Employment Residence in Latvia in 2026
Long-term employment in Latvia normally requires the correct residence basis and the right to employment.
PMLP explains that an approved sponsorship can serve as the basis for a residence permit and the right to employment. The employer/inviter process is separate from the foreign national's residence application.
From 1 April 2026, PMLP's remuneration/subsistence table uses the relevant sector-average wage framework for ordinary employment. Where the sector average exceeds the national prior-year average, the current published national reference is EUR 1,815.
The exact salary test can therefore depend on the sector and employment category rather than one universal Latvia work visa salary.
Older duration materials predate the new Immigration Law effective 15 September 2026, which changed validity periods for several temporary permits. Confirm the current issuance term under the new framework.
A visa with employment rights and a residence permit for long-term employment are not interchangeable.
Official guidance: PMLP employment of foreigners and 2026 subsistence/remuneration table.
Related: Latvia immigration hub, work visas, methodology, and legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- PMLP — Employment of foreignersgovernment · accessed 2026-09-23
- PMLP — Necessary subsistencegovernment · accessed 2026-09-23