Temporary residence permit for employment
including EU Blue Card
Under the Immigration Law in force from 15 September 2026, a foreigner can request a temporary residence permit linked to employment for up to one year, and an EU Blue Card for two years. Employment rights are granted with the permit, usually tied to a specific employer and profession. Holders of permits totalling at least 18 months must complete an early integration programme with A1 Latvian and a culture and history course.
Life in Latvia
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
25.5–33%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
33% on annual income above EUR 105,300, plus an extra 3% on income above EUR 200,000; a differentiated non-taxable minimum applies.
Living
1
Happiness
#46 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU workers with a Latvian employer, including highly qualified workers using the EU Blue Card.
Eligibility
Employment permit
A work-linked temporary residence permit is issued for up to one year, unless the employer pays the micro-enterprise tax.
Up to one year
Permit length · linked to employment
- Does not apply where the employer pays the micro-enterprise tax (s. 27(1)(12))
Official wording
Temporary residence permit for up to one year when linked to employment, except where the employer pays the micro-enterprise tax (s. 27(1)(12)).
EU Blue CardHighly qualified workers
An EU Blue Card is issued for two years, or for a shorter contract term plus three months.
EU Blue Card length
- Standard
- Two years
- Contract shorter
- Contract term + 3 months
- For highly qualified workers (s. 27(1)(13))
Official wording
Issued for two years; if the contract is shorter, for the contract term plus three months (s. 27(1)(13)).
Invitation
A temporary residence permit generally needs an approved invitation (izsaukums) from the inviting party (s. 25).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementEmployment rights
- Document checklistApproved invitation
- FeesState fee for reviewing the application
The full requirements are for members
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- 2 more requirements
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Latvia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Latvia
- Visit & tourismShort-stay Schengen visa or visa-free visit to Latvia
- StudyTemporary residence permit for full-time studies
- Permanent residencePermanent residence permit
- FamilyTemporary residence permit for spouses and children of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents
- Investors & entrepreneursTemporary residence permit for investors
- CitizenshipLatvian citizenship by naturalisation
Work permits in other countries
- LibyaRecruitment permit for foreign workers (Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation) and residence/work visa
- MoroccoVisa of the foreign employee's work contract (contrat de travail d'étranger, via TAECHIR) and carte d'immatriculation
- MonacoMonaco hiring permit and work permit
- MoldovaProvisional residence for work
- MontenegroTemporary residence and work permit
- MadagascarImmigrant visa
