How to Access VID EDS in 2026: Smart-ID, eID, and eParaksts

On January 1, 2026, VID quietly closed the door on internet banking logins for its Electronic Declaration System (EDS). No announcement banners, no countdown clocks — just a login page that suddenly stopped accepting the authentication method roughly 40% of users relied on. Thousands of taxpayers discovered this change on March 1, when they tried to file their annual declarations and found themselves locked out.

Three methods remain. Here is how to set up each one.

Smart-ID: The Fastest Option

Smart-ID works through your smartphone. Setup takes about 10 minutes:

1. Download the Smart-ID app (iOS or Android)
2. Open your Latvian bank's mobile app (Swedbank, SEB, Citadele, or Luminor)
3. Follow the bank's Smart-ID activation process — this typically involves confirming your identity through the banking app
4. Once activated, return to eds.vid.gov.lv and select "Smart-ID" at login
5. Enter your personal ID number (personas kods), confirm the code on your phone

Smart-ID is free, requires no hardware, and works anywhere you have phone connectivity. It is the method we recommend for individual taxpayers and small business owners.

eID Card: The Hardware Route

Latvia's electronic identity card has an embedded chip for digital authentication:

1. Obtain an eID card from PMLP (Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde) — the migration office
2. Purchase a USB smart card reader (EUR 15-30 at Dateks, 1a.lv, or similar retailers)
3. Install the eID middleware software from eid.lv
4. Insert your eID card into the reader, navigate to eds.vid.gov.lv, and select eID login
5. Enter your PIN codes when prompted

The eID method is reliable but tethered to your card reader setup. If you travel frequently or switch between computers, Smart-ID is more practical.

eParaksts: For Business Users

eParaksts (electronic signature) comes in several forms — a smart card, a mobile app, and an integrated chip in newer ID cards. It provides a qualified electronic signature, which some corporate filings require beyond simple authentication.

Setup depends on the variant you choose. eParaksts Mobile is the most convenient: download the app, register at eparaksts.lv, and verify your identity at a service point. The process takes 1-2 business days for full activation.

For SIA directors who need to sign annual reports, shareholder resolutions, or other legally binding documents electronically, eParaksts is worth the setup effort. For routine tax filing, Smart-ID handles everything you need.

What to Do Right Now

If you have not set up any of these three methods, do it today — not on the day you need to file. Smart-ID activation takes 10 minutes. Waiting until the March 1 declaration opening is how people end up calling VID's support line, sitting on hold for 30 minutes, and still not getting their problem solved.

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Locked Out of EDS? We Can File for You.

If authentication issues are blocking your filings, do not let deadlines pass while you troubleshoot. As authorized representatives, our team submits declarations, views tax accounts, and manages correspondence with VID on your behalf.

Set up authorized representation →