Latvia Work Visa & Work Permit: The Ultimate Guide for Foreigners

Latvia, one of the most dynamic economies in the Baltic region, has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign workers seeking legal and stable employment in the European Union.

With its growing industrial base, skilled labour demand, and affordable lifestyle, Latvia presents excellent opportunities for professionals and general workers from around the world.

This comprehensive guide explains everything about the Latvia Work Visa and Work Permit, including eligibility criteria, types, required documentation, application process, costs, job sectors, and frequently asked questions to help you understand how to work legally in Latvia.

Why Work in Latvia

1. A Growing and Stable Economy

Latvia’s economy continues to grow across major sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, and construction.

As a member of the European Union, Latvia provides workers with legal employment rights and benefits in line with EU standards.

2. High Demand for Foreign Workers

Due to labour shortages across several industries, Latvian employers are increasingly hiring professionals from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam, and African countries for both skilled and unskilled positions.

3. Legal Pathway to the European Union

A Latvian Work Visa and residence permit allow you to live and work legally in Latvia and travel freely within the Schengen Zone.

4. Affordable Cost of Living

Latvia offers a comfortable lifestyle at significantly lower costs compared to Western Europe, making it an ideal destination for workers seeking to save money while gaining valuable EU work experience.

5. Pathway to Long-Term Residence

Foreign workers who maintain continuous legal employment in Latvia can apply for Permanent Residence and eventually become citizens of Latvia, ensuring long-term stability within the EU.

6. Transparent Visa and Work Permit Process

The Latvian immigration system is efficient, with clear documentation and well-defined legal procedures in place for both employers and employees.

Understanding the Latvian Work Permit

A Latvian Work Permit authorises non-EU citizens to work legally for a specific employer in Latvia.

It defines your job position, company, and period of employment. Without a valid permit, foreigners are not permitted to start working or apply for a residence visa legally.

Issuing Authority

Work permits are issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in coordination with the State Employment Agency (NVA).

Validity

Work permits are generally valid for one to two years, depending on the employment contract, and are renewable if your job continues.

Types of Work Permits in Latvia

Permit Type	Purpose	Validity	Ideal For
General Employment Permit	For full-time employment with Latvian companies	1–2 years	Most foreign workers
Seasonal Work Permit	For temporary jobs in agriculture or hospitality	Up to 6 months	Farm and hotel workers
EU Blue Card	For highly skilled professionals	Up to 4 years	IT, engineering, and science experts
Intra-Company Transfer Permit	For multinational company staff transfers	1–3 years	Corporate employees
Temporary Project Work Permit	For specific or short-term contracts	Up to 12 months	Technicians and consultants

Latvia Work Visa (Type D Long-Stay Visa)

The Type D National Visa is a long-stay visa that enables non-EU nationals to reside and work in Latvia for periods exceeding 90 days.

It is directly linked to an approved work permit issued by the OCMA.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a work visa, you must:

• Have a valid job offer or employment contract from a registered Latvian employer.
• Possess a valid work permit or employment approval letter.
• Hold a passport with at least 12 months of validity.
• Provide proof of accommodation in Latvia.
• Have health insurance and financial means to support yourself.
• Present a clean criminal record certificate.

Visa Validity

The Type D visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed as long as your work contract remains in effect.

Documents Required

From the Employer

• Completed work permit application.
• Proof of company registration (Enterprise Register certificate).
• Signed employment contract.
• Proof of salary compliance as per Latvian labour law.
• Tax and social security registration documents.
• Labour market test results, if applicable.
• Receipt of government fee payment.

From the Employee

• Valid passport (minimum 12 months).
• Two biometric photos.
• Work permit or invitation letter from OCMA.
• Health insurance policy valid in Latvia.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Bank statement or financial proof.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Completed visa application form and fee receipt.

Step-by-Step Process for Latvia Work Visa

1. Receive a Job Offer
   You can secure employment with a registered Latvian employer who is authorised to hire foreign workers.
2. Employer Applies for Work Permit
   The employer applies the OCMA and the State Employment Agency (NVA).
3. Work Permit Approval
   Once approved, the permit is issued and sent to the employee for visa processing.
4. Apply for Type D Work Visa
   Submit your visa application, along with all required documents, to the Latvian Embassy or the VFS Global centre in your country.
5. Visa Approval and Travel
   Once your visa is approved, you can proceed to Latvia to start your employment.
6. Apply for a Residence Permit
   Within 30 days of arrival, register your address and apply for a Residence Card at the OCMA office.

Processing Time

Stage	Estimated Duration
Work Permit Application	30–45 working days
Embassy Visa Processing	15–30 working days
Residence Card Issuance	1–3 months
Total Estimated Duration	60–120 working days

Fees and Costs

Service	Average Fee (€)	Paid By
Work Permit Application	100	Employer
Type D Visa	80–100	Employee
Embassy / VFS Fee	20	Employee
Residence Card	120	Employee

Additional expenses may include translation, legalisation, and health insurance premiums.

Top Industries Hiring Foreign Workers in Latvia

Industry	Common Roles	Average Monthly Salary (€)	Permit Type
Manufacturing	Machine Operators, Assemblers	1,000–1,500	General
Construction	Welders, Electricians, Carpenters	1,200–1,800	General
Agriculture	Farm Workers, Pickers	900–1,200	Seasonal
Hospitality	Cooks, Waiters, Cleaners	1,000–1,400	Seasonal
Logistics	Truck Drivers, Loaders	1,300–2,000	General
IT & Engineering	Software Developers, System Analysts	2,000–4,500	Blue Card
Healthcare	Nurses, Caregivers	1,500–3,000	General

Benefits of Working in Latvia

• Legal employment under EU labour laws.
• Access to healthcare and social benefits.
• Opportunity for family reunification.
• Pathway to Permanent Residence and Citizenship.
• Safe and fair working conditions.
• Transparent immigration and visa system.
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone.
• Affordable lifestyle with saving potential.

Official Government Resources

• Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA): https://www.pmlp.gov.lv
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mfa.gov.lv
• State Employment Agency (NVA): https://www.nva.gov.lv
• Work in Latvia: https://www.latvia.eu

Latvia Immigration & Work Permit Services | Moving2Europe.eu

Latvia is becoming one of the Baltic region’s most promising destinations for foreign workers due to its growing economy, expanding industrial sectors, affordable living costs and strong demand for skilled and unskilled labour. However, Latvia’s immigration system—work permits, employer sponsorship, residence permits, labour checks, and detailed documentation procedures—requires expert handling for smooth, legal processing.

Moving2Europe.eu provides organised, compliant and full-service Latvia immigration support for workers, families and employers hiring international talent.

Complete Latvia Work Permit & Residence Solutions

We assist with all key Latvian immigration categories, including:

• Latvia Work Permit (Employer-Sponsored)
• Temporary Residence Permit for Employment
• EU Blue Card Latvia
• Seasonal Employment Permit
• Long-Stay Type D Visa
• Self-employment & business residence permits
• Intra-company transfer permits
• Student, internship & trainee visas

Support is available for both individual applicants and employers recruiting foreign workers.

Latvia Immigration Services for Individuals

1. Work Permit & Employment Residence Support

We help with:

• Employer-sponsored work permits
• Employment-based temporary residence permits
• EU Blue Card applications
• Seasonal and project-based permits
• Long-term residence pathways and renewals

2. Documentation & Embassy/VFS Support

Our services include:

• Tailored document checklists
• Full compliance review
• Apostilles, legalisations & sworn translations
• Visa application preparation
• Embassy/VFS appointment scheduling
• Interview preparation if required

3. Arrival & Legal Procedures in Latvia

We support workers with:

• Entry and border procedures
• Office of Citizenship & Migration Affairs (OCMA) registration
• Biometrics and residence card collection
• Health insurance and tax registration
• Employer reporting and compliance requirements

Latvia Family & Dependent Visa Services

We assist families relocating to Latvia with:

• Spouse residence permits
• Child and dependent visas
• Family reunification procedures
• Long-term stay options for dependents
• School enrolment and relocation guidance

We ensure your family settles into Latvia legally and comfortably.

Latvia Immigration Solutions for Employers & Recruiters

Latvia is facing workforce shortages across several sectors, including:

• Manufacturing & industrial operations
• Logistics, transport & warehousing
• Agriculture, farming & seasonal work
• Construction & technical trades
• Hospitality, hotels & restaurants
• IT & digital services
• Healthcare & caregiving

We support employers with:

• Work permit sponsorship and legal compliance
• Preparation of employee documentation
• Labour market requirement support
• High-volume recruitment mobility programs
• Coordination with HR and legal teams
• Full residence permit processing for foreign employees

We ensure your international staff receive valid Latvian permits efficiently and in compliance with regulations.

Executive Mobility Services for Latvia

For executives and senior professionals, we provide:

• Priority case processing
• Confidential file handling
• Strategic relocation planning
• Fast document preparation
• Coordination with corporate HR/legal departments

Digital Latvia Immigration Tracking System

Our digital system offers:

• 24/7 live case tracking
• Secure document uploads
• Step-by-step milestone updates
• Renewal & compliance reminders
• Immigration guidelines and legal updates

Ideal for individuals and HR teams managing multiple employee applications.

Why Choose Moving2Europe.eu for Latvia Immigration?

• Strong expertise in Latvian immigration & work permit procedures
• Accurate, compliant and well-organised application preparation
• Dedicated case managers for every client
• Support for individuals, families and employers
• Clear communication at every step
• Global immigration network covering 170+ countries
• Deep understanding of Latvia’s labour and residency rules
• Transparent, technology-supported case management

We make Latvia’s immigration process straightforward, reliable and fully compliant.

Start Your Latvia Work Permit Process Today

Whether you are a skilled professional, relocating your family or an employer hiring foreign workers, Moving2Europe.eu ensures a smooth, efficient and legally compliant Latvia immigration experience from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Latvia offers the Temporary Residence Permit for Employment, the EU Blue Card, the Seasonal Work Permit, the Intra-Company Transfer Permit, and the Startup Visa. Each applies to different job types and skill levels.

2. What is the Latvia Temporary Residence Permit for Employment?

A long-term permit allowing non-EU citizens to live and work in Latvia based on an employer’s contract. Usually valid for 1–2 years and renewable.

3. What documents are required for a Latvia work permit?

You need a passport, a job contract, employer sponsorship, proof of qualification, medical insurance, a police clearance, and accommodation details. Many documents require Latvian translation.

4. How long does the Latvia work permit process take?

Processing generally takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) and employer compliance.

5. Do I need a job offer to apply for a Latvia work visa?

Yes, a confirmed employment contract is required for almost all Latvia work permit categories.

6. What is the EU Blue Card Latvia?

A residence permit for highly qualified professionals with a high salary and recognised education. It offers strong mobility rights across the EU.

7. Can I apply for a Latvia work permit from abroad?

Yes, employers submit documents in Latvia, and you complete visa formalities at the Latvian Embassy in your country.

8. Can Latvian employers sponsor foreign workers?

Yes, employers may hire non-EU workers if the job roles meet salary, qualification, and labour-compliance requirements.

9. What is the minimum salary requirement in Latvia?

Salaries must meet Latvia’s legal minimum and industry wage standards. Skilled roles require a higher monthly income.

10. Can students work in Latvia?

Yes, international students can work part-time while studying. Some roles may require notifying authorities.

11. What are the shortage occupations in Latvia?

IT, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, construction, agriculture, and healthcare are sectors that consistently experience labour shortages.

12. Can I bring my family to Latvia while working?

Yes, once you hold a residence permit, spouses and children can apply for family reunification.

13. Do dependents have work rights in Latvia?

Dependents may work after obtaining their own employment permit or residence card, thereby gaining access to the labour market.

14. What is the Latvia Startup Visa?

A permit for entrepreneurs who want to establish innovative businesses in Latvia. It offers residence rights for founders and families.

15. Can I change employers after receiving a Latvian permit?

Yes, but the new employer must reapply for authorisation. You cannot start working until the updated permit is approved.

16. Do I need Latvian or Russian language skills?

Not always. Many international companies accept English, but Latvian is useful for daily communication and long-term living.

17. Is health insurance mandatory in Latvia?

Yes, private health insurance is required until you gain access to Latvia’s public health system.

18. What is the Latvia Seasonal Work Permit?

A short-term permit for agriculture, tourism, and hospitality jobs, valid for several months depending on employer needs.

19. Can seasonal workers apply for long-term residence?

Seasonal permits do not lead to long-term residency. A full-time employment contract is required.

20. How do I register my address in Latvia?

You must register your place of residence with OCMA after arrival. Proof of accommodation is mandatory.

21. Can I apply for permanent residence in Latvia?

Yes, after 5 years of continuous legal residence with a stable income and compliance with all requirements.

22. Does Latvia hire non-EU workers?

Yes, Latvia hires foreign workers in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, construction, and IT sectors.

23. What are the most in-demand jobs in Latvia?

Drivers, warehouse staff, welders, packers, hotel staff, caregivers, IT developers, and construction workers.

24. Is it challenging to get a job in Latvia?

No, sectors with labour shortages frequently hire foreign workers, especially factories and logistics companies.

25. How long can I stay with a Latvian long-stay visa?

Typically, 90 days for entry while your residence permit is finalised in Latvia.

26. Can I renew my Latvia work permit?

Yes, work permits and residence cards can be renewed as long as your employment continues.

27. What is a Latvian Residence Permit Card?

A biometric card showing your legal right to stay and work in Latvia. It must be valid at all times.

28. Do I need biometrics for Latvia?

Yes, fingerprints and photographs are required at both the embassy and the migration office in Latvia.

29. Can you apply for my employer?

Yes, employers submit the employment request to OCMA. You handle the visa application abroad.

30. Is Latvia part of the Schengen Area?

Yes, Latvia is a Schengen member state, offering travel freedom within the Schengen area to residence permit holders.

31. Can I travel across Europe with a Latvian residence permit?

Yes, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 days.

32. What happens if my Latvia work permit is refused?

You can appeal or apply with stronger documentation if you like. Refusals often occur due to employer non-compliance or incomplete paperwork.

33. Does Latvia hire truck drivers and logistics workers?

Yes, Latvia faces transportation shortages, and logistics companies often sponsor foreign drivers.

34. Is Latvia a good choice for skilled migrants?

Yes, Latvia offers stable work opportunities, low living costs, growing industries, and easy EU mobility.

35. Do my documents need a Latvian translation?

Yes, many documents require certified Latvian translations, and sometimes legalisation or an apostille.

36. Can unskilled workers find jobs in Latvia?

Yes, factories, warehouses, farms, cleaning companies, and hotels hire workers with minimal qualifications.

37. What is Latvia’s work permit processing time?

On average, 4–8 weeks, depending on embassy queues, employer verification, and migration office workload.

38. Are healthcare workers in demand in Latvia?

Yes, nurses, caregivers, and medical staff are needed, especially in private facilities. You'll need to meet the qualifications.

39. Do employers provide accommodation in Latvia?

Some employers offer shared housing, especially in factories and agriculture. Others assist with rental agreements.

40. What is the labour market test in Latvia?

For specific roles, employers must show that no suitable local worker is available. Shortage occupations may skip this step.

41. Can I work while my Latvian permit is processing?

No, you must wait for your residence permit to be issued before you can legally start work.

42. Is there an age limit for Latvia work permits?

No strict age limit exists, but workers must meet job requirements and be able to perform their duties.

43. Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa in Latvia?

No, you must apply from your home country. Latvia does not allow in-country conversion from tourist status.

44. Does Latvia offer entry-level jobs for foreigners?

Yes, packaging, warehouse, factory, agriculture, cleaning, and seasonal roles are commonly available.

45. Are biometrics required again after arrival?

Yes, biometrics are collected again during residence card issuance at OCMA.

46. Does Latvia have a digital nomad visa?

Latvia is developing remote worker options, but formal digital nomad permits are limited. Entrepreneurs may use startup categories.

47. What are Latvia’s highest-paying sectors?

IT, engineering, finance, logistics management, and technical manufacturing roles usually offer higher salaries.

48. Does Moving2Europe.eu help with Latvia visas?

Yes, we support job placement, employer sponsorship, documentation, embassy filing, and residence permit assistance.

49. Can working in Latvia lead to permanent residence?

Yes, after 5 years of legal stay with stable employment and clean records, you can apply for long-term residency.

50. How can I start my Latvia work visa application?

Send your CV to Moving2Europe.eu, select your preferred job category, and we handle everything from employer coordination to visa filing.

Professional Assistance with M2S Group Sp. z o.o.

M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Specialises in helping international candidates obtain Latvian work visas, Work Permits, and Residence Cards through legal and transparent procedures.

Our experts assist with verified job placements, documentation, and embassy submissions to ensure a smooth, compliant, and successful process.

For genuine and legally verified opportunities in Latvia, you can contact M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Today, begin your journey toward a stable European career.