Obtaining a Work Permit in Latvia

If you would like to obtain a work permit in Latvia, this article explains the key conditions. Our immigration lawyers in Latvia can manage the procedures on behalf of customers/foreign citizens who want to relocate here for work purposes.

Quick Facts
Who requires a work permit in Latvia?	Non-EU citizens
Legislation	Immigration Law and Labour Law of Latvia
Conditions	– to have a job offer through the State employment agency, – obtain a D visa, – prepare various documents.
Approval for a Latvian work permit	Issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA)
Who can apply on behalf of a non-EU citizen	The employer, helped by our Latvian lawyer
Other documents required	– temporary residence permit, – work contract, – clear criminal record, – proof of accommodation, – valid passport, – qualifications
Health insurance	Required, with coverage throughout the Schengen Area (at least EUR 42,600 for a long-stay visa or residence permit)
Letter of intent	Provided by the hiring company in Latvia
Is a Curriculum Vitae required?	YES
Is a work permit the same as a residence permit in Latvia	Both can be issued at the same time.
Minimum wage requirements in Latvia	National minimum wage EUR 780/month (2026); foreign employees must generally be paid at least the average gross monthly wage (EUR 1,815 from 1 April 2026)
What is EU Blue Card	A type of work & residence permit issued for highly qualified workers in Latvia
Costs	Around EUR 400 to get a work permit in Latvia in 5 days. Lower prices apply for long-term processing.
Validity of a work permit in Latvia	The same as the work contract. It can be prolonged if the employer decides so.
Working with our immigration lawyers in Latvia	For personalized attention & services in terms of paperwork and collaboration with the relevant authorities.

Who must obtain a work permit in Latvia?

Non-EU citizens who want to relocate and work in Latvia.

Can foreigners apply for a work permit without a job offer?

No.

What types of work permits are available in Latvia?

standard employment work permits,
seasonal work permits,
work permits for researchers/specialists,
EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers, etc.

What are the key conditions to obtain a work permit in Latvia?

the application starts with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia (OCMA),
at least EUR 1,815 (the average gross monthly wage, from 1 April 2026) is the minimum monthly salary required at the time of the application,
no Latvian language test is required for the work permit,
health insurance with at least EUR 42,600 coverage is compulsory when applying for a work permit in Latvia.

NOTE: The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs issues work permits for foreign citizens only after the Latvian employer has filed an application with the State Employment Agency and after sending an invitation to the employee.

What documents are required to obtain a work permit in Latvia?

The documents required when applying for a work visa in Latvia, apart from the employment contract, are:

a valid passport,
two passport-sized photographs,
two employment permit application forms,
a medical certificate,
bank account statements to prove self-sufficiency,
proof of visa application fee payment,
marriage certificate, where applicable,
a letter of intent from the Latvian employer.

IMPORTANT: All documents must be translated into Latvian and then notarized before submission.

Can I apply for a work permit in Latvia myself?

Once you accept a job in Latvia, the hiring company will handle the work permit procedures & paperwork, alongside a specialized lawyer. Our Latvian immigration lawyers can oversee such cases and collaborate closely with enterprises hiring staff from abroad.

NOTE: The hiring company will act as a sponsor for the foreign citizen applying for a work permit in Latvia.

Is the work permit the same as the residency permit in Latvia?

Both permits can be issued at the same time. Thus, the applicant will have a valid residency permit and be able to work legally in Latvia.

Can family members be part of the work permit application for Latvia?

Yes.

What is the validity of a work permit for Latvia?

Normally, one year, but in most cases, it depends on the duration of the employment contract.

What happens if I switch jobs while holding a work permit in Latvia?

A new application must be made.

What is the time frame to get the work permit in Latvia?

About 30 days or faster, depending on the documents and procedures.

Would you like to explore more about the work permits in Latvia? Please use our online services and contact our law firm in Latvia for personalized support.