Your Complete Guide to the Latvia Work Visa: Requirements, Process, and Job Opportunities

Latvia is an emerging employment destination in the Baltic region, offering growing opportunities for foreign workers across manufacturing, logistics, construction, IT, transport, healthcare, and services. Due to labour shortages and an ageing population, Latvian employers increasingly recruit non-EU workers to support economic growth.

As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Latvia provides legal employment opportunities, EU-standard labour protections, and structured pathways to long-term residence.

This guide explains everything you need to know in a clear, practical, and human tone.

Why Apply for a Latvia Work Visa?

Latvia offers foreign workers:

• Strong demand for non-EU workers
• Lower cost of living compared to Western Europe
• Stable EU labour laws and worker protections
• Clear employer-sponsored work permit process
• Long-term residence and renewal options
• Family reunification possibilities
• Access to the Schengen Area

Step-by-Step Latvia Work Visa Process

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Latvian employer

Only legally registered Latvian employers can sponsor non-EU workers.

Step 2: Employer applies for work authorisation

The employer submits documents to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) and the State Employment Agency.

Step 3: Work authorisation approval

Once approved, the employer confirms the visa application.

Step 4: Book an appointment at the Latvian Embassy or VFS

Schedule document submission and biometrics.

Step 5: Submit documents and biometrics

Please make sure all documents are accurate and complete.

Step 6: Attend the visa interview (if required)

Questions usually focus on your job role, employer, and staying in Latvia.

Step 7: Visa approval and travel to Latvia

After approval, the national work visa is stamped into your passport.

Latvia Work Visa From Abroad

Non-EU nationals apply for a National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) after receiving work authorisation from Latvian authorities.

Applications are submitted at the Latvian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global in the applicant’s home country.

Types of Latvian Work and Residence Permits

1. Temporary Residence Permit for Employment

The most common permit allowing foreign nationals to work in Latvia.

2. EU Blue Card

For highly skilled professionals meeting salary and qualification thresholds.

3. Seasonal Work Permit

For agriculture, forestry, and seasonal industries.

4. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit

For employees transferred from foreign branches to Latvia.

5. Startup Visa

For founders and employees of innovative startup companies.

Benefits of a Latvia Work Permit

• Legal right to live and work in Latvia
• Protection under EU labour laws
• Access to public healthcare and social security
• Possibility to renew and extend permits
• Family reunification eligibility
• Long-term residence and permanent settlement pathways
• Free movement within the Schengen Area

Eligibility Criteria for a Latvia Work Visa

Applicants must have:

• A valid job offer from a Latvian employer
• Approved work authorisation or residence permit
• Relevant skills or work experience
• Salary meeting Latvian legal requirements
• Clean criminal record
• Valid passport
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance coverage

Latvia Work Visa Requirements

Most applicants must submit:

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-size photographs
• Work authorisation or residence permit approval
• Signed employment contract
• Proof of accommodation in Latvia
• Police clearance certificate
• Health insurance
• Proof of qualifications or experience
• Visa fee payment receipt

The embassy may request additional documents.

How to Apply for a Latvia Work Visa (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Find a registered Latvian employer

Could you make sure the employer is authorised to hire non-EU workers?

Step 2: Employer applies for work authorisation

Submitted to Latvian immigration and labour authorities.

Step 3: Receive approval

Required before visa submission.

Step 4: Book an embassy or VFS appointment

Schedule your visa application.

Step 5: Submit documents and biometrics

Double-check accuracy and completeness.

Step 6: Attend interview (if required)

Could you explain your job role and employer clearly?

Step 7: Visa approval and travel

Once approved, travel to Latvia and begin employment.

Tips to Avoid Latvia Work Visa Rejection

• Apply only through genuine, registered employers
• Submit complete and truthful documentation
• Ensure salary meets legal requirements
• Match your skills with the job role
• Avoid unauthorised agents
• Prepare well for the embassy interview

Top In-Demand Occupations in Latvia

Below is an updated list of Latvia’s most in-demand jobs with approximate monthly gross salary ranges.

Occupation	Monthly Salary (EUR)	Requirements	Suitable For
Factory Worker	€1,100 – €1,700	No experience	Entry-level
Machine Operator	€1,300 – €2,100	Technical skills	Semi-skilled
CNC Operator	€1,600 – €2,600	CNC experience	Skilled workers
Welder	€1,500 – €2,500	Certification	Technicians
Electrician	€1,600 – €2,700	Qualification	Skilled trades
Construction Worker	€1,300 – €2,100	Experience	Labour
Warehouse Worker	€1,200 – €1,900	Physical fitness	Entry-level
Forklift Operator	€1,300 – €2,000	Forklift licence	Logistics
Truck Driver (C/CE)	€1,900 – €3,000	Valid licence	Drivers
Hotel & Restaurant Staff	€1,100 – €1,600	Basic English	Hospitality
Chef / Cook	€1,500 – €2,500	Experience	Culinary
Cleaner / Housekeeping	€900 – €1,300	No experience	Beginners
Caregiver	€1,200 – €1,900	Training	Healthcare
Nurse	€1,800 – €3,000	Qualification	Healthcare
IT Support	€1,800 – €3,000	IT background	IT workers
Software Developer	€2,500 – €4,500	Programming	Developers

Summary of Latvia’s Most Needed Job Sectors

1. Manufacturing & Industry

Machinery, electronics, wood processing, and factories.

2. Construction & Skilled Trades

Infrastructure, residential, and commercial projects.

3. Logistics & Transport

Warehousing, freight, and trucking services.

4. Hospitality & Services

Hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses.

5. Healthcare

Ongoing demand for nurses and caregivers.

6. Information Technology

Software development and IT support roles.

Latvia Work Visa Processing Time

• Work Authorisation / Residence Permit: 4–8 weeks
• Visa Processing: 2–4 weeks
• Total Timeline: 2–4 months

Processing time depends on workload and documentation quality.

Latvia Work Visa Cost

Typical expenses include:

• Visa Fee: €75 – €100
• Residence Permit Fee: €100 – €150
• Health Insurance: €30 – €80
• Document Translation & Legalisation: €50 – €150

Employers often assist with permit-related costs.

Official Government Job Portals in Latvia

Latvia provides official platforms for verified job searches and employment information.

State Employment Agency (NVA)

Website: https://www.nva.gov.lv

Provides:

• Verified job listings
• Labour market information
• Employer services
• Guidance for foreign workers

EURES – European Job Mobility Portal

Website: https://eures.ec.europa.eu

Provides:

• Latvia job listings
• EU employment support

Government Information on Work Permits in Latvia

Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA):

https://www.pmlp.gov.lv

Includes:

• Residence permit categories
• Application procedures
• Employer obligations

Temporary & Permanent Residence in Latvia

Official Information:

https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en

Explains:

• Residence permit renewals
• Long-term residence eligibility
• Permanent settlement rules

Official Latvia Visa Information

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

https://www.mfa.gov.lv

Provides:

• Visa requirements
• Embassy locations
• Application procedures

Locate Latvian Embassies and Consulates

Official Directory:

https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/embassies

Safe Use of Government Portals

Always:

• Use official government websites
• Verify employer registration
• Avoid agents promising guaranteed visas
• Confirm work authorisation before visa submission
• Never pay for fake job offers

How Can M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Help You?

M2S Group Sp. z o.o. is a trusted EU-based immigration support company offering clear, transparent, and personalised assistance.

Our services include:

• Free eligibility assessment
• One-on-one career consultation
• Complete Latvia work visa & residence permit guidance
• Document preparation and verification
• EU job search assistance
• Language and skill pathway support
• End-to-end immigration process management

Whether you’re planning to work in Latvia or build a long-term future in Europe, our team ensures accurate, reliable, and fully tailored support at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Latvia Work Visa

1. What is a Latvian work visa?

A Latvian work visa is a long-stay Type D national visa that allows non-EU nationals to enter Latvia for employment purposes and later obtain a residence permit authorising legal work and stay.

2. Who needs a Latvia work visa to work legally?

All citizens of non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss countries must obtain a Latvian work visa and residence permit before starting employment in Latvia.

3. What is the central work permit system in Latvia?

Latvia issues a Temporary Residence Permit for Employment, which allows foreign nationals to live and work legally for a specific employer.

4. Is a job offer mandatory for a Latvian work visa?

Yes. A confirmed job offer or signed employment contract from a registered Latvian employer is mandatory.

5. Who applies for the work authorisation in Latvia—the employer or the employee?

The employer registers the vacancy and employment, while the employee applies for the visa and residence permit.

6. What are the main types of Latvia work permits?

Common categories include:

• Residence Permit for Employment
• EU Blue Card
• Seasonal Work Permit
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit
• Highly Qualified Specialist Permit

7. What documents are required for a Latvia work visa?

Applicants generally need:

• Valid passport
• Long-stay visa application form
• Approved employment invitation
• Employment contract
• Proof of accommodation
• Police clearance certificate
• Health insurance
• Passport-size photographs
• Visa fee payment receipt

8. How long does Latvia's work permit processing take?

Work authorisation processing typically takes 30–60 days, depending on the type of permit and the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) workload.

9. How long does visa processing take at the Latvian embassy?

Visa processing usually takes 10–30 days after work authorisation approval.

10. How long is a Latvian work visa valid?

Work visas are generally issued for up to 1 year and are aligned with the employment contract.

11. Can I extend my stay in Latvia?

Yes. Temporary residence permits can be renewed if employment continues and requirements are met.

12. Can I change employers in Latvia?

Yes, but a new employment invitation and updated residence permit are required.

13. What is the Latvian residence permit for employment?

It is a biometric residence card that allows a foreign national to live and work in Latvia legally.

14. What is the EU Blue Card in Latvia?

The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified professionals who meet education and salary thresholds, offering easier long-term residence options.

15. Is biometric registration required for Latvia work visas?

Yes. Biometrics are collected when applying for the residence permit.

16. Is a criminal background certificate required?

Yes. Applicants must submit a clean police clearance certificate from their home country.

17. Is health insurance mandatory for Latvia work visas?

Yes. Private health insurance is required initially until Latvia’s public healthcare system covers the worker.

18. Are medical tests required for Latvia work visas?

Medical examinations may be required depending on embassy rules and the applicant’s nationality.

19. Do I need to speak Latvian to work in Latvia?

Latvian language skills are helpful but not mandatory in many sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, IT, and construction. English or Russian is often sufficient.

20. Which industries hire the most foreign workers in Latvia?

High-demand sectors include:

• Manufacturing & factories
• Logistics & warehousing
• Construction & skilled trades
• Transport & truck driving
• Information technology
• Agriculture & food processing

21. Is Latvia a good destination for foreign workers?

Yes. Latvia offers growing labour demand, affordable living costs, and access to the EU labour market.

22. Can I bring my family to Latvia on a work visa?

Yes. Latvia allows family reunification for spouses and dependent children.

23. Can my spouse work in Latvia?

Yes. Spouses of work permit holders are generally allowed to work without restrictions.

24. Can I work in other EU countries with a Latvian work visa?

No. Employment rights are limited to Latvia only.

25. Can I travel within Schengen with a Latvian work visa?

Yes. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, allowing short-term travel across member states.

26. What is the minimum wage in Latvia?

Latvia’s minimum wage is approximately €740–€750 gross per month, subject to annual revision.

27. Does Latvia pay overtime?

Yes. Overtime, night work, weekends, and public holidays are compensated under Latvian labour law.

28. Do Latvian employers provide accommodation?

Many employers, especially in construction, logistics, and agriculture, offer free or subsidised accommodation.

29. Are meals or food allowances provided by employers?

Some employers provide meal allowances or subsidised meals, depending on the sector.

30. What happens if my employer cancels the job offer?

Your visa or residence permit may be cancelled unless a new employer applies for fresh authorisation.

31. Do Latvian authorities verify job offers?

Yes. Employers and employment contracts are verified by labour and immigration authorities.

32. Are bank statements required for Latvia work visas?

Some embassies may request proof of sufficient financial means.

33. Can I apply for a Latvia work visa without an agent?

Yes. Latvia allows direct applications through official embassy and government procedures.

34. What are standard working hours in Latvia?

The standard workweek is 40 hours, with regulated overtime.

35. Does Latvia allow fixed-term employment contracts?

Yes. Fixed-term contracts are standard, especially for project-based and seasonal work.

36. Can I apply for permanent residence in Latvia?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence.

37. Can international students in Latvia switch to work permits?

Yes. Graduates can switch to employment-based residence permits after securing a job.

38. Is there an age limit for Latvia work visas?

There is no official age limit. Employment suitability and compliance matter most.

39. Can I work part-time on a Latvia work visa?

Only if your residence permit explicitly allows part-time employment.

40. Which authority issues Latvia work permits?

Work permits and residence permits are issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

41. Can I start working immediately after arriving in Latvia?

Yes, once your residence permit application is submitted and employment registration is completed.

42. What is the Latvian residence card?

It is a biometric ID card confirming your legal residence and right to work in Latvia.

43. Do I need to register my address in Latvia?

Yes. Address registration is mandatory for residence permits, tax registration, and public services.

44. Are seasonal work permits available in Latvia?

Yes. Seasonal permits are available mainly in agriculture, forestry, and food processing.

45. Can I start a business on a Latvian work visa?

No. Business activities require a self-employment or business residence permit.

46. Who pays the Latvia work permit fees?

Employers usually pay employment registration fees, while the applicant pays visa fees.

47. How long does the complete Latvia work visa process take?

The complete process usually takes 2–3 months, depending on the documentation and the authority's workload.

48. Do documents need to be translated for Latvia?

Yes. Documents must be translated into Latvian or English by certified translators.

49. Can I switch from seasonal work to long-term employment?

Yes, but you must secure a standard employment contract and apply for a new residence permit.

50. Is Latvia suitable for long-term settlement?

Yes. Latvia offers EU residence benefits, family reunification, affordable living, and a clear path to permanent residence and citizenship.