How does Temporary Residence Permit for Employment work in Latvia, and who qualifies?

A distinctive feature of Latvia is that there is no standalone work permit document. Where a non-EU national is allowed to work, the right is endorsed directly within the temporary residence permit issued by PMLP, so a single permit covers both residence and employment. To qualify you need an employment contract with a Latvian employer, and the employer normally registers the vacancy with the State Employment Agency and approves the invitation through PMLP.

A labour-market test usually applies, meaning the role generally has to be open to local and EU workers first, unless it is exempt or you use the EU Blue Card route. You will also need a contracted salary meeting the required level for the relevant year, a valid travel document, and, where applicable, a criminal-record statement.

Salary requirements are set in regulation and updated, so confirm the current figure on pmlp.gov.lv before proceeding. ACME can check whether your role is exempt from the labour-market test, whether the Blue Card is a better fit, and help coordinate the employer's steps with PMLP.