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How To Get A Work Visa In Latvia

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​If you’re hiring non-EU/EEA workers for a project based in Latvia, you’ll need to apply for a work permit on their behalf.

Join us as we share all that’s required to go through this process, as well as why Latvia is proving to be a popular project location.

Why choose Latvia?

Candidates are enticed by working in Latvia for a number of reasons, such as:

  • Minimum wage is €700.00 per month

  • The 13/14th month isn’t a statutory requirement, meaning only a small percentage of employers will provide this

  • 40-hour working week

  • 20 days’ holiday

  • Sick pay: the employer pays…

    • Unpaid for the 1st day

    • 75% for 2nd–3rd days

    • 80% for 4–9th days

    • 80% by the government from the 10th day for up to 52 weeks

Their taxation system is appealing too:

  • Latvian income tax system: As Latvia’s personal income tax (PIT) system is progressive, higher earners will usually be subject to higher tax rates.

  • Gift tax: If a gift is from an individual - regardless of its form - then the progressive PIT rate will apply after the annual exemption of €1,425. There are other exemptions – those between spouses and relatives (up to the third degree), as well as small gifts of up to €15 (including VAT) from an employer.

  • Real estate tax: This is at a range from 0.2% to 3% of the value of a property. It’s worth noting that in practice, this may go beyond 1.5%. So, in most cases the rate is from 0.2% to 1.5%.

Which visa should you choose?

There are a few different visa types for Latvia:

  • Type A (or airport transit visa): This is for foreign nationals who’ll need to pass through the airport transit zone in Latvia as part of their travels to another place.

  • Schengen Type C (or short-term visa/unified visa): This exists to allow a foreign national to stay within the territory of the Schengen Area.

  • Type D (or long-stay visa): This is for foreign nationals who need to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days within a six-month period. It also enables the worker to travel throughout other countries in the Schengen Area.

With each type, they’re available as single-entry/double-entry/multiple-entry while the visa has validity.

To live and work in Latvia, foreign nationals must access three documents:

  1. A residence permit

  2. A Type D visa

  3. A work permit

What documents are required?

The visa for Latvia requires substantial paperwork. Including:

  • Passport with at least three months validity past the duration of the visa.

  • Visa application form.

  • Permission document from the OCMA decision (this cannot be older than 6 months).

  • Two recent passport-size pictures in colour (these must adhere to Schengen visa photo requirements).

  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements) and accommodation in Latvia (a rental agreement or lease).

  • Booked tickets or flight itinerary.

  • Criminal record certificate (this must be issued by the police authorities in the worker’s country).

  • Evidence of visa fee payment and travel health insurance (valid in the entire Schengen Area).

  • Employment contract (this must be notarised or approved by a public authority and state the salary, which has to be in line with or above the Latvian national minimum wage).

  • Proof of qualifications and previous work experience (for example certificates or letters of reference from previous employers).

Streamline the Latvia work visa process with WRS

We understand that visa processing in Latvia can be difficult. With our experience, we’ll make sure applications are processed quickly and efficiently.

In addition, we’re registered to provide tax services and managed payroll in Latvia. So on top of handling the visa process, we can offer a seamless solution for paying workers on time – plus our dedicated timesheet payroll software saves time with digital approval and submission.

WRS are the experts in global mobilisation. Speak to us to get started.

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Disclaimer: Worldwide Recruitment Solutions does not provide visa, immigration or taxation advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended and should not be relied upon for visa, immigration or taxation advice. You should consult with a qualified immigration professional or the official government website of the country you're applying to for the most up-to-date and accurate information.