Latvia Conscription: Mandatory Service Rules
Latvia maintains mandatory military service. Here are the official rules, exemptions, and what conscripts can expect.
- ▸Conscription active: Yes
- ▸Length: 11 months
- ▸Applies to: Male citizens
Yes — Latvia has active conscription
Latvia requires mandatory military service of approximately 11 months for male citizens. Conscription was reintroduced in 2023 (first call-ups July 2023) after abolition in 2006. VAD service is 11 months in the regular military path; alternative civilian/MoD-system service is also 11 months. Initial cycles relied on volunteers, with mandatory call-up phased in.
Exemptions and alternative service
Most conscription systems include medical exemptions, conscientious objector provisions, and alternative civilian service paths. Specific exemption criteria are published by the relevant national defense or manpower authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is military service mandatory in Latvia?
Yes, for approximately 11 months for male citizens.
How long is mandatory service in Latvia?
Approximately 11 months for standard service. Some branches and specialties differ.
- Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor — Latvia compulsory military service 2024; LSM.lv reporting (https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2023-10-04/latvia-new-law-introduces-compulsory-military-service-starting-in-january-2024/)