115 Jobs in Latvia

Monthly salary arrives on the 10th; the State Social Insurance Agency deduction appears on every payslip without question.

Questions

• Can non-EU citizens work in Latvia?

  Non-EU citizens need a valid residence permit or work visa to be legally employed. The employer typically initiates the permit application, which requires proof of qualifications and a job offer. Processing takes several weeks through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

• What types of employment contracts exist?

  Employment contracts fall into indefinite-term (permanent) and fixed-term categories, each specifying hours, duties, and pay. Probation clauses may appear in permanent contracts for up to three months. Part-time work exists but is far less prevalent than full-time 40-hour arrangements.

• What is the standard working week in Latvia?

  The standard working week is 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday with a lunch break. Employers may negotiate compressed schedules or flexible start times within collective agreements, but the total weekly hours remain fixed by law.

• How much paid leave do workers receive?

  Workers accrue 20 calendar days of annual paid leave, calculated yearly and often taken in summer months when many businesses reduce operations. Additional leave exists for specific situations like illness or care responsibilities, compensated separately.

• What does an employer typically ask for during hiring?

  Employers request a CV, educational certificates, references from previous employers, and proof of professional qualifications relevant to the role. Non-citizens must provide residence permits or visa documentation; citizens need valid ID.

• How are wages paid and when?

  Wages are paid monthly, typically on the 10th of each month by bank transfer. The payslip shows gross salary and deductions for state social insurance contributions, which are mandatory and non-negotiable.

• What deductions appear on a Latvian payslip?

  State Social Insurance Agency contributions are the primary deduction, funding pensions, unemployment, and health insurance. Income tax applies only above a certain threshold; below it, workers pay no personal income tax on employment income.

• What are the rules on overtime?

  Overtime is compensated at time-and-a-half or higher rates depending on the collective agreement and circumstances. Hours beyond 40 per week require written agreement and cannot exceed legal maximums; consecutive rest days must be protected.

• When do statutory holidays fall?

  Major statutory holidays include New Year (1 January), Independence Day (4 November), Christmas (25–26 December), and Good Friday. Summer typically brings an informal closure period when many offices operate minimally, though no official summer holiday exists nationwide.

• What happens at the end of employment?

  Either party may terminate with written notice; the notice period varies by contract length and circumstances, typically two weeks or longer for permanent roles. The final payslip includes any accrued unused leave converted to payment at the daily rate.