Is national defence service compulsory in Latvia?
Yes — but not for everyone, and not at once. National defence service applies to Latvian citizens — men born after 1 January 2004, and the call-up takes place within one year of turning 18. Volunteers — both men and women — may apply from 18 up to the age of 27. If there are not enough volunteers, conscripts are selected at random using a number-generating programme — so a summons can arrive even if you applied for nothing. The service lasts 11 months. And it can be postponed — but no later than the age of 26 and only for serious reasons, such as a university scholarship, membership of a national sports team or parental leave.
📋 The rules
- Applies to men born after 01.01.2004
- Call-up within a year of turning 18
- Volunteers: 18–27, women included
- Selection is made at random
- Length of service: 11 months
🔓 Exceptions
- Service may be postponed for serious reasons, but no later than the age of 26
- Grounds include a university scholarship, a national team place or parental leave
- If there are enough volunteers, compulsory selection may not take place at all
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Ignoring the summons is expensive. For failing to attend the medical examinations at the place and time stated in the Ministry of Defence summons, or for not completing them without good reason, a conscript can face a warning or a fine of up to 150 penalty units, that is up to €750. And failing to report for service itself is more serious still: the Military Police may take you to the place of service by force, and the fine can run from €50 to €5,000. This is not theoretical — hundreds of offence proceedings have already been opened for evading the checks, and the penalties are actually imposed. If you have a genuine reason — health, studies, family — apply for a postponement in writing and in good time rather than staying silent and hoping the summons goes away.
📎 Official sources
- likumi.lv · National Defence Service Law →
- Ministry of Defence · Service →
- Kļūsti karavīrs · Call-up →
❓ Frequently asked
Who must serve?
Latvian male citizens born after 1 January 2004. The call-up takes place within one year of turning 18, and conscripts are selected at random from those liable, using a number-generating programme.
Can women serve?
They can, but only as volunteers. Latvian citizens of either sex may apply voluntarily from the age of 18 up to the age of 27, and recent intakes have attracted more volunteers than places available.
How long is the service?
Eleven months of military service in a regular unit of the National Armed Forces or in the National Guard. Call-ups take place several times a year, and the unit is assigned by a separate decision.
Can service be postponed?
It can, but no later than the age of 26 and only for serious reasons — for example a university scholarship, a place in a national sports team, or parental leave. The postponement must be requested in good time.
What if I do not turn up?
Failing to attend the medical checks brings a warning or a fine of up to 750 euros. If you fail to report for service, the Military Police may bring you there by force, and the fine runs from 50 to 5,000 euros.
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