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ECOVIS AG Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Ernst-Reuter-Platz 10 10587 Berlin, Germany http://www.ecovis.com
Contact Ms Julia Hanke +49 89 5898266

LATVIA: Virtual escape from administrative burden in Latvian commercial law

(PresseBox) (Munich, )
More than a year ago – on May 2, 2013 – the Latvian Parliament adopted changes to Latvian Commercial Law (Komerclikums – LV., KCL). These amendments took effect on July 1, 2013. Their aim is to prevent the unlawful takeover of companies. With a view to achieving this objective, the Latvian legislature has chosen to significantly increase the number of documents requiring notarized signature and to regulate more strictly the recording of the shareholders register and transfer of shares. It should be noted that the above mentioned amendments are not evaluated unequivocally by legal practitioners and scholars. There is an opinion that Latvian legislature has failed to achieve its own objective – to bring security to the business environment. Instead the new order has created a disproportionate burden for business activities.

The requirement for notarized signatures is often described as one of the most cumbersome, but in reality, this request is not as severe as it may seem at first glance.

Notarized signature
Following these amendments, the signature of a person shall be notarized on documents – such as applications regarding procuration, minutes of shareholders’ and council meetings, change of board members, register of shareholders, amendments to the articles of association, etc. At the same time KCL provides that the requirement to notarize the signature is deemed as complied with if the signature has been certified by a sworn notary or an official of the Commercial Register Office or – if the document is drawn up in electronic form – it has been signed by a secure electronic signature. Hence the person, whose signature in this case must be notarized, has two options: first, he or she can go directly to the sworn notary or the official of the Commercial Register Office; second, the person can sign documents electronically at a time and place convenient for him or her.

Secure electronic signature
Until relatively recently, in Latvia an electronic signature was used rarely and with scepticism. Now, however, it is being used more and more frequently. It should be emphasized that the use of an electronic signature is particularly suitable for foreign investors. Still, when using the opportunities offered by an electronic signature, one must take into account two important factors: (1) if at least one of the persons who has to sign the document uses a secure electronic signature, it must also be used by the others, and (2) all such persons shall have a secure electronic signature issued by the certified service provider in the same EU jurisdiction. In Latvia the only certified service provider is the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (Latvijas Valsts Radio un Televīzijas centrs), whose secure electronic signature can be issued to foreigners if they obtain a Latvian residence permit. Inter alia, a Latvian temporary residence permit is also available to foreigners who have been registered in the Commercial Register as a members of the board of directors or a member of the council, proctor, administrator, liquidator or a member of a partnership having the right to represent the partnership.

In conclusion, although positive development is taking place slowly, Latvian legislation is moving toward a more secure and modern business environment. Merchants must be flexible and ready to use the opportunities provided by law and technical development.







Author
Katrina Salmgrieze
ECOVIS Convents, Riga, Latvia

ECOVIS AG Steuerberatungsgesellschaft

Ecovis is a leading global consulting firm with its origins in Continental Europe. It has over 4,000 people operating in 50 countries. Its consulting focus and core competencies lie in the areas of tax consultation, accounting, auditing and legal advice.
The particular strength of Ecovis is the combination of personal advice at a local level with the general expertise of an international and interdisciplinary network of professionals. Every Ecovis office can rely on qualified specialists in the back offices as well as on the specific industrial or national know-how of all the Ecovis experts worldwide. This diversified expertise provides clients with effective support, especially in the fields of international transactions and investments - from preparation in the client's home country to support in the target country.
In its consulting work Ecovis concentrates mainly on mid-sized firms. Both nationally and internationally, its one-stop-shop concept ensures all-round support in legal, fiscal, managerial and administrative issues.
The name Ecovis, a combination of the terms economy and vision, expresses both its international character and its focus on the future and growth.
www.ecovis.com

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The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.