Register the vacancy
The vacancy must be registered with the State Employment Agency (NVA), and the prescribed procedure for recruiting a foreign employee must be completed.
Home
Residence permit in Latvia for employees
NBC.LV helps employers in Latvia prepare the documents required to hire foreign employees. We advise on the applicable requirements and support the application process. NBC.LV also helps foreign specialists who have already received a job offer in Latvia obtain residence permits for themselves and their family members. We prepare the required documents and support the process through to receipt of the residence permit.
Get a consultationRequirements for hiring foreign employees in Latvia
If a company in Latvia plans to hire a citizen of a non-EU country, it is important to check the requirements that apply to the employer, the vacancy and the prospective employee before starting the process.
Prepare the employment contract
The position, working conditions and salary must be defined, and an employment contract must be prepared in accordance with the requirements for employing a foreign national.
Prepare the employee's documents
A document package for the prospective employee must be prepared for employment and the residence permit application. Depending on the circumstances, this may include documents confirming education, qualifications or professional experience, a criminal record certificate and other required documents.
Arrange the invitation
Once the applicable requirements have been met, an invitation is arranged with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) so that the employee can obtain a residence permit in Latvia.
Prepare documents for the family
If the foreign employee is moving to Latvia with their family, documents must also be prepared for residence permit applications for their spouse and minor children.
If you engage NBC.LV, we take care of the application process: we check the requirements, prepare the necessary employer and employee documents, support the invitation procedure and, if the employee is moving with their family, help prepare the documents for family members.
How NBC.LV supports employers
We support the process of hiring a foreign employee from the initial assessment through to receipt of the residence permit.
- 1 Initial assessment
You tell us what kind of specialist you plan to hire. We clarify the key details, assess the circumstances and determine whether the application can proceed.
The initial assessment is free of charge. - 2 Checking the employment conditions
We check the position, salary, vacancy requirements and the prospective employee's documents. We explain what the employer needs to do before starting the application process.
- 3 Preparing the required documents
We prepare the employer's documents, check the employee's document package and help prepare any missing documents.
- 4 Supporting the invitation procedure
We prepare the documents required for the PMLP invitation and support the employer during this stage.
- 5 Preparing the employee's residence permit documents
We compile and check the residence permit application package and explain the submission procedure and next steps.
- 6 Support until the residence permit is received
We monitor the review process, help respond to any additional requests and provide support until the residence permit is received.
Residence permits for a foreign employee's family
If a foreign employee moves to Latvia with their family, their spouse and minor children may also obtain residence permits, provided the applicable requirements are met.
NBC.LV helps prepare the documents and supports residence permit applications for family members.
Learn more: family reunification residence permits in Latvia
What our clients say
We were opening a branch in Latvia and relocating foreign employees with their families. Clear advice, prompt responses and substantial experience were important to us, and choosing NBC was the right decision. A great deal of work was involved: documents were prepared for the employees and their family members, with support at every stage. We confidently recommend the company for reliable relocation support.
I was invited to work in Latvia, and my employer turned to NBC. Even in my non-standard situation, the specialists found the best option, took care of all the documents, and obtaining the residence permit took about a month and a half. Thank you for the professional approach and attention!
Frequently asked questions about hiring foreign employees
How can an employer hire a foreign employee in Latvia?
Under the standard procedure, the employer registers the vacancy with the NVA and completes the procedure for obtaining an opinion on the recruitment of a foreign national. An invitation is then arranged with the PMLP, after which the employee submits their residence permit application.
Does the vacancy need to be registered with the NVA?
Yes. Under the standard procedure for recruiting a third-country national, the vacancy must be registered with the NVA. Exceptions apply to certain categories of employees and grounds for employment.
What salary must a foreign employee be paid?
In 2026, Latvia's average gross monthly salary used to calculate the relevant requirements is €1,815. However, this is not a universal amount: the required salary depends on the sector and the basis for employment. Separate requirements apply to the EU Blue Card.
How long does it take to arrange employment for a foreign employee?
The process consists of several stages. Under the standard procedure, the NVA issues its opinion on the 10th working day after the vacancy is published. The PMLP reviews an employment-related invitation within 5 working days or, if additional checks are required, within up to 10 working days. The employee then submits the residence permit application; the processing time depends on the selected procedure.
When can a foreign employee start working in Latvia?
Under the standard long-term employment route, the foreign employee can start work after receiving a residence permit with the right to work for the relevant employer. If the employee has already been issued a visa with the right to work, the procedure may differ.
Can an employer apply for several foreign employees at the same time?
Yes. An employer may arrange employment for several foreign employees. The requirements for the vacancy, position, salary and documents are checked separately for each employee.
What happens if a foreign employee changes employer?
When changing employer, employment with the new employer must be arranged by completing the applicable procedure, arranging a new invitation and preparing the required documents. Special rules may apply to certain categories of employees, including EU Blue Card holders.
Legal basis and sources
- NVA: employment of third-country nationals in Latvia - vacancy registration, interaction with the NVA, the opinion issued on the 10th working day and the employer's next steps.
- PMLP: employment of foreign nationals - the long-term employment procedure, invitation, residence permit and right to work.
- PMLP: procedure for approving an invitation - the 5-working-day period for an employment-related invitation and up to 10 working days if additional checks are required.
- PMLP: required financial means - the €1,815 amount from 1 April 2026, sector-specific requirements and separate EU Blue Card thresholds.
Leave a request
Planning to hire a foreign employee?
Tell us what kind of specialist you would like to hire and for which position. We will make a preliminary assessment and explain what the employer will need to do. The initial assessment is free of charge.