Latvia Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Latvia?

In Latvia, non-EU/EEA nationals require a work permit to engage in employment. Employers intending to hire such individuals must ensure that the necessary permits are obtained prior to the commencement of employment. This requirement does not apply to citizens of EU/EEA countries, who can work in Latvia without a work permit but must register their residence with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

Special exemptions apply to short-term assignments or internships, but it is essential for employers to verify the specifics of each case to remain compliant with Latvian labor regulations.

Types of Work Visas in Latvia

Latvia offers several visa types tailored to different employment needs, ensuring flexibility for both short-term and long-term stays.

Type D (Long-Stay Visa): Standard Employment Beyond 90 Days

The Type D visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to legally reside and work in Latvia for employment exceeding 90 days. To qualify, the Latvian employer must first secure a work permit from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Once issued, the employee may apply for the long-stay visa and, in parallel, a temporary residence permit to extend their stay.

This visa is the cornerstone for most long-term employment contracts in Latvia. It provides flexibility for both employers and employees, covering a wide range of roles across industries.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company plans to hire a foreign employee for long-term employment in Latvia under a direct contract, ensuring full compliance with Latvian immigration and labor laws.

EU Blue Card: Highly Skilled Employment

The EU Blue Card in Latvia is designed for highly qualified professionals who possess advanced education or significant work experience, coupled with a Latvian job offer meeting the minimum salary threshold (at least 1.5× the national average wage).

Employers benefit from simplified hiring procedures for critical skills and the added advantage that the Blue Card provides mobility rights across EU member states. For employees, it creates a clear pathway toward long-term residency and career continuity within the EU.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your business requires top-level expertise in specialized fields such as IT, healthcare, or engineering, and you can offer a competitive salary above the threshold. This helps attract and retain scarce global talent.

Seasonal Work Visa: Short-Term Sectoral Employment

The Seasonal Work Visa applies to non-EU nationals hired for temporary employment in agriculture, tourism, hospitality, or related industries. It is valid for up to six months within a 12-month period.

Employers must arrange a fixed-term employment contract and demonstrate the seasonal nature of the role. This visa cannot be converted into a long-term residence permit, as it is specifically designed to meet temporary labor demand.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company requires additional workforce during Latvia’s peak agricultural or tourism seasons, where short-term staffing solutions are critical but do not extend beyond six months.

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Work Permit Application Process in Latvia (Step-by-step)

Latvia’s work authorization process typically combines the right to work with a temporary residence permit, coordinated through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) and, in many cases, the State Employment Agency (SEA). The exact steps depend on whether the employee is visa-exempt, needs a Schengen C visa, or will apply for a temporary residence permit or EU Blue Card.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and checks the local labor market. In many cases, the position must be registered with the State Employment Agency (SEA) for a set period to show that no suitable local or EU/EEA candidate is available before hiring a third-country national.
• Step 2: The employer prepares corporate documentation and draft employment terms. This usually includes company registration details, proof of good standing, information on business activities, and a draft employment contract that meets Latvian labor law and minimum salary thresholds (including higher thresholds for the EU Blue Card).
• Step 3: The employer or authorized representative submits a request to OCMA to invite the foreign worker. For many categories, OCMA issues an invitation or approval that the employee then uses to apply for a visa or temporary residence permit at a Latvian embassy or consulate abroad.
• Step 4: The employee gathers personal documentation and submits the application. This typically includes a valid passport, photos, proof of qualifications, CV, criminal record certificate (where required), health insurance, proof of accommodation, and the signed employment contract, along with the OCMA invitation or approval.
• Step 5: OCMA and other authorities review the application and conduct checks. Authorities verify the employer’s compliance, the authenticity of documents, the employee’s qualifications, and whether salary and role meet legal criteria; they may request additional information or clarifications during this stage.
• Step 6: The employee attends biometrics and collects the visa or residence card. Once approved, the employee provides fingerprints and a photo (if not already done) and then receives either a D visa for entry and work or a residence permit card that confirms the right to live and work in Latvia.
• Step 7: Post-arrival registration and onboarding in Latvia. After arrival, the employee may need to register their address, enroll in social security, and complete any sector-specific registrations, while the employer must ensure payroll, tax, and social contributions are set up correctly.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for work authorization in Latvia depends on the employee’s nationality, role, salary level, and whether the position qualifies for specific schemes such as the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid passport and clean immigration history: The employee must hold a passport valid for the entire intended stay and have no prior immigration violations that could lead to refusal or additional scrutiny.
• Job offer from a Latvian employer: A signed employment contract or binding offer is required, and it must comply with Latvian labor law, including working hours, paid leave, and termination rules.
• Appropriate salary level: For standard work permits, the salary must meet at least the applicable minimum wage and, in some cases, sectoral benchmarks; for the EU Blue Card, a higher salary threshold linked to the average gross wage in Latvia usually applies.
• Proof of qualifications and experience: Diplomas, professional licenses, and evidence of relevant work experience may be required, especially for regulated professions or highly skilled roles, to show the employee can perform the job.
• Labor market test or SEA registration (where applicable): For many third-country roles, the employer must register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency and demonstrate that no suitable local or EU/EEA candidate is available before hiring a foreign national.
• Proof of accommodation and health insurance: Applicants often need to show where they will live in Latvia and provide valid health insurance that covers the entire period of stay until they are covered by the Latvian social system.
• Clean criminal record (for longer stays): For certain residence permits, a criminal record certificate from the employee’s country of residence or origin may be required to confirm they do not pose a security risk.

Work Permit Processing Time in Latvia

Processing times for Latvian work authorization can vary depending on the type of permit, whether fast-track options are used, and how complete the application is. Seasonal workload at OCMA and consular posts can also affect timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Latvia can vary depending on whether the person is applying for a temporary residence permit for employment, an EU Blue Card, or a short-stay business visa, as well as whether the application is filed in Latvia or at a consulate abroad. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Around 1 to 3 months after all required documents are submitted and the application is accepted by OCMA, with some cases processed faster if an expedited option is available and used.
• Permanent Residence: Approximately 4 to 8 months or longer, depending on eligibility category, background checks, and the completeness of long-term residence documentation.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically 2 to 4 weeks after submission at the Latvian embassy or consulate, assuming all documents are in order and the visit is limited to business meetings or short assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is different, you can roughly map the process into weekly milestones to help plan start dates and onboarding.

• Week 1: Employer finalizes the role, prepares the job description, and confirms whether a labor market test or SEA vacancy registration is required.
• Week 2: Employer submits vacancy or invitation-related documents to the State Employment Agency and/or OCMA, and gathers corporate documentation and draft employment contract.
• Week 3: Employee collects personal documents such as diplomas, criminal record certificate (if needed), health insurance, and proof of accommodation, and clarifies any document legalization or translation requirements.
• Week 4: Employee submits the visa or temporary residence permit application at the Latvian embassy/consulate or, in some cases, directly at OCMA, and pays the applicable state fees.
• Weeks 5–8: Authorities review the application, request any additional information, and conduct security and compliance checks; employer and employee respond promptly to avoid delays.
• Weeks 9–10: Upon approval, the employee attends biometrics (if not already done), collects the visa or residence card, and arranges travel to Latvia.
• Weeks 11–12: Employee arrives in Latvia, completes address registration and onboarding, and the employer ensures payroll, tax, and social security registrations are in place before or shortly after work begins.

Who Does What During Latvia Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, confirming whether a labor market test is required, registering the vacancy where applicable, preparing and submitting employer-side documentation to OCMA or the State Employment Agency, and ensuring that salary and working conditions meet Latvian law. They must also monitor permit validity, initiate renewals on time, and maintain ongoing compliance with tax, social security, and immigration rules.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal data and supporting documents, arranging translations and legalizations where needed, and submitting the visa or residence permit application at the embassy or OCMA as instructed. They must also attend biometrics or interviews, maintain a valid passport and health insurance, and comply with the specific terms of their permit, including role, employer, and duration of stay.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Latvia

Temporary residence permits for employment in Latvia are often granted for up to one year at a time, or in some cases up to several years, with the possibility of renewal if the employment relationship and eligibility conditions continue. Employers and employees should typically start preparing renewal documentation at least 30 to 60 days before the current permit expires to avoid gaps in status or the need to stop working.

Renewal usually requires updated employment documentation, confirmation that salary and working conditions still meet legal requirements, and in some cases updated proof of accommodation and health insurance. Because practice may vary by region, permit type, and individual circumstances, it is important to check current guidance from OCMA or consult a local immigration specialist before each renewal cycle.

Latvia Work Visa Requirements

To obtain a work permit in Latvia, both employers and employees must meet specific criteria. Proper preparation ensures compliance and expedites the process.

 
• Valid Passport: The employee must hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, with two blank pages.
• Employment Contract: A signed contract or job offer from a Latvian employer is mandatory.
 
• Proof of Qualifications: Relevant diplomas or certificates to verify the employee's suitability for the position.
 
• Accommodation Proof: Evidence of residence arrangements in Latvia.
 
• Health Insurance: Valid coverage for the entire stay.
 
• Financial Means: Proof of sufficient resources to support the stay.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Latvia?

The fees associated with work permits and visas depend on the type and processing time. Below is a breakdown of costs:

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Latvia

Latvia has introduced a digital nomad visa aimed at remote workers employed by companies registered in OECD countries. This initiative allows eligible individuals to reside in Latvia while working remotely for up to one year, with the possibility of extension.

 
• Monthly Income: Applicants must prove a minimum monthly income of €3,843.
 
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance covering the entire period of stay is required.
 
• Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide proof of no criminal history.

Employers and remote workers should consult the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) for the most updated information regarding the application process and requirements.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Latvia

Employing foreign workers in Latvia comes with unique challenges that employers must be prepared to address. Here are some common challenges and tips for mitigating them:

 
• Bureaucratic Complexity: The application process can be lengthy and involve multiple steps. Employers should allocate sufficient time and resources to manage the administrative workload effectively.
 
• Compliance with Labor Laws: Ensuring adherence to local employment regulations is critical. Employers should stay informed about legal changes and seek legal counsel when needed.
 
• Cultural Integration: Supporting foreign employees with language training, housing assistance, and cultural orientation can improve their experience and productivity in Latvia.

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