Work Visa and Employment Based Residence Permit in Latvia: How Foreigners Can Get Hired in 2026

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Employment in Latvia is one of the most reliable pathways to legal residence in the European Union. A signed employment contract with a Latvian employer grants the right to obtain a work visa and subsequent residence permit. However, the process is not as simple as it may seem: the employer must pass a labor market test, the salary must meet industry standards, and documents are submitted in a specific sequence. In 2026, new requirements have been added: increased minimum income, mandatory Latvian language proficiency, and enhanced checks for Russian citizens. In this guide, we will walk through the complete procedure for foreign employment in Latvia.

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Who Can Obtain a Work Visa and Employment Residence Permit in Latvia

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Any foreign national who receives an invitation from a Latvian employer has the right to work in Latvia. There are no restrictions by nationality. However, hiring priority goes to citizens of Latvia, the EU, and the EEA. The employer may hire a foreigner only when the position cannot be filled from these categories. In practice, foreigners most often find work in sectors with labor shortages: IT, construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality.

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The Labor Market Test: What It Is and How the Employer Completes It

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• The employer registers the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA) for at least 10 working days
• NVA checks whether suitable candidates exist among registered jobseekers
• If no suitable candidates are found, NVA issues permission to hire a foreigner
• With this permission, the employer can prepare the invitation through PMLP

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The labor market test takes 2 to 4 weeks. For highly qualified specialists and EU Blue Card holders, the procedure is simplified: no test is required if the salary exceeds a certain threshold (typically 1.5 times the national average salary).

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EU Blue Card: The Simplified Path for Specialists

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• No labor market test required
• Simplified employer change procedure (after the first 12 months)
• Ability to move between EU countries after 18 months in the first country
• Accelerated path to permanent residence

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Blue Card requirements include: higher education (bachelor's degree or above), an employment contract of at least 1 year, and salary exceeding the established threshold. In 2026, the average salary in Latvia is approximately 1,400 euros gross, making the Blue Card threshold approximately 2,100 euros gross per month.

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Documents Required for a Work Visa and Employment Residence Permit

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Employer Documents

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• Vacancy registration with NVA and foreign hire permission
• Invitation through the PMLP electronic system (vissparmigraciju.pmlp.gov.lv)
• Employment contract specifying position, salary, and conditions
• Commercial Register extract confirming company status
• Confirmation that the foreign worker's salary meets or exceeds the industry average

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Employee Documents

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• Completed application form
• Valid travel passport with copies of all pages (biometric mandatory for Russian citizens)
• Color photograph 3.5 by 4.5 centimeters
• Criminal record clearance certificate
• Qualification proof: diploma with apostille and Latvian translation (higher education mandatory for Blue Card)
• Health insurance policy valid in Latvia
• State fee receipt of 90 euros
• Latvian language certificate A2 (standard permit; not required for Blue Card)

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Step by Step Procedure for Obtaining an Employment Residence Permit

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Step 1: Employer passes the labor market test

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The employer registers the vacancy with NVA and waits 10 working days. If no suitable candidate is found, NVA issues permission. This step is skipped for the Blue Card.

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Step 2: Employer prepares the invitation through PMLP

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Through the electronic system vissparmigraciju.pmlp.gov.lv, the employer creates an invitation for the foreign worker.

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Step 3: Employee obtains a type D visa

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While abroad, the employee applies at the Latvian embassy or consulate. Fee: 90 euros, processing time: 15 working days.

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Step 4: Document submission at PMLP

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The employee submits documents in person at a regional PMLP office. Standard processing: 30 days. For Russian citizens: up to 60 days. Expedited 10 day processing costs 200 euros.

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Step 5: Receiving the residence permit card and starting work

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After a positive decision, the employee receives the permit card. The employment permit is issued for the contract duration, maximum 5 years. Work is permitted only with the specified employer. Changing employers requires permit re-registration.

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Changing Employers With a Work Residence Permit

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• New employer passes the labor market test (if applicable)
• New employer prepares a new invitation through PMLP
• Employee submits an application to change permit grounds at PMLP
• Fee for the change: from 100 euros
• Processing time: 30 days

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Important: working for the new employer before receiving the new permit is prohibited. Exception: Blue Card holders after the first 12 months can change employers without a repeat labor market test.

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Family Members: Can They Relocate Together

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The spouse and minor children of a foreign worker may apply for a residence permit through family reunification in Latvia. Family income must cover 950 euros for the worker plus 285 euros per family member. The spouse with a family reunification permit gains the right to work in Latvia without an additional work permit.

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Renewal and the Path to Permanent Residence

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The employment permit is renewed annually. Documents should be submitted 45 days before expiry. After 5 years of continuous residence, applicants may apply for permanent residence in Latvia. Permanent residence grants indefinite residency rights and freedom from being tied to a specific employer.

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Costs of Work Visa and Employment Residence Permit

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• NVA vacancy registration: free
• Type D visa fee: 90 euros
• Residence permit application fee: 100 euros (30 days) or 200 euros (10 days)
• Health insurance: 50 to 150 euros per year
• Diploma translation and legalization: 50 to 200 euros
• Document translation: 100 to 300 euros
• Latvian language exam A2: 30 to 50 euros

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Total for the employee: 400 to 800 euros. Part of the costs (invitation, labor market test, legal support) are typically covered by the employer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can a foreigner independently find work in Latvia without employer assistance?

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A foreigner can search for work independently, but processing an employment permit is impossible without a Latvian employer. The employer passes the labor market test and prepares the invitation.

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Can one work in Latvia on a tourist visa?

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No. Working in Latvia on a tourist (short term) visa is prohibited. Legal employment requires a work residence permit or EU Blue Card.

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How long does employment permit processing take?

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Labor market test: 2 to 4 weeks. Invitation: 1 to 2 days. Type D visa: 15 working days. Permit application review: 30 to 60 days. Total: 2 to 3 months.

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What should be done if dismissed while the permit is still valid?

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A new employer must be found as soon as possible and the permit re-registered. The employment permit is tied to a specific employer, and contract termination removes the grounds.

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Is Latvian language knowledge required for a work permit?

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The standard work permit requires A2 level from 2026. Blue Card and highly qualified specialist holders are exempt from the language requirement.

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How Lex&Finance Specialists Can Help With Employment Permit Processing

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Lex&Finance supports the foreign employment process in Latvia from both sides: we help employers pass the labor market test, prepare invitations, and submit PMLP documents, while helping employees assemble their packages, obtain type D visas, and apply for permits. We also consult on the EU Blue Card. Contact us for a free initial consultation through our website lexfinance.lv or by phone.