Latvia is one of the Baltic States, known for its charming capital Riga, strong IT sector, and growing demand for skilled workers. For many foreigners, it has become a doorway to Europe thanks to its membership in both the European Union and the Schengen Zone. If you are planning to move here for work, you will need to understand the visa and permit system, the job market, and the practical steps to make your relocation successful.

Country Basics

• Capital: Riga
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Population: Around 1.86 million
• EU & Schengen: Yes, which means free travel across 27 countries once you hold a residence permit.

Safety, Social Benefits, and Emergency Services

Latvia is generally safe, with low levels of violent crime. Like anywhere, petty theft can happen in busy areas, so basic precautions are wise.

• Emergency number: 112 (works for police, fire, and ambulance).
• Once you are employed and paying contributions, you are covered by Latvia’s State Social Insurance system. This gives access to health benefits, sick leave, parental leave, unemployment support, and pensions.

Job Opportunities in Latvia

The job market is divided between blue-collar roles (manual or technical work) and white-collar roles (professional or office-based jobs).

Blue-Collar Jobs

White-Collar Jobs

Minimum wage in Latvia is €740/month, while the national average salary is around €1,685/month.

How to Find a Job

The best place to search for official vacancies is the State Employment Agency (NVA) CV/Vacancies portal. Employers are required to register their open positions here.  NVA CV/Vacancies Portal : https://cvvp.nva.gov.lv

Types of Work Permits and Visas

Work Permits:

• Temporary Residence Permit (Employment-Based): Standard route, usually valid for 1 year and renewable.
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified specialists with a higher salary threshold, valid up to 5 years.
• Seasonal Work Permit: For jobs in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality, valid up to 6 months.
• Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT): For employees moved within multinational companies.

Visas:

• D Visa (Long-Stay): Issued once your work permit is approved, valid for up to 365 days.
• C Visa (Short-Stay): Schengen visa for short-term assignments, up to 90 days.

Validity:

• Most work permits are tied to the employment contract and are valid for 1 year at first issue.
• EU Blue Cards and ICT permits last longer, often linked to contract length plus additional months.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Secure a Job Offer from a Latvian employer.
2. Employer Submits Application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
3. Collect Your Documents – passport, job contract, proof of qualifications, health insurance, accommodation, financial proof, police clearance.
4. Apply for a D Visa at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate.
5. Travel to Latvia once your visa is approved.
6. Apply for a Residence Permit at OCMA to get your residence card (valid 1 year, renewable).
7. Declare Your Address in Latvia (legally required after arrival).

Required Documents

• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your stay)
• Signed employment contract
• Application form
• Passport photos
• Proof of qualifications and work experience
• Health insurance (minimum €42,600 coverage)
• Accommodation proof (lease or employer letter)
• Bank statements or financial means proof
• Police clearance certificate
• Payment receipt of visa fee

Housing and Real Estate

Renting is straightforward, but always check ownership before signing. The Latvian Cadastre portal allows you to verify property records.

Latvian Cadastre Portal: : https://www.kadastrs.lv/

Most rentals require one or two months’ deposit, plus utilities. Always sign a written contract and register your address.

If Your Application is Refused

• You will get a written explanation.
• You have 30 days to appeal the decision in writing (accepted in Latvian, English, or Russian).
• Appeals are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or OCMA.

Permanent Residence in Latvia

Eligibility:

• Continuous legal stay of 5 years with valid residence permits.
• Must show stable income, legal accommodation, and health insurance.
• In some cases, proof of basic Latvian language may be required.

Documents for PR:

• Passport
• Previous residence permits
• Proof of legal employment or income
• Proof of accommodation (lease or ownership)
• Health insurance
• Tax and social contribution records
• Police clearance if required

Timeline:

• Applications usually take 2–3 months.
• After 5 years, you may apply for long-term EU residence status, which gives more freedom within Europe.
• Citizenship is possible after 10 years (with language and integration requirements).

Key Government Resources

• Jobs – NVA: https://cvvp.nva.gov.lv
• Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA): https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visas: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en
• State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA): https://www.vsaa.gov.lv/en
• Latvian Cadastre (Property Check): https://www.kadastrs.lv

How Moving2Europe.eu Can Help You

Migrating to Latvia can feel complicated, but with the right support it becomes much easier. At Moving2Europe.eu, we help you every step of the way:

• Connect with trusted Latvian employers.
• Get clear guidance on work permit and visa applications.
• Support in preparing documents for the embassy and OCMA.
• Advice on housing, insurance, and family reunification.
• Help with appeals, renewals, and PR applications.

 Start your Latvia journey with confidence: Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Latvia work visa?
A Latvia work visa is a long-stay visa that allows non-EU citizens to enter Latvia for employment. It is usually paired with a residence permit that grants legal work rights.

2. Who needs a Latvia work visa?
Non-EU and non-EEA nationals need a work visa and residence permit. EU/EEA citizens do not require one but must register if staying long-term.

3. How long does it take to get a Latvia work visa?
Processing usually takes 30–60 days, depending on the embassy and how complete your documents are.

4. What types of work permits are available in Latvia?
Latvia offers:

• Temporary residence permits (employment-based)

• EU Blue Card (for highly skilled workers)

• Seasonal permits (up to 6 months)

• Intra-Corporate Transfer permits

5. What is the difference between a work visa and a work permit in Latvia?
The visa (D visa) lets you enter Latvia for work, while the work permit/residence permit allows you to live and work legally once inside the country.

6. How long is a Latvia work permit valid?
Most permits are issued for 1 year at first, tied to your job contract. EU Blue Cards can be valid up to 5 years.

7. Can I extend my Latvia work permit?
Yes, if your employment continues, you can renew your permit before it expires.

8. What documents are required for a Latvia work visa?
Typical documents include:

• Passport

• Employment contract

• Health insurance (coverage €42,600)

• Accommodation proof

• Financial means proof

• Qualification certificates

• Police clearance certificate

9. Do I need health insurance for a Latvia work visa?
Yes. Insurance must cover at least €42,600 for the duration of your stay.

10. Can I bring my family with me to Latvia?
Yes, once you have a residence permit, your spouse and children can apply for family reunification permits.

11. What jobs are available for foreigners in Latvia?
Blue-collar: construction, warehouse, trucking, hospitality.
White-collar: IT, finance, healthcare, accounting, sales.

12. How much is the minimum salary in Latvia?
The minimum wage is €740/month (2025).

13. What is the average salary in Latvia?
The national average is around €1,685/month (gross).

14. How can I find legitimate jobs in Latvia?
The safest way is through the official State Employment Agency (NVA) CV/Vacancies portal: https://cvvp.nva.gov.lv.

15. Do I need to speak Latvian to get a job?
Not always. Many employers accept English or Russian, but knowing Latvian is an advantage.

16. What happens if my Latvia visa is rejected?
You will receive a refusal letter. You have 30 days to appeal the decision in writing.

17. How long do I need to stay in Latvia to get permanent residence (PR)?
You need 5 years of continuous legal residence with valid permits before applying for PR.

18. What documents are required for PR in Latvia?

• Passport

• Previous residence permits

• Proof of legal employment and income

• Proof of accommodation

• Health insurance

• Tax and social contribution records

19. Can I apply for Latvian citizenship after PR?
Yes, usually after 10 years of legal residence (with language and integration requirements).

20. How can Moving2Europe.eu help me with Latvia migration?
We connect you with trusted employers, guide you through work visa and permit applications, assist with embassy submissions, and support long-term goals like PR and family reunification.  Register Now