Published: 10 September 2026 | Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. All fees and thresholds reflect Latvian Cabinet of Ministers regulations as of Q3 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
To apply for a Latvia work permit visa online in 2026, your employer must first file a sponsorship invitation through PMLP. You then book a VFS appointment. The state fee is €90, and standard processing takes 30 calendar days. The Latvia work permit process involves two stages for UK citizens (now third-country nationals): a D-type visa followed by a temporary residence permit.
What Is a Latvia Work Permit and Work Visa?
The Latvia work visa and work permit application process for 2026 is a two-stage procedure: a D-type national visa for entry, followed by a temporary residence permit for employment. Both documents are mandatory for UK citizens, who are now classified as third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) post-Brexit.
The D-type national visa is issued by a Latvian consulate and authorises entry for employment purposes. The temporary residence permit is issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) and constitutes the legal work authorisation. A C-type visa, by contrast, covers only short-term business trips and does not permit employment in Latvia.
| Feature | D-type national visa | Temporary residence permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Entry for employment | Legal work authorisation |
| Issued by | Latvian consulate | PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) |
| Applicant type | Third-country national (incl. UK citizens post-Brexit) | Holder of valid D-type visa |
As third-country nationals, UK citizens cannot work in Latvia on the basis of their passport alone and must complete both stages of the Latvia work visa process before starting employment.
Latvia Work Visa Types and Routes in 2026
Latvia offers five employer-sponsored routes in 2026: Temporary Work Permit (up to 1 year, salary at least the average monthly gross wage), EU Blue Card (requires degree + higher salary threshold), Intra-Company Transfer (EU ICT Directive), Seasonal Work Permit (shortened procedure), and Self-Employment Permit.
- Temporary Work Permit – the standard employer-sponsored route, valid for up to 1 year, with salary set at no less than the average monthly gross wage in Latvia.
- EU Blue Card – for highly qualified workers; requires a university degree and a higher salary threshold than the standard permit.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) – available to multinational employees transferred to a Latvian branch under the EU ICT Directive.
- Seasonal Work Permit – covers agriculture and tourism roles through a shortened procedure.
- Self-Employment Permit – a separate route for independent professionals, not covered in detail in this guide.
The Latvia work permit process exempts EU Blue Card holders, ICT transfers, researchers, and roles on the shortage occupation list from the NVA labour market test requirement.
Latvia Labour Market Test – What Employers Must Do First
The labour market test requires the employer to register the vacancy with the NVA (nva.gov.lv) for at least 10 working days before filing the sponsorship invitation, proving no suitable Latvian or EU citizen is available. Under the Latvian Immigration Law, this step is mandatory for standard temporary work permit roles.
Does the employer need a labour market test?
- Yes – standard temporary work permit roles where no shortage occupation applies.
- No – exemptions apply to EU Blue Card holders, intra-company transfer (ICT) permit applicants, roles on Latvia’s shortage occupation list, and researchers.
The Latvia work visa and work permit application process cannot advance to the sponsorship stage until the NVA registration period concludes or a valid exemption is confirmed.
Employer Sponsorship: How the Invitation (Ielūgums) Works
The employer files the ielūgums (invitation) via PMLP at Latvija.gov.lv; PMLP issues an invitation number within 10 to 15 working days, valid for approximately 6 months. The applicant enters this number on the Latvia work visa application form.
- Employer prepares supporting documents, including proof of legal entity registration, tax clearance, a signed employment contract, and salary details confirming the offered wage meets the average monthly gross wage threshold.
- Employer submits the ielūgums online via the PMLP portal at Latvija.gov.lv. PMLP reviews the filing and, if approved, issues a unique invitation number within approximately 10 to 15 working days.
- Applicant receives and uses the invitation number. PMLP sends the number by email; the applicant enters it on the Latvia work visa application form. The invitation remains valid for approximately 6 months from the date of issue.
How to Apply for a Latvia Work Visa Online in 2026 – Step by Step
The process starts online (Latvija.gov.lv) but requires an in-person VFS appointment for biometrics. The Latvia work permit application process in 2026 does not offer a full end-to-end online pathway.
Obtain a job offer meeting the average monthly gross wage threshold
2026 data from the Central Statistical Bureau. Pre-Application
Employer registers vacancy with NVA and files ielūgums
Employer registers vacancy with NVA for at least 10 working days, files ielūgums via PMLP at Latvija.gov.lv, and PMLP issues an invitation number to the applicant (~10 to 15 working days). Digital
Prepare all required documents
See checklist below. Pre-Application
Book a VFS Global appointment
Book at visa.vfsglobal.com. Digital
Submit documents and biometrics at the VFS centre
In-Person
Consulate processes the application
Standard 30 calendar days or expedited 15 working days. Digital (tracking)
Decision issued; passport returned with D-type visa sticker
In-Person / postal
Travel to Latvia, register with PMLP and collect eID card
Register with PMLP within 5 working days of arrival, and collect the eID biometric residence card 2 to 4 weeks after registration. In-Person
Required Documents – Full Checklist for a Latvia Work Visa in 2026
A Latvia work visa application in 2026 requires 12 core documents, including a valid passport, employment contract, invitation number, police clearance, and Schengen-wide health insurance.
Incomplete submissions are the most common refusal cause. Provide the following at your VFS appointment:
| Document | Validity / Notes | Format Required |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Min. 3 months beyond visa expiry; 2 blank pages | Original |
| Visa application form | Filled with invitation number | Digital / printed |
| Passport-size photos | 35 x 45 mm, white background, less than 6 months old | Printed |
| Employment contract | Signed by Latvian employer | Original or certified copy |
| Employer sponsorship letter (ielūgums) | With PMLP invitation number | Original |
| Educational diplomas | With certified Latvian translation; apostille if applicable | Legalised original + translation |
| Curriculum vitae (CV) | Current | Printed |
| Proof of accommodation | Rental agreement, employer housing letter, or hotel reservation | Printed |
| Proof of financial means | Salary details meeting average monthly gross wage threshold | Bank statement / contract |
| Health insurance | Min. €42,700 Schengen-wide; UK NHS/EHIC/GHIC not sufficient | Policy document |
| Police clearance certificate | 6-month validity; apostille required; UK DBS accepted as equivalent | Legalised original |
| Application fee receipt | State fee €90 | Payment confirmation |
UK document legalisation costs £45 per document via the FCDO apostille service. Sworn translation into Latvian typically costs £30 to £80 per page. The Latvia work permit application process in 2026 does not accept untranslated or uncertified documents.
Fees, Salary Requirements, and Processing Times for a Latvia Work Visa in 2026
Latvia’s D-type work visa state fee is €90 in 2026, with standard processing of 30 calendar days and expedited processing at 15 working days.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| State fee (D-type visa) | €90 |
| VFS service fee | ~£50 to £75 |
| Apostille (per document, FCDO) | £45 |
| Sworn translation (per page) | £30 to £80 |
| Health insurance (Schengen-wide, minimum) | €42,700 coverage |
The EU Blue Card carries a separate, higher salary threshold than the standard Latvia work permit. PMLP invitation processing takes approximately 10 to 15 working days, making the total timeline from submission to visa in hand roughly 6 to 10 weeks. Delays are common during peak season (summer and September). Applicants can track status via visa.vfsglobal.com.
Applying from the UK and After You Arrive in Latvia
UK-based applicants submit their Latvia work visa application through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in London, with the Latvian Embassy located at 4 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP. Appointments are booked online via visa.vfsglobal.com; walk-in submissions are not guaranteed, and postal options may be available for document return.
The Latvia work permit application process does not end at visa issuance. After arriving in Latvia, applicants must register with PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) within 5 working days, presenting a passport, D-type visa, employment contract, and proof of address. A TB screening may apply to certain nationalities. The biometric eID residence card is typically issued 2 to 4 weeks after PMLP registration.
Day 1
Arrival in Latvia
Day 5
PMLP registration
Day 15
Medical exam
Day 30
eID card collection
Subsequent steps include opening a Latvian bank account and completing VID tax registration. Based on feedback from applicants in 2025, PMLP registration slots in Riga can fill up quickly – book online at least one week in advance.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Latvia Work Visa Refusal
The most frequent Latvia work visa refusals stem from expired passports, missing invitation numbers, insufficient insurance coverage, and documents lacking required apostilles or certified Latvian translations.
- Expired passport (fewer than 3 months validity beyond visa expiry)
- Missing or incorrect employer invitation number on the application form
- Insufficient financial evidence (salary below average monthly gross wage)
- Wrong photo dimensions (must be 35 x 45 mm)
- Untranslated or uncertified documents
- Health insurance below the €42,700 Schengen minimum
- Passport with fewer than 2 blank pages
- Documents without required apostille
- Police clearance older than 6 months
- Mismatched salary vs stated job offer
- Applying before NVA labour market test period concludes
- Submitting before PMLP invitation number is received
If refused, applicants may reapply after correcting the identified deficiencies. The Latvia work visa application process does not impose a waiting period between refusals, but a new state fee of €90 applies.
FAQ: Latvia Work Visa and Permit Application
How do I apply for a Latvia work permit visa online in 2026?
To apply for a Latvia work permit visa online in 2026, your employer must file an invitation (ielūgums) via PMLP through Latvija.gov.lv. Once you receive the invitation number, book a biometric appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com and submit your documents in person at a VFS centre. The state fee is €90.
What is the Latvia work visa processing time in 2026?
Standard processing is 30 calendar days; expedited processing takes 15 working days. PMLP invitation processing adds approximately 10 to 15 working days before you can submit your application.
Do I need employer sponsorship for a Latvia work visa?
Yes, employer sponsorship is mandatory. Your Latvian employer must file an invitation (ielūgums) through the PMLP portal at Latvija.gov.lv, which issues an invitation number required for your visa application.
What documents do I need for a Latvia work visa application?
You need 12 core documents: valid passport, visa application form, photos (35 x 45 mm), employment contract, employer sponsorship letter with invitation number, educational diplomas with certified translation, CV, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, health insurance (minimum €42,700), police clearance certificate, and the €90 fee receipt.
How much does a Latvia work visa cost in 2026?
The state fee is €90. Additional costs include VFS service fee (~£50 to £75), apostille at £45 per document via FCDO, sworn Latvian translation at £30 to £80 per page, and health insurance meeting the €42,700 Schengen-wide minimum.
What is the Latvia labour market test and do I need one?
The employer must register the vacancy with NVA for at least 10 working days before filing the invitation. Exemptions apply for EU Blue Card holders, ICT transfers, shortage occupation roles, and researchers.
Can UK citizens work in Latvia without a visa after Brexit?
No. UK citizens are third-country nationals and must obtain a D-type national visa followed by a temporary residence permit before starting any work in Latvia.
What is the minimum salary for a Latvia work permit in 2026?
The minimum salary must be no less than the average monthly gross wage set by Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau. The EU Blue Card and ICT routes have separate, higher thresholds.
Is a police clearance certificate required for a Latvia work visa?
Yes. It must be valid for 6 months from issue, include an apostille, and a UK DBS certificate is accepted as equivalent.
How long does the employer invitation (ielūgums) take to process?
Approximately 10 to 15 working days via PMLP. The employer files it digitally through Latvija.gov.lv, and you receive the invitation number by email.
Can I apply for a Latvia work visa at the Latvian Embassy in London?
Yes, UK-based applicants submit through the VFS Global centre in London, handling submissions for the Latvian Embassy at 4 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP. Book your appointment online at visa.vfsglobal.com.
What health insurance do I need for a Latvia work visa?
You need valid health insurance with a minimum coverage of €42,700 Schengen-wide. UK NHS, EHIC, or GHIC does not satisfy this requirement.
