Working Hours and Overtime in Latvia

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Latvia?

In Latvia, the standard workweek is 40 hours, typically spread over five days (Monday to Friday), with eight hours per day. Employees must have at least 12 hours of uninterrupted rest between workdays, ensuring a weekly rest period of 42 hours. If an employee's daily working time exceeds six hours, they are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes, which must be provided no later than four hours after the start of work.

Maximum Working Hours in Latvia

Latvian labor law sets clear boundaries to protect employees from excessive working hours:

 
• Daily Limit: An employee's regular daily working time must not exceed eight hours.
 
• Weekly Limit: The regular weekly working time must not exceed 40 hours.
 
• Overtime: Any work performed beyond the standard working hours is considered overtime.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Latvia have unique working hour regulations:

 
• High-Risk Jobs: Employees in high-risk jobs, such as those involving special risks to health and safety, have reduced working hours: a maximum of seven hours per day and 35 hours per week.
 
• Young Workers: Employees aged 15 to 18 are restricted to working a maximum of seven hours per day and 35 hours per week. Additionally, they are prohibited from working during night time (10 PM to 6 AM).
 
• Part-Time Employment: Part-time employees have working hours shorter than the regular daily or weekly working hours. The specific hours are agreed upon in the employment contract.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial and exempt employees in Latvia are typically those with autonomous decision-making powers. These employees may not be subject to the standard working hour limits. However, they must still adhere to general labor protections, including rest periods and overtime compensation, unless specifically exempted by law or collective agreement.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Latvia

Full-time employment in Latvia is legally defined as a workweek of 40 hours. This standard applies across most industries and roles, ensuring consistency in employment practices.

Overtime Regulations in Latvia

Overtime regulations in Latvia are designed to balance the needs of employers with the well-being of employees.

What Counts As Overtime in Latvia?

In Latvia, overtime refers to any work performed beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Employers must obtain written consent from employees before assigning overtime. Overtime work during holiday nights must be compensated at no less than 2.5 times the regular wage. Employers are also required to maintain detailed records of working hours for a minimum of three years.

Maximum Overtime in Latvia

Overtime work in Latvia is subject to specific limits:

 
• Weekly Limit: Overtime work should not exceed an average of eight hours within a seven-day period, calculated over a reference period that does not exceed four months.
 
• Annual Cap: The maximum amount of overtime an employee can work is 200 hours per year.

Overtime Payout Rates in Latvia

Overtime compensation in Latvia is structured as follows:

 
• Standard Overtime: Overtime work is compensated at a rate of at least 100% of the regular hourly or daily wage.
 
• Holiday Night Overtime: Overtime work during holiday nights must be compensated at no less than 2.5 times the regular wage.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Latvia

Latvian labor law mandates specific rest periods and breaks to ensure employee well-being:

 
• Daily Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 12 consecutive hours of rest within a 24-hour period.
 
• Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 42 consecutive hours of rest within a seven-day period.
 
• Breaks During Workday: Employees working more than six hours per day are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes, which must be provided no later than four hours after the start of work.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Latvian labor law includes specific provisions for night shifts and weekend work:

 
• Night Work: Night work is defined as work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Employees who regularly work at least three hours of their daily working time or at least one-third of their annual working time during the night period are considered night workers.
 
• Weekend Work: Weekend work (typically Saturday and Sunday) is generally considered rest time. If an employee is required to work on their designated weekly rest days, they are entitled to increased remuneration, similar to overtime rates, or compensatory rest time, as agreed. Work on public holidays also requires increased compensation.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

       
• Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
       
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
       
• Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.