Deadline for volunteering for Latvia's state defence service extended to 17 March 2027

Latvia's Ministry of Defence has extended until 17 March 2027 the deadline by which young people can volunteer for the July 2027 intake of the state defence service, the country's national service system. The ministry says it wants to give young people more time for a considered decision and urges them not to leave the choice until the last minute.

Volunteer applications for 11-month service in the January 2027 intake also remain open.

Options for young people

People aged 18 to 27 can apply. In the January intake, they can choose 11 months of military service in the Air Force or the Staff Battalion.

The July intake offers a wider choice: 11 months in regular units of the National Armed Forces or in the Home Guard (Zemessardze), five years of service in the Home Guard, or intensive Home Guard courses. The courses are intended for athletes, students and others who want to complete their service duties in one uninterrupted period within a year.

Volunteers can choose the type of service and state a preferred place of service. They are also not subject to the random selection process.

Selection and compensation

Random selection for the July intake will take place on 2 December 2026. Those who have not yet turned 18 by that date but will reach adulthood later can still volunteer until 17 March.

Volunteers in 11-month service will receive 600 euros a month, while those chosen by random selection will receive 300 euros a month. All state defence service soldiers will receive a discharge payment of 1,100 euros. Soldiers in the five-year Home Guard service will be compensated for the days on which they serve, and meals or a food allowance will be provided on those days.

After successfully completing 11 months of service, volunteers can apply for state-funded places at state universities and colleges, in full-time and part-time programmes, provided they meet the minimum admission requirements.