Hiring foreign workers in Latvia

Hiring third-country nationals in Latvia is a strategic way to fill talent gaps – but it requires careful planning, legal compliance, and a structured process. Whether you’re recruiting in IT, manufacturing, education, or other key industries, we offer comprehensive support for employers hiring foreign professionals, helping you manage each step with confidence and accuracy.

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Our services for employers

Hiring third-country nationals in Latvia is a strategic way to fill talent gaps – but it requires careful planning, legal compliance, and a structured process. Whether you’re recruiting in IT, manufacturing, education, or other key industries, we offer comprehensive support for employers hiring foreign professionals, helping you manage each step with confidence and accuracy.

Vacancy registration

For most foreign hires, the first step is registering the job vacancy and obtaining an official opinion from the State Employment Agency (NVA). We handle:

  • NVA portal registration

  • Preparing and submitting compliant job listings

  • Coordinating with NVA on candidate evaluations

  • Ensuring proper justifications and full documentation to receive a positive NVA opinion

Important: Employers are required to actively engage with NVA during the candidate selection process. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your request to hire a foreign national.

Exemption analysis

Not all roles require vacancy registration. We help identify if your hiring qualifies for an exemption, including:

  • EU Blue Card applicants

  • Intra-company transfers

  • Artists, athletes, educators, and researchers

  • Company board members and business owners

  • Professionals with previous long-term employment in Latvia

We’ll review your case and guide you through the most efficient process.

Work Visa & Residence Permit support

Once approved, we help initiate the next step with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA):

  • Drafting and submitting invitation or sponsorship requests

  • Preparing all required documentation, including contracts and credentials

  • Submitting applications through the Latvija.lv portal

  • Supporting short-term and long-term employment cases

  • Guiding foreign candidates through the visa/residence permit process

Work permit

Salary benchmarking & compliance

Foreign employee salaries must meet or exceed:

  • The national average gross monthly wage, or

  • The industry-specific average, whichever is higher

For EU Blue Card applicants, minimum salary thresholds are higher. We’ll ensure your offer meets all legal standards to avoid delays or rejections.

Employment contract & tax compliance

We assist with:

  • Drafting bilingual employment contracts that meet Latvian labor law

  • Ensuring accurate payroll, tax, and social insurance contributions

  • Providing guidance on working hours, leave entitlements, and employee protections

  • Keeping permits and records up to date for inspections

Ongoing notifications & permit updates

You are legally required to notify authorities of any changes in employment conditions, such as:

  • Salary adjustments

  • Position/title changes

  • Worksite relocation

  • Contract termination

We manage all communications with the OCMA and Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) to ensure full compliance.

Requirements to hire a foreign worker in Latvia

To successfully employ a third-country national in Latvia, employers must prepare and submit specific documentation that meets the legal and procedural requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • NVA portal access and vacancy registration (unless exempt)
  • Employment contract in line with legal standards
  • Documentation of the employee’s education/experience
  • Salary offer that meets national or industry benchmarks
  • Proper coordination with OCMA and timely submissions
  • State fee payment for permit processing

Requirements to hire a foreign worker in Latvia

Partnering with us means you get more than just help—you get a strategic advantage. Here’s what you can count on when you choose our services:

  • End-to-end process management
  • Legal compliance & up-to-date expertise
  • Support for standard hires and EU Blue Card applicants
  • Fast, accurate document preparation
  • Custom advice tailored to your industry and situation
  • Avoid delays, denials, and administrative penalties

Request hiring assistance

Fill out our contact form, and our team will assist you from vacancy registration to work permit approval – ensuring a legal, efficient, and hassle-free process.