The Latvian government has moved to streamline the building registration process, eliminating the requirement for cadastral surveying before a building can be commissioned. The decision, made on Tuesday, follows approval by the Saeima on November 13th of amendments to the Construction Law.
New Unified Registration System
These amendments introduce a unified building registration process set to begin on January 6th, 2026. The government has since aligned seven additional Cabinet of Ministers regulations to support this change. Under the new system, if a building is registered through this unified process, a separate cadastral survey will no longer be necessary prior to commissioning.
Data entered into the Construction Information System (BIS) will be automatically shared with the State Land Service, replacing the current manual submission of documents by property owners or legal possessors. This change establishes a single registration process covering the start of construction, building registration, and property rights registration.
Impact on Development
The amendments also include changes to the Land Register Law and the Law on the Registration of Real Estate in the Land Register. The unified registration process will apply to all construction projects on landowners’ property, including renovations and restorations. The changes are intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, accelerate building commissioning, and lower overall costs for real estate development.
The new procedure will be implemented next year and will also apply to all construction projects submitted to BIS before the end of this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cadastral surveying?
Cadastral surveying is currently required before a building can be commissioned. The new regulations eliminate this requirement if the building is registered through the unified building registration process.
When will the new system take effect?
The unified building registration process will begin on January 6th, 2026. However, the new procedure will also apply to all construction projects submitted to BIS by the end of this year.
What types of projects will be covered by the new regulations?
The unified registration will apply to the construction of buildings and engineering structures carried out by landowners on their own property, including renovation and restoration projects.
Will the streamlined process lead to faster construction timelines and reduced costs for developers?