Jobs in Latvia – Work Permit, Visa, Salary & Hiring Guide

Latvia is a European Union member state and Baltic nation situated on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordering Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. A full EU and Schengen Area member since 2004 and a eurozone member since 2015, Latvia combines a strategically located and increasingly diversified economy with a rapidly modernising digital infrastructure, a growing technology and financial services sector centred on Riga, and a consistent demand for skilled workers across construction, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and transport.

Latvia faces well-documented and intensifying labour shortages driven by one of the most significant demographic challenges in the European Union. The country's population aged 15 to 64 is projected to decline by almost 30% by 2050 — from 1.167 million to 823,000 — according to Eurostat. By 2030, a shortage of more than 48,000 workers is forecast in engineering, manufacturing, and construction alone. The European Commission's Education and Training Monitor confirms shortages in construction, manufacturing, ICT services, and healthcare and social work, with all four sectors operating below the level needed to fully meet employer demand.

According to the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSB), the average monthly gross wages and salaries for the full year of the most recently reported period stood at €1,815, representing year-on-year growth of 7.7%. The median gross wage was €1,462. The highest-paying sector was financial and insurance activities at €3,077 gross per month, followed by information and communication at €2,861. The national minimum wage is €740 per month — effective from 1 January of the most recent adjustment.

This guide covers everything you need to know about jobs in Latvia — including 40 verified shortage occupations with salary data, and a complete, accurate guide to the Temporary Residence Permit for employment, EU Blue Card, Type D visa, and OCMA process based exclusively on official Latvian government sources. Whether you are a job seeker, an employer, or a recruitment agency, Moving2Europe.eu is here to connect you with verified opportunities across Latvia and the wider European region.

Europe Job Market Overview

Europe is experiencing structural and sustained labour shortages driven by ageing populations, demographic decline, and economic growth that domestic workforces cannot support. Latvia faces this challenge more acutely than almost any other EU member state — a shrinking working-age population, significant emigration of skilled workers to Western Europe, and rapidly expanding labour demand in IT, construction, and healthcare are creating persistent gaps that domestic recruitment alone cannot close.

Latvia's immigration framework for third-country workers is administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), accessible at pmlp.gov.lv, and the State Employment Agency (NVA), accessible at nva.gov.lv. The process combines a labour market test with a combined residence and work permit, issued by OCMA upon completion of the required steps.

For international job seekers, Latvia offers access to an EU and Schengen country with rising wages, a very low cost of living — particularly outside Riga — an English- and Russian-speaking professional environment, and a growing technology and startup ecosystem. For employers, the process is transparent and increasingly streamlined. For recruitment agencies, Latvia represents a consistently active and growing international labour market in the Baltic region.

Jobs in Latvia – Market Overview

Latvia's economy is driven by a growing financial and business services sector, information and communication technology, manufacturing including wood processing, food production, and metals, transport and logistics anchored by the port of Riga and Baltic transit trade, construction and infrastructure, tourism, and healthcare.

Key industries actively hiring international workers include:

Construction and Skilled Trades: Construction and related trades workers are Latvia's most acute-shortage occupational group, according to EURES and CSB data, with a 2.8% shortfall below the level needed to satisfy employer demand. Electricians, plumbers, welders, bricklayers, carpenters, and construction supervisors are in consistent, documented demand across all Latvian regions,t particularly in Riga.

Information Technology: Latvia's IT sector is one of the country's fastest-growing industries, with financial and insurance activities and information and communication consistently the top two highest-paying sectors. Software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and IT system administrators are in documented shortage, with ICT services showing a 2.5% vacancy shortfall.

Healthcare and Social Care: Latvia's ageing population and the emigration of healthcare professionals have created a persistent, well-documented shortage of nurses, caregivers, doctors, and physiotherapists. Healthcare and social work showed a 2.6% vacancy shortfall in the most recent European Commission assessment.

Manufacturing: Metal, machinery, and related trades workers are among the three occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations in Latvia, according to EURES data. Machine operators, maintenance technicians, mechatronics specialists, and manufacturing engineers are in consistent demand, particularly in industrial zones outside Riga.

Transport and Logistics: Truck drivers are among the most urgently needed workers in Latvia, with the State Employment Agency consistently identifying transport drivers as one of the highest-demand occupations. Latvia's position as a Central Baltic transit and logistics hub generates structural demand for professional drivers and logistics operatives.

Education: Latvia faces a shortage of approximately 16,000 teachers, with particularly acute demand for STEM subject teachers, Latvian language teachers, and special education specialists.

Top Cities for Jobs in Latvia

Jobs in Riga

Riga is Latvia's capital and dominant economic centre, home to over 60% of Latvia's total employment and the vast majority of the country's IT, financial services, professional services, and international business activity. The city pays the highest average wages in the country — the Riga region average gross monthly earnings were €1,990 in the most recent quarterly data — and offers the widest range of employment for both professional and skilled international workers.

IT professionals in Riga earn €2,000–€5,000 or more gross per month. Finance professionals earn €2,500–€4,500. Engineers earn €2,000–€3,500. Riga has a large Russian-speaking community alongside its Latvian-speaking majority, and English is widely used in professional, IT, and international business environments.

Jobs in Daugavpils, Liepāja, and Jelgava

Daugavpils in eastern Latvia, Liepāja on the western coast, and Jelgava in central Latvia are Latvia's second-, third-, and fourth-largest cities, respectively. All three offer employment in manufacturing, construction, transport, and services at lower nominal salaries, but with a significantly lower cost of living than in Riga. Daugavpils is a major industrial and manufacturing centre. Liepāja is an important port and industrial city with demand for manufacturing, logistics, and services. These regional cities often offer less competition for international candidates than Riga.

Jobs in Jēkabpils, Rēzekne, and Agricultural Regions

Regional towns across Latvia — including Jēkabpils, Valmiera, and Rēzekne — offer employment in agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and construction. Latvia's agricultural sector generates seasonal demand for harvest workers and greenhouse operatives. The Latgale region in eastern Latvia offers the lowest average wages in the country but also the lowest cost of living.

Job Opportunities in Latvia

Blue-Collar Jobs in Demand in Latvia

The following 20 blue-collar roles represent Latvia's most critical shortage occupations in skilled and trades sectors, based on verified data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, EURES Latvia, the State Employment Agency, and the European Labour Authority. All 20 have documented labour shortfalls across Latvia's primary employment regions.

Register as a Truck Driver → Browse Welder Opportunities →

White-Collar Jobs in Demand in Latvia

The following 20 white-collar roles represent Latvia's most critical shortage occupations in professional and highly skilled sectors, based on verified data from the Central Statistical Bureau, EURES Latvia, and the Ministry of Economics labour market forecasts.

Register as a Healthcare Worker → Explore All Opportunities →

Salary in Latvia

Latvia offers salaries below the Western European average but with consistently and rapidly rising wages, with average gross wages growing 7.7% year on year in the most recently reported full year, according to the Central Statistical Bureau. Latvia adopted the euro in 2015 and has a low cost of living compared to Western Europe — particularly outside Riga — providing strong real purchasing power relative to nominal salaries.

According to the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, the average monthly gross wages and salaries for the full year of the most recently reported period stood at €1,815, representing year-on-year growth of 7.7%. The gross median wage was €1,462. The financial and insurance activities sector leads with an average gross monthly earnings of € 3,077, followed by information and communication at €2,861. The Riga region pays an average gross monthly salary of € 1,990 — the highest in the country. The national minimum wage is €740 per month. Latvia's income tax system is progressive, ranging from 20% to 31%.

Work Permit Process in Latvia

Latvia's work permit and residence system for non-EU nationals(s ma), g vernegovernedby the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), the ccentralimmigration authority under the Ministry of the IInterior accessible at pmlp.gov.lv. The State Employment Agency — NVA — at nva.gov.lv manages the labour market test for most employment-based applications. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes visa information at mfa.gov.lv. Latvia is a full member of the EU and the Schengen Area.

Latvia integrates the right to work into the Temporary Residence Permit — the permit itself confirms both the right to reside and the right to work for the specified employer. Work permits are not issued separately.

Types of Work Authorisation for Non-EU Workers

• Temporary Residence Permit for Employment: The primary combined work and residence permit for non-EU nationals in long-term salaried employment. The employer applies through OCMA on the worker's behalf. Subject to a labour market test requiring the vacancy to be registered with the NVA for at least 10 working days. Valid for up to five years, renewable. Tied to a specific employer.
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals with a recognised higher education degree and a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,528 — at least 1.5 times the national average gross wage. No labour market test required. Valid for up to five years or the contract duration plus three months. Provides EU mobility rights after 18 months.
• Short-Term Employment: For employment of up to 90 days within 12 months. The employer submits an invitation request to OCMA.
• Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers employed by companies registered in OECD countries. Minimum monthly income of €3,843. Valid for up to one year with renewal option.
• Seasonal Employment Permit: For temporary work in agriculture, forestry, and selected seasonal industries.

Step-by-Step Work Permit Process

Step 1 – Secure a Confirmed Employment Contract.. The process begins with a signed or draft employment contract from a legally registered Latvian employer. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens may work freely in Latvia — they must register with the OCMA if staying for more than 90 days. Non-EU nationals require a Temporary Residence Permit before commencing employment.

Step 2 – Employer Registers the Vacancy With the State Employment Agency. For the standard Temporary Residence Permit route, the employer must register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency for at least 10 working days to demonstrate that no suitable Latvian or EU/EEA candidate is available. If no suitable candidate is found, the employer may proceed. The EU Blue Card route is exempt from this step.

Step OCMA..Employer SubmitTothe S:ponsorship Request.to OCMA. For long-term employment, the employer submits a sponsorship reqemployment-relateduding the employment-relatwork-relatedthe foreign workrelated to's documents on education and qualifications. For short-term employment, the employer submits an invitation request.

Step 4 – OCMA Reviews and Issues the Residence Permit Approval OCMA reviews the application and, if approved, issues the residence permit decision. Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee, reducing the time to 10 to 20 working days.

Step 5 – Worker Applies for the Type D Long-Stay Visa After OCMA issues the residence permit approval, the worker applies for a long-stay Type D visa at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate in their home country. Visa processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days.

Step 6 – Travel to Latvia and Collect the Residence Permit Card. The worker travels to Latvia on the Type D visa. Upon arrival, the worker visits OCMA to collect the physical Temporary Residence Permit card. All foreign documents must have been officially notarised, apostilled, and accompanied by a certified Latvian translation.

Step 7 – Register with the State Revenue Service as a Taxpayer.. The worker must register with the State Revenue Service (VID) as a taxpayer and provide their address to the local municipality.

Employers ready to begin the international hiring process can register here →

Work Visa Process in Latvia

The Type D long-stay visa is the entry document for non-EU nationals coming to work in Latvia. It is applied for at the Latvian embassy or consulate in the worker's home country after OCMA has approved the residence permit application. MMember isa ffull Schengenerof. The Schengen Area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes all visa information at mfa.gov.lv, and the OCMA at pmlp.gov.lv.

Step 1 – Confirm Visa Requirements for Your Nationality. Visit mfa.gov.lv to confirm whether your nationality requires a Schengen visa to enter Latvia. Latvia is a full member of the Schengen Area.

Step 2 – Confirm. the OCMA Residence Permit Approval Has Been Issued The Type D long-stay visa for employment can only be applied for after OCMA has issued the residence permit approval. Confirm with your employer that this has been completed before approaching the embassy.

Step 3 – Apply for the Type .D Visa at the Latvian Embassy or Consulate Submit your visa application at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days.

Step 4 – Travel to Latvia and Visit OCMA to Collect the Residence Permit Card. Travel to Latvia on the Type D visa. Visit OCMA to collect the physical Temporary Residence Permit card, which confirms both the right to reside and the right. to work.

Step 5 – Register as a Taxpayer and Register Your Address Register with the State Revenue Service and register your residential address with the local municipality.

Embassy Guidance

Use the OffPermits andCMA Blue Cards are available on the immigration information website ofBlue available on the website by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs at pmlp.gov.lv. This is the authoritative source for all permit-related matters.

Use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website for Visa Information: Visa requirements, Type D visa information, and Latvian diplomatic mission locations are published at mfa.gov.lv.

The Employer Must Register the Vacancy With the NVA Before Applying: For the standard Temporary Residence Permit route, the employer must register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency for at least 10 working days before submitting the sponsorship request to OCMA. Applications submitted without this step are rejected.

All Foreign Documents Must Be Notaa requirement for, Apostilleto be translated and submittedian Translation: This is ahave documents apostilledquirement for atransla requirement fore documentsapostilledilurethe OCMA leads to tos and rejection.

The EU Blue Card Does Not Require the Labour Market Test: For highly qualified workers earning at least €2,528 gross per month — 1.5 times the national average — the EU Blue Card route bypasses the NVA vacancy registration requirement entirely.

Latvian Language Proficiency Required for Permanent Residence: After five years of holding a Temporary Residence Permit, workers may apply for permanent residence. This requires passing a Latvian language test at level A2 and demonstrating knowledge of Latvian history and the national anthem.

Required Documents

The following documents are required or for an OCMA or Temporary tResident employee in Latvia, based on the requirements from OCMA at pmlp.gov.lv.

Always verify current document requirements at pmlp.gov.lv and with the Latvian embassy in your country before submitting.

How to Avoid Rejection

Failure to Register the Vacancy With the NVA for 10 Working Days: The standard Temporary Residence Permit route requires the employer to register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency and wait at least 10 working days before proceeding. and submittingthe sponsorship request to OCMA without completing this stwill result in to rejection.

Documents Not Apostilled or Not Accompanied by a Certified Latvian Translation: All foreign documents submitted to OCMA must be notarised, apostilled, and accompanied by official Latvitranslations ns. Documents submitted without an apostille or a certified translation are rejected.

Salary Below the National Minimum Wage: The employment contract must confirm a salary meeting at least the national minimum wage of €740 per month. For the EU Blue Card, the minimum is €2,528 gross per month.

Applying Before the OCMA DecDecision Issued: The Type D visa can only be applied DecisionMA hashas issuede tosidence permit ap.pApplyingisassembassy orehas issued p haresidencempleted. Applying at this stage 

Working Befstepe Residence PerPermit untilhe worker may not untilnt befbefore collecting theysiPermit untilcted Temporary uponenbe employed until the Latvia.

CResidence Permit card is collectedrmit: The Temporary Residence employerss tiepermit iscific employer. Changing employer requires the new employer to apply for a new residence permit through OCMA. The worker must not commence work with the new employer before the new permit is issued.

Hiring Foreign Workers in Latvia

Latvia urgently needs international workers across construction, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and transport. With a working-age population projected to shrink by almost 30% by 2050 and a government committed to maintaining economic growth, employers who build structured international hiring pipelines gain a decisive and lasting competitive advantage.

Why Hire International Workers in Latvia? Latvia's permit system is employer-driven and increasingly streamlined. The EU Blue Card bypasses the labour market test entirely for qualified professionals. OCMA's expedited processing option allows faster decisions for urgent hires. Latvia's low operating costs, central Baltic location, and growing technology ecosystem make it an attractive destination for international talent.

How to Begin the Hiring Process

Step 1 – Register as an Employer on Moving2Europe.eu Create your employer profile, specify your sector, required roles, and workforce needs. Register as an Employer →

S.tep 2 – Register the Vacancy With the State Employment Agency Register the vacancy at nva.gov.lv for at least 10 working days to demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available. For EU Blue Card hires, this step is not required.

Step 3 – Submit the Sponsorship Request to OCMA Submit the sponsorship request to OCMA with all required employer and worker documents, including the employment contract.

Step 4 –Issue a Signed Employment Contract. .Issue a contract confirming the role, salary at or above the minimum wage, and cconditions

Step 5 – SStartthe Visa and Permit Colion Process .After OCMA issues the aapproval assist the worker with with their TypeStartvisa ocumentationand Collectionvisupon OCMA to collect the perapprovalnarrival.

How Job SeekersApply

Step 1 visa documentationRequirementvisa uponour Nationality Visit mfa.gov.lv to confirm entry and visa requirements for your nationality.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents Gather your passport, qualification certificates, police clearance certificate, and health insurance. Ensure all documents are apostilled and accompanied by certified Latvian translations.

Step 3 – Register on Moving2Europe.eu

• Register as a Truck Driver →
• Register as a Welder →
• Register as a Healthcare Worker →
• Explore All Opportunities →

Step 4 – Apply for Available Positions Browse verified job listings and apply to positions that match your qualifications and experience.

Step 5 – Your Employer Submits the Sponsorship Request to OCMA Once you have a confirmed employment contract, your employer registers the vacancy with the NVA and submits the sponsorship request to OCMA.

Step 6 – Apply for the Type D V.visa.fter OCMA issues the approval, apply for the Type D visa at the Latvian embassy in your home country.

Step 7 – TrTravelo Latvia and Collect the Residence Permit Card A.fter arrival, visit OCMA to collect the physical Temporary Residence Permit card. Register as a taxpayer and register your residential address.

Recruitment Agencies & Partnerships

Moving2Europe.eu collaborates with international recruitment agencies, manpower supply companies, and staffing partners to build a consistent, reliable pipeline of pre-screened, work-ready candidates for employers across Latvia and the wider European region.

For agencies operating in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe, a partnership with Moving2Europe.eu provides direct access to a growing network of verified Latvian employers actively seeking international talent across construction, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and transport.

Why Partner with Moving2Europe.eu?

• Access to a verified network of Latvian employers actively hiring across all major shortage sectors
• A structured, transparent matching process aligned with Latvia's OCMA permit requirements
• Compliance support across the Temporary Residence Permit and EU Blue Card routes
• Long-term business development opportunities as Latvia's international workforce demand grows
• A trusted, professional platform built on transparency and accountability

Register as a Recruitment Partner →

DeclarationEurope.eu provides information related to jobs, work permits, visas, and internatiiring strictly for guidance purposes only. We do not guarantee job placement, work permit approval, or visa issuance under any circumstances.

All applications, hiring decisions, and approvals are subject to individual employer requirements, applicable immigration laws, and the final decision of the respective country's embassy or government authorities.

Users are strongly advised to independently verify all information, ensure the accuracy of their documents, and follow official procedures before submitting any application.