A reader of the portal la.lv expressed dissatisfaction with the appearance of Latvian pension certificates. According to the woman, they are made "carelessly and do not work outside the country."
Yana writes: "I have a pressing question about the pension certificate. This is simply disrespectful to us! A piece of paper that says 'Pensionāra apliecība' in Latvian, with my name, surname, and personal code written in blue ink.
In 2012, I was at the Louvre in Paris and passed through without waiting in line as a pensioner — I was ASHAMED. Who can read what is handwritten there, especially since it’s only in Latvian?
Nothing has changed since then. Why can’t we, even for a fee, get a digital certificate?
In Hungary, all pensioners from EU countries travel for free on public transport. I just want to not be ashamed to show my certificate."
"This is only partially true"
The press secretary of the State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA), Iveta Dain, explains the situation.
According to the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations, VSAA issues certificates to individuals receiving old-age or service pensions.
The pension certificate is a laminated plastic card of standard size (85.5×54 mm) with a seal and holographic protection. On the back, there is a hologram confirming the status of the pension recipient.
As for traveling abroad — in museums and other institutions abroad, when discounts for pensioners are provided, they usually require a document that verifies identity and age, rather than a pension certificate from another country.
By the way, in July 2025, VSAA proposed to stop issuing such certificates: their design is outdated, production creates administrative burden, and pensioner status can be confirmed by a passport or ID card.
The Ministry of Welfare is considering this proposal and consulting with organizations for the elderly.
The editorial notes that pension certificates are issued free of charge. However, it is indeed possible to find photos online where the data on the card is handwritten.
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