Since the process of obtaining a residence permit based on employment in Latvia is initiated by the employer, this article provides information specifically from the employer’s perspective regarding the hiring of a foreign national.
I Vacancy and Position
The State Employment Agency’s job and CV portal is the official government platform for employment in Latvia. Therefore, before hiring a foreign worker, the employer must publish the vacancy there. According to the Immigration Law and Cabinet Regulation No. 55, there are specific job categories for which publishing a vacancy is not required. In general, however, a vacancy must remain active for at least 10 business days. Once this period ends, it is assumed that the employer has selected a foreign worker for the position.
To initiate the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit for the employee, the employer must submit an invitation to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (hereinafter – the Office). Once the invitation is approved (usually within 5 business days), the worker can submit their application for a residence permit.
To qualify for a residence permit based on employment, the worker must meet the employer’s requirements, which must be demonstrated to the Office by submitting either:
- a document confirming the required education, or
- a document confirming at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
A residence permit based on employment implies that the worker must be employed under the same conditions as local employees. However, one important distinction is the salary – foreign workers must receive a salary that is higher than the national minimum wage, which is adjusted annually.
As of 01.04.2022, the minimum gross salary for a foreign worker is €1,143.
II Submission of Documents
Until 31.12.2021, a foreign worker may submit documents:
- While legally residing in Latvia – by mailing them to the Office or submitting them electronically with a qualified e-signature;
- While abroad – by submitting documents in person at a Latvian embassy in their country of residence (or in the nearest country if no embassy is present).
The processing time depends on the state fee paid:
- €100 – standard processing within 30 days
- €200 – 10 business days
- €400 – 5 business days
If documents are submitted through an embassy, the processing time begins from the date the Office receives the documents, since embassies do not process them. Additionally, embassies may charge a consular fee for document forwarding.
The decision on the residence permit can be sent to the email address provided in the application. The decision remains valid for 3 months, during which the foreign worker must collect their residence permit ID card. If not collected within this period, the decision is annulled. The ID card is issued for 1 year. The worker must renew the card and complete registration annually.
III Important Notes
A residence permit issued based on employment ties the worker to a specific employer, meaning the worker cannot change employers while holding this residence permit.
Employment may be full-time or part-time (20 hours per week). The part-time option is particularly relevant for individuals pursuing studies concurrently. If a third-country national already holds a residence permit for employment in another Schengen country, they must still obtain a separate residence permit to work legally in Latvia.
Contact Information
Email: follaw@follaw.eu
Phone: +371 24662977
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Other useful articles:
Residence Permit for Employment in Latvia II (FOR EMPLOYERS)
One more time about Latvian Citizenship Through the Repatriation Program