvija.lv",
    "url": "https://www.ur.gov.lv/en/"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is micro-SIA and how does it differ from regular SIA?",
    "answer": "Micro-SIA (Mikro-sabiedrība ar ierobežotu atbildību) is a simplified form of SIA introduced to lower the barrier for entrepreneurs. Key differences: share capital can be as low as €1 (vs €2,800 for regular SIA); however, profit cannot be distributed to shareholders until the share capital reaches €2,800. Micro-SIA has the same legal personality and liability protection as regular SIA — founders are not personally liable for company debts. Suitable for early-stage ventures where you want to test a concept without committing capital. Same registration process as SIA.",
    "source": "Komerclikums (Commercial Law)",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/5490"
  },
  {
    "question": "What taxes apply to startups and businesses in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Key taxes for Latvian businesses: (1) Corporate Income Tax (CIT) — 20% rate, but uniquely applied only to distributed profits (dividends), not retained/reinvested profits. This means if you reinvest all profits, you pay 0% CIT — a major competitive advantage. (2) Micro-enterprise tax — 25% flat rate on turnover (available for companies with annual turnover under €40,000, sole shareholder who is also the only employee or up to 5 employees). (3) VAT — 21% standard rate; reduced rates 12% and 5% for specific goods/services. VAT registration mandatory when turnover exceeds €40,000/year. (4) Social insurance contributions — 34.09% total: 23.59% employer share + 10.50% employee share of gross salary. (5) Personal income tax (PIT) — progressive: 20% up to €20,004/year, 23% for €20,004–€78,100, 31% above €78,100.",
    "source": "Likums par nodokļiem un nodevām / Uzņēmumu ienākuma nodokļa likums",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/34094"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the Startup Law (Jaunuzņēmumu darbības atbalsta likums) and how do I qualify?",
    "answer": "Latvia's Startup Law (adopted 2017) offers qualifying startups a fixed monthly social tax payment per employee of approximately €340/month (compared to the standard 34.09% of salary), for up to 3 years. This can save tens of thousands in labor costs for tech startups. To qualify: (1) Company must be registered in Latvia and less than 5 years old. (2) Less than 50 employees. (3) Annual turnover under €5 million. (4) Business model must be innovative and scalable — focused on creating a unique product or technology. (5) Must receive a positive assessment from the Startup Committee at the Ministry of Economics (em.gov.lv). (6) At least 51% of shares owned by individuals (not other legal entities). Apply through the Ministry of Economics website.",
    "source": "Jaunuzņēmumu darbības atbalsta likums",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/287272"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is LIAA and how does it support Latvian startups?",
    "answer": "LIAA (Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra / Investment and Development Agency of Latvia) is the main government agency supporting startups and innovation. Key programs: (1) Magnetic Latvia Startup Programme — provides startup visa for non-EU founders, mentoring, and ecosystem connections. (2) Co-financing programs — EU-funded grants for R&D, product development, and export. (3) Incubation support — connections to TechHub Riga and other incubators. (4) Export assistance — market research, trade missions, B2B matchmaking. (5) Investor connections — facilitates introductions to local and international VCs. Website: liaa.gov.lv. LIAA offices: Riga (Pērses iela 2), and regional offices.",
    "source": "LIAA",
    "url": "https://www.liaa.gov.lv/en"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the Startup Visa in Latvia and who is eligible?",
    "answer": "The Startup Visa (Startupes vīza) allows non-EU/EEA founders and key employees to live and work in Latvia while building their startup. Eligibility: (1) Company must be registered or planning to register in Latvia. (2) Must receive an endorsement letter from LIAA (proving the business is innovative/scalable). (3) Visa applicant must hold a key role — founder, CEO, CTO, or lead developer. Process: Apply to LIAA for endorsement → apply for D-category long-stay visa or temporary residence permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). Duration: up to 3 years, renewable. The visa covers the founder and can include family members. More info: liaa.gov.lv/en/startup-visa.",
    "source": "LIAA Startup Visa Programme",
    "url": "https://www.liaa.gov.lv/en/startup-visa"
  },
  {
    "question": "What are the VAT registration requirements in Latvia?",
    "answer": "VAT (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis / PVN) registration in Latvia: Mandatory registration threshold — annual taxable turnover exceeds €40,000. Voluntary registration — possible below this threshold (useful for B2B businesses to reclaim input VAT). Standard VAT rate — 21%. Reduced rates: 12% (medications, medical devices, baby foods, books, hotel accommodation), 5% (fresh fruit/vegetables, certain foodstuffs). Registration process: submit application to the State Revenue Service (VID) online via EDS (Electronic Declaration System) or at VID offices. VID will assign a VAT number (LV + 11 digits). VAT returns filed monthly if turnover > €14,000/quarter, or quarterly below this. Foreign businesses selling to Latvian consumers may need to register under OSS (One-Stop Shop) for EU VAT.",
    "source": "Pievienotās vērtības nodokļa likums",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/49840"
  },
  {
    "question": "What are social insurance contributions in Latvia and who pays them?",
    "answer": "Social insurance contributions (VSAOI — Valsts sociālās apdrošināšanas obligātās iemaksas) in Latvia total 34.09% of gross salary: Employer pays 23.59%; Employee pays 10.50% (deducted from gross salary). These contributions fund: pension (majority), unemployment insurance, disability, maternity/paternity, and workplace accident insurance. Self-employed persons pay 31.07% of income. The minimum monthly social contribution base is the minimum wage (€700/month in 2024). Micro-enterprise tax payers pay 25% of turnover which covers both social contributions and income tax (but provides lower pension accrual). Startup Law beneficiaries pay a fixed €340/month per employee instead of percentage-based contributions.",
    "source": "Valsts sociālās apdrošināšanas likums",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/4871"
  },
  {
    "question": "What accounting obligations does a Latvian company have?",
    "answer": "Accounting requirements for Latvian companies: (1) All companies must maintain bookkeeping in accordance with the Accounting Law (Grāmatvedības likums). (2) Records must be kept for 10 years. (3) Accounting must be done in euros (€) and in Latvian language (though English records can be kept alongside). (4) Annual report (gada pārskats) must be filed with the Enterprise Register within 4 months of financial year end — so by April 30 if your financial year is the calendar year. (5) Small companies (turnover < €800k, assets < €400k, employees < 25) can submit simplified reports. (6) Medium/large companies require audited financial statements. (7) VID must receive a copy of the annual report. Accounting can be done in-house or outsourced — many startups use Latvian accounting services (€50–200/month).",
    "source": "Grāmatvedības likums (Accounting Law)",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/72530"
  },
  {
    "question": "What employment contracts are required in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Employment in Latvia is governed by the Labour Law (Darba likums). Key requirements: (1) Written employment contract required — must be signed before work begins. (2) Contracts must include: employee and employer details, position/job description, start date, salary, working hours, probation period (if any, max 3 months). (3) Minimum wage is €700/month gross (2024). (4) Working hours — standard 40 hours/week, 8 hours/day. Overtime is compensated at 100% extra or time off. (5) Probation period — maximum 3 months, during which either party can terminate with 3 days notice. (6) After probation: employee must give 1 month notice; employer must give 1 month notice (or more depending on seniority) plus severance. (7) Annual leave — minimum 4 calendar weeks (20 working days). All employees must be registered with VID before their first working day.",
    "source": "Darba likums (Labour Law)",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/26019"
  },
  {
    "question": "How does corporate income tax (CIT) work in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Latvia's Corporate Income Tax (Uzņēmumu ienākuma nodoklis) is uniquely structured: the 20% rate applies only to distributed profits, not to profits retained in the business. This means: (1) If you reinvest all profits — you pay 0% CIT. (2) When you pay dividends to shareholders — you pay 20% CIT. The effective rate on distributed dividends is 20% (or 25% on the gross distributed amount). (3) Monthly CIT prepayment is required based on prior year dividends. (4) Certain expenses treated as deemed profit distributions are also taxed: excessive hospitality expenses, non-business expenses, loans to related parties. (5) This system strongly incentivizes reinvestment and growth — a major reason Latvia attracts tech startups. Annual CIT declaration filed by July 20th.",
    "source": "Uzņēmumu ienākuma nodokļa likums",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/34094"
  },
  {
    "question": "How do I register as an employer and hire employees in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Steps to hire your first employee in Latvia: (1) Register as an employer with the State Revenue Service (VID) — do this before the first employee's start date, via EDS (vid.gov.lv electronic system) or at a VID office. (2) Sign a written employment contract with the employee. (3) Report the new employee to VID electronically before or on their first day (VSAOI payer registration). (4) Calculate monthly payroll: gross salary → deduct employee's social contributions (10.50%) and PIT (20/23/31% progressive) → net salary paid to employee. (5) Employer pays 23.59% social contributions on top of gross salary to VID by the 15th of the following month. (6) Submit monthly payroll reports (algu nodokļu grāmatiņa) to VID. (7) Minimum salary is €700/month gross (2024). For Startup Law companies: pay fixed €340/month social tax per employee instead of percentage.",
    "source": "Darba likums / VID",
    "url": "https://www.vid.gov.lv/en/"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is an IK (Individuālais komersants / sole proprietorship) and when should I use it?",
    "answer": "IK (Individuālais komersants) is the Latvian equivalent of a sole proprietorship or sole trader. Key features: (1) Simplest and cheapest business structure — registration fee is €20 online. (2) The owner and the business are the same legal entity — you are personally liable for all business debts. (3) No minimum capital required. (4) Suitable for freelancers, consultants, service providers, and small traders. (5) Not suitable if: you need investors, have significant business risk, or plan to scale significantly. (6) IK income is taxed as personal income (20/23/31% PIT) plus social contributions. (7) IK can register for VAT same as any business. Compared to SIA: IK is simpler and cheaper but exposes personal assets to business risk; SIA separates personal and business liability.",
    "source": "Komerclikums (Commercial Law)",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/5490"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the micro-enterprise tax regime and who should use it?",
    "answer": "The Micro-enterprise Tax (Mikrouzņēmumu nodoklis) is a simplified flat-rate tax of 25% on turnover. Eligibility: (1) Annual turnover must not exceed €40,000. (2) The company must have a sole owner who is also an employee. (3) Maximum 5 employees. (4) Not available to companies in certain regulated sectors (financial services, legal, etc.). Benefits: simple calculation and reporting — one payment covers CIT, PIT, and social contributions. Drawbacks: (1) 25% on turnover (not profit) can be expensive if margins are low. (2) Social contributions within the 25% provide lower pension accrual than standard social insurance. (3) Cannot deduct expenses. Suitable for: small service businesses with high margins and low expenses. Not suitable for: manufacturing, companies with significant costs, or those wanting full pension benefits.",
    "source": "Mikrouzņēmumu nodokļa likums",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/219493"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the annual report and when must it be filed?",
    "answer": "All Latvian companies (SIA, AS, IK above certain thresholds) must file an annual report (gada pārskats) with the Enterprise Register (ur.gov.lv). Deadline: within 4 months after the end of the financial year. For companies using the calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31), the deadline is April 30. Filing is done electronically through the ur.gov.lv online portal. The annual report includes: balance sheet, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement (larger companies), notes to financial statements, and management report. Small companies (turnover < €800k, assets < €400k, < 25 employees) can use the simplified format. Medium/large companies require an independent auditor's report. Filing fee: €10–20. Late filing results in fines and Enterprise Register can initiate company liquidation after 2+ years of non-filing.",
    "source": "Grāmatvedības likums / Komercreģistra likums",
    "url": "https://www.ur.gov.lv/en/"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the share capital requirement for a SIA in Latvia?",
    "answer": "For a standard SIA: minimum share capital is €2,800, which must be paid in full before registration (cash deposit to a temporary bank account, confirmed by bank statement). For micro-SIA: minimum share capital is €1, but profit distribution to shareholders is prohibited until the share capital reaches €2,800 through reinvested earnings. Share capital can be contributed in cash or in kind (assets, IP, etc.) — in-kind contributions above €5,700 require an independent valuation. The share capital is divided into shares (daļas) with a minimum value of €1 per share. Shareholders are liable only up to their contributed capital — personal assets are protected. Share capital can be increased or decreased by shareholder decision and amendment of the articles of association, registered with the Enterprise Register.",
    "source": "Komerclikums (Commercial Law)",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/5490"
  },
  {
    "question": "How do dividends work in Latvia and what tax applies?",
    "answer": "Dividends (peļņas sadale) in a Latvian SIA are distributed by shareholder decision after the financial year. Process: (1) Shareholders pass a decision to distribute profits. (2) The company pays 20% Corporate Income Tax on distributed dividends (paid by the company, not the shareholder). (3) Shareholders receive net dividends after CIT has been paid — for Latvian resident individuals, no additional PIT is owed. (4) Non-resident shareholders may be subject to withholding tax (0–15% depending on applicable double tax treaty). (5) Dividends can only be paid from realized profits shown in audited/approved financial statements. (6) Micro-SIA cannot pay dividends until share capital reaches €2,800. Effective CIT rate: to distribute €100 in net dividends, the company must have €125 in pre-tax profit (pays €25 CIT, distributes €100).",
    "source": "Uzņēmumu ienākuma nodokļa likums",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/34094"
  },
  {
    "question": "What are the GDPR requirements for Latvian startups?",
    "answer": "GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) applies fully in Latvia as in all EU member states. For startups: (1) If you process personal data of EU residents, GDPR applies regardless of where your company is registered. (2) You must have a legal basis for processing data (consent, contract, legitimate interest, etc.). (3) You must maintain a Record of Processing Activities (RoPA) — required for companies with 250+ employees, but recommended for all. (4) Privacy policy required for any website collecting data. (5) Data breach notification — must notify the Data State Inspectorate (Datu valsts inspekcija, dvi.gov.lv) within 72 hours of discovering a breach. (6) Data subjects have rights: access, correction, deletion, portability, objection. (7) Appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) required only in specific cases (large-scale data processing, sensitive data). Fines for non-compliance: up to €20M or 4% of global annual turnover.",
    "source": "Fizisko personu datu apstrādes likums / EU GDPR",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/id/169967"
  },
  {
    "question": "What IP protection is available for startups in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Intellectual property protection in Latvia: (1) Patents — protect inventions (products, processes). Apply through the Latvian Patent Office (lrpv.gov.lv) for national patents, or through EPO for European patents. Process takes 18-36 months, costs €500–2,000+. (2) Trademarks — register distinctive marks with the Latvian Patent Office (national) or EUIPO (EU-wide). Registration takes 3-6 months, cost ~€200–900. (3) Copyright — automatic, no registration needed. Protects software code, design works, literary and artistic works. Duration: author's life + 70 years. (4) Trade secrets — protected under the Law on the Protection of Trade Secrets. Requires reasonable secrecy measures (NDAs, access controls). (5) For software: copyright protection is automatic; patents possible for software-implemented inventions with technical effect. Recommended: register your company name as a trademark early to prevent competitors from using it.",
    "source": "Patentu likums / Preču zīmju likums",
    "url": "https://www.lrpv.gov.lv/en"
  },
  {
    "question": "How do I close or liquidate a company in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Voluntary liquidation of a SIA: (1) Shareholders pass a decision to dissolve the company (requires majority per articles of association). (2) Submit liquidation application to the Enterprise Register — a liquidator is appointed (usually the board member). (3) Enterprise Register publishes a notice in the official gazette — creditors have 3 months to submit claims. (4) Liquidator settles all debts, sells assets, collects receivables. (5) After debts settled, remaining assets distributed to shareholders. (6) Final liquidation report submitted to Enterprise Register. (7) Company removed from the Register. Timeframe: minimum 3 months (creditor claim period), typically 6-12 months total. If company has no assets/debts, simplified process available. Tax: VID must confirm all taxes settled before final strike-off. Alternative to liquidation: sell the company shares to a new owner.",
    "source": "Komerclikums (Commercial Law)",
    "url": "https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/5490"
  },
  {
    "question": "What incubators and accelerators are available for Latvian startups?",
    "answer": "Key startup support organizations in Latvia: (1) TechHub Riga (techhubriga.lv) — one of the largest tech communities in the Baltics. Offers coworking, events, networking, and connections to the Nordic-Baltic startup ecosystem. (2) Commercialization Reactor (commercializationreactor.eu) — accelerator program for deep-tech and science-based startups. Provides funding, mentoring, and business development. (3) Startup Wise Guys (startupwiseguys.com) — pan-European accelerator with Baltic roots. Strong track record in B2B SaaS, fintech, and sustainability. (4) LIAA Business Incubator Network — regional incubators across Latvia with subsidized office space and mentoring. (5) Riga TechGirls — support for women in tech. (6) Lattelecom/Tet Accelerator — corporate innovation program. (7) Baltic Sandbox — angel investor and accelerator network. Most programs accept English-language applications.",
    "source": "LIAA / TechHub Riga",
    "url": "https://www.liaa.gov.lv/en"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the Magnetic Latvia Startup Programme?",
    "answer": "The Magnetic Latvia Startup Programme is LIAA's flagship initiative to attract international talent and investment to Latvia's startup ecosystem. Key benefits for participating startups: (1) Startup Visa facilitation for non-EU founders and key team members. (2) Soft-landing support: help with company registration, banking, accommodation, and school enrollment for children. (3) Access to LIAA's network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners. (4) Introductions to Latvian venture capital funds and angel networks. (5) Access to EU co-financing programs for R&D and export. (6) Representation at international startup events (Web Summit, Slush, etc.). Eligibility: innovative, scalable business model with global ambitions. Apply at liaa.gov.lv/en/invest-latvia/why-latvia/magnetic-latvia-startup-programme. Latvia ranks highly in EU for startup-friendly tax environment, digital infrastructure (e-residency, X-Road-inspired services), and talent availability.",
    "source": "LIAA Magnetic Latvia",
    "url": "https://www.liaa.gov.lv/en/invest-latvia/why-latvia/magnetic-latvia-startup-programme"
  },
  {
    "question": "Can a foreigner start a company in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Yes, foreigners can fully own and manage Latvian companies. Key points: (1) No restrictions on foreign ownership — a SIA can be 100% owned by a non-Latvian person or company. (2) Foreign founders can register a company remotely using a notarized power of attorney, or in person at the Enterprise Register in Riga. (3) A Latvian bank account is required for share capital deposit — this can be challenging for non-residents; consider Revolut Business, Paysera, or Citadele (more startup-friendly). (4) Non-EU founders who want to live and work in Latvia need a startup visa or regular work/residence permit. (5) EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Latvia freely. (6) The company's registered address must be in Latvia (can use a virtual office service). (7) Board members don't need to be Latvian residents. Corporate language: Latvian (documents can be in other languages if certified translation provided).",
    "source": "Komerclikums / LIAA",
    "url": "https://www.ur.gov.lv/en/"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the Enterprise Register (Uzņēmumu reģistrs) and what does it do?",
    "answer": "The Enterprise Register (Uzņēmumu reģistrs, ur.gov.lv) is the official state authority responsible for: (1) Registering all commercial entities in Latvia: SIA, AS, IK, partnerships, branches, associations, foundations. (2) Maintaining the Commercial Register — a public database of all registered entities, their shareholders, board members, and statutory documents. (3) Publishing official notices (creditor claims, liquidation notices) in the official gazette (latvijasvestnesis.lv). (4) Accepting annual reports. (5) Registering changes: address, shareholders, board members, articles of association. All information in the Enterprise Register is publicly available at ur.gov.lv — anyone can check who owns a company and who the directors are. Registration and changes can be done online through the ur.gov.lv portal using eID or internet banking authentication.",
    "source": "Uzņēmumu reģistra likums",
    "url": "https://www.ur.gov.lv/en/"
  },
  {
    "question": "How do I register for taxes with VID (State Revenue Service)?",
    "answer": "VID (Valsts ieņēmumu dienests / State Revenue Service, vid.gov.lv) is Latvia's tax authority. Tax registration steps: (1) Register as a CIT payer — automatically done when you register the company with the Enterprise Register (VID receives the data electronically). (2) If you will have employees, register as an employer (VSAOI payer) at VID before hiring the first employee. (3) Register for VAT at VID when turnover exceeds €40,000/year or voluntarily before that. (4) Register for the EDS (Elektroniskā deklarēšanas sistēma) — VID's online portal for filing all tax declarations. Access with internet banking or eID. All tax filings and payments are done through EDS. Key reporting deadlines: VAT — by the 20th of the following month; CIT — annual report by July 20; Social contributions — by the 15th of the following month; Annual income declaration (for individuals) — April 1.",
    "source": "VID / Likums par nodokļiem un nodevām",
    "url": "https://www.vid.gov.lv/en/"
  },
  {
    "question": "What banking options are available for Latvian startups?",
    "answer": "Opening a bank account is a critical step for Latvian startups. Options: (1) Traditional banks: Swedbank, SEB, Luminor, Citadele — offer full-service business banking but have strict KYC requirements and can be slow for non-residents. (2) Fintech banks: Revolut Business — popular with tech startups, fast online setup, multi-currency. Paysera — Latvian fintech, good for e-commerce. (3) For share capital deposit: you need a Latvian bank confirmation of share capital — Citadele and some others offer this for non-residents more easily than others. (4) Startup-friendly options: Revolut Business can issue a share capital confirmation letter for €1 micro-SIA. (5) For EU grants and LIAA programs, a traditional Latvian bank account is often required. Having at least one account with a licensed Latvian bank (for official correspondence) alongside a fintech account for operations is a common setup.",
    "source": "Practical startup experience",
    "url": "https://www.ur.gov.lv/en/"
  },
  {
    "question": "What EU funding programs are available for Latvian startups?",
    "answer": "Latvia has access to significant EU funding through: (1) LIAA programs — co-financing for R&D (up to 50-80% of eligible costs), export development, and innovation. (2) ALTUM (altum.lv) — state development financial institution offering: startup grants (up to €200,000), business angel investment program, loan guarantees, and SME credit programs. (3) Horizon Europe — EU research and innovation program, open to Latvian companies for collaborative R&D projects. (4) ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) — supports digitalization, green transition, and SME competitiveness through Ministry of Economics programs. (5) ESF (European Social Fund) — training and upskilling programs. (6) EIC Accelerator — EU grant and equity for deep-tech startups (up to €2.5M grant + €15M investment). Apply through LIAA or directly at eic.ec.europa.eu. Many programs require Latvian company registration and matching funding.",
    "source": "LIAA / ALTUM / EU programs",
    "url": "https://www.altum.lv/en"
  },
  {
    "question": "What is the process for registering intellectual property (trademarks) in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Trademark registration in Latvia: (1) National trademark — apply to the Latvian Patent Office (Latvijas Republikas Patentu valde, lrpv.gov.lv). Application can be filed online. Cost: €70–140 depending on number of classes. Examination takes 3-6 months. Protection: 10 years, renewable. (2) EU-wide trademark — apply to EUIPO (euipo.europa.eu). Covers all 27 EU member states. Cost: €850 for 1 class online. Examination: 4-6 months. (3) International trademark (Madrid System) — via WIPO (wipo.int), extends protection to multiple countries. Before applying: conduct a similarity search in the trademark database to avoid conflicts. Trademark classes follow the Nice Classification — choose the classes covering your goods/services. For software companies: Class 42 (software, SaaS), Class 35 (marketing, business services), Class 38 (telecommunications) are most relevant.",
    "source": "Preču zīmju un ģeogrāfiskās izcelsmes norāžu likums",
    "url": "https://www.lrpv.gov.lv/en"
  },
  {
    "question": "What are the cybersecurity requirements for Latvian startups?",
    "answer": "Cybersecurity for Latvian startups: (1) CERT.LV (cert.lv) — Latvia's national cybersecurity authority. Provides free incident response support, threat intelligence, and best-practice guidelines. (2) NIS2 Directive — EU cybersecurity regulation affecting 'essential' and 'important' entities. If your startup operates in digital infrastructure, cloud, or data services, you may be subject to NIS2 requirements including risk management and incident reporting. (3) GDPR compliance includes technical security measures — encryption, access controls, breach detection. (4) For fintech/financial startups: additional cybersecurity requirements from the Financial and Capital Market Commission (FKTK). (5) ISO 27001 — widely recognized information security management standard; useful for enterprise customers and raising investment. (6) CERT.LV organizes free cybersecurity training and Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions. Latvia has a strong cybersecurity ecosystem through NATO CCDCOE based in Tallinn (regional umbrella).",
    "source": "CERT.LV / NIS2 Directive",
    "url": "https://www.cert.lv/en"
  },
  {
    "question": "What are the main costs of starting and running a company in Latvia?",
    "answer": "Key costs for a Latvian SIA: Setup costs: Enterprise Register fee €20 (online) or €40 (in person); Share capital €2,800 (or €1 for micro-SIA); Notary costs if required €50–200; Virtual office address €30–100/month. Ongoing annual costs: Accounting services €50–300/month; Annual report filing €10–20 state fee; VID registered taxpayer status (free). Tax costs: CIT 20% on dividends only; Social contributions 23.59% employer on gross salaries; VAT 21% (if registered, largely neutral for B2B). Optional: Trademark registration €70–850; Patent application €500–2,000+; Legal counsel for contracts €100–300/hour. Latvia is one of the cheapest EU countries for business setup and operation. Total first-year operating cost for a minimal SIA with 1 employee: approximately €5,000–15,000 in taxes and compliance costs (excluding salaries and product costs).",
    "source": "Enterprise Register / VID / practical experience",
    "url": "https://www.ur.gov.lv/en/"
  }
]