Every business in Latvia is registered in a specific legal form, and the abbreviation in its name — SIA, AS, IK and so on — tells you a lot about its size, liability and governance. Here is what each form means, with the number of active entities of each type in this directory.
SIA – limited liability company
Sabiedrība ar ierobežotu atbildību is by far the most common business form in Latvia: 96,670 of the 97,891 companies listed here are SIAs. Shareholders are liable only up to the value of their shares, and a single founder is enough. It is the default choice for small and medium-sized businesses, start-ups and foreign-owned subsidiaries. The standard minimum share capital has long been EUR 2,800, but check current rules before incorporating.
AS – joint-stock company
Akciju sabiedrība is used by larger businesses, banks, insurers and companies whose shares are traded on Nasdaq Riga. It requires a supervisory board in many cases and a much higher minimum share capital than an SIA (traditionally EUR 25,000). The directory lists 698 active joint-stock companies — see the largest employers to find many of them.
IK – individual merchant
Individuālais komersants is a sole trader registered in the Commercial Register. The owner is personally liable for the business's obligations. Because the trading name usually identifies a private person, individual merchants are not listed in this directory.
ZS – farm
Zemnieku saimniecība is a traditional form for family farms and rural businesses. 0 farms appear in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and elsewhere.
KS, PS and cooperatives
- PS (pilnsabiedrība) – general partnership; all partners are jointly liable (168 listed).
- KS (komandītsabiedrība) – limited partnership with at least one fully liable partner (36 listed).
- Kooperatīvā sabiedrība – cooperative society, common in agriculture, forestry and housing (0 listed).
Branches, associations and foundations
A filiāle is a branch of a Latvian or foreign company (319 listed). Biedrība (association, 0 listed) and nodibinājums (foundation, 0 listed) are non-profit organisations; many run sports clubs, cultural programmes, schools and social services and employ staff.
Quick reference
| Abbreviation | Latvian name | English | In directory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIA | Sabiedrība ar ierobežotu atbildību | Limited liability company | 96,670 |
| AS | Akciju sabiedrība | Joint-stock company | 698 |
| ZS | Zemnieku saimniecība | Farm | 0 |
| PS | Pilnsabiedrība | General partnership | 168 |
| KS | Komandītsabiedrība | Limited partnership | 36 |
| IK | Individuālais komersants | Individual merchant | not listed |
Next: learn how to verify a Latvian company before doing business with it.