With one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Latvia is a destination of choice for many expats and international companies. Find out which expats need to obtain a work visa before moving to Latvia and what the current permit process is in 2025.

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Latvia is a European country that is distinguished by a highly developed economy, a stable political system and a high level of social development. That is why many expats choose to work in this country. We will tell you about the features of obtaining a Latvian work visa later in this article.

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Why do expats choose Latvia for work?

Candidates are tempted by working in Latvia for the following reasons:

- The minimum wage is €700.00 per month.

- 40-hour work week.

- 20 days of vacation.

- Paid sick leave: the employer compensates 75% of the salary for the 2nd-3rd day, 80% for the 4th-9th day, 80% by the government from the 10th day to 52 weeks.

- Attractive tax system:

Since the Latvian personal income tax system is progressive, people with higher incomes will usually be charged higher tax rates.

Real estate tax: ranges from 0.2% to 3% of the property value.

Who needs a work permit in Latvia?

In Latvia, citizens of non-EU/EEA countries need a work permit to work.

This requirement does not apply to citizens of EU/EEA countries, who can work in Latvia without a work permit, but must register their place of residence with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

Types of work visas in Latvia

Latvia offers several types of visas that are adapted to different employment needs, providing flexibility for both short-term and long-term stays.

- Long-term visa (type D) – issued for work exceeding 90 days. To apply, you need to have a job offer, and among the requirements is the mandatory receipt of a residence permit.

- EU Blue Card - intended for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries who have a valid job offer in Latvia.

- Seasonal work visa - for temporary work in sectors such as agriculture or tourism.

Requirements for a work permit in Latvia

To obtain a work permit in Latvia, both employers and employees must meet a certain number of criteria, including:

1. Availability of a valid passport - the employee must have a passport valid for at least three months after the planned stay, with two blank pages.

2. Employment contract - a signed contract or job offer from a Latvian employer is a prerequisite.

3. Proof of qualification - relevant diplomas or certificates to confirm the employee's suitability for the position.

4. Proof of residence - proof of residence in Lithuania.

5. Health insurance policy – ​​coverage for the entire period of stay in Latvia.

6. Proof of financial capacity – proof of sufficient resources to support your stay in Latvia.

Important! Proper preparation of documents ensures a responsible application procedure and speeds up the process of obtaining a permit.

Procedure for obtaining a work permit in Latvia

Step 1 – Register a vacancy

Employers must advertise the job through the State Employment Agency at least 10 business days in advance to prioritize local candidates.

Step 2 – Apply for sponsorship

Submit an employment contract and necessary documents to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

Step 3 – Apply for a visa

Upon approval, employees apply for a long-term visa at the Latvian embassy in their home country.

Step 4 – Obtain a residence permit

Employees must apply for the document upon arrival in Latvia.

Step 5 – Register with the tax authorities

The employee must register with the State Revenue Service.

How to get visa sponsorship in Latvia?

Employers play an important role in facilitating work visas for foreign workers. This includes proving that the position cannot be filled by local candidates and submitting all necessary documents to the regulatory authorities. Following these steps is crucial to ensuring a smooth process.

Fees for processing a work visa in Latvia

The fees for processing a work permit and visa depend on the type and processing time:

- Short-term visa – 90 euros.

- Long-term visa (type D) – 60 euros.

- Seasonal work visa – 45 euros.

How long does it take to get a work visa in Latvia?

The processing time for work permits and visas in Latvia is usually 10 to 15 business days. However, in some cases, especially when additional documentation is required or during peak application periods, the processing time can take up to 60 days.

How long is a Latvian work permit valid for?

Work permits in Latvia are usually issued for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of one year. Employers who wish to continue employing foreign workers must apply for an extension before the permit expires.

Latvia is a Baltic country that can be a good stage in building your career in Europe.

Consult an employment lawyer for assistance in obtaining a visa in Latvia and simplifying the procedure for moving abroad.

Reminder! Every year, tens of thousands of foreigners apply for jobs in Denmark, as the country offers competitive salaries, a variety of vacancies and a high standard of living. We have already talked about the features of the Danish labor market, the most popular vacancies and the average salary for foreigners in 2025.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Latvia;

Legal advice on immigration to Latvia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Latvia;

Medical insurance around the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.