Latvia's work visa: your employer moves first, and it takes two months

1. Your employer posts the job. Under rules tightened in 2025, the vacancy has to stay on the State Employment Agency's portal for at least two months, and the employer must review candidates the agency sends. The agency gives its opinion by the 10th working day after posting.
2. Your employer invites you. Within one month of a positive opinion, it files an invitation with PMLP, paying €17 (€10 online) plus €85 for your right to employment, about $116 in all. For unregulated jobs it no longer sends your diplomas; a signed statement that it interviewed you for the skills is enough.
3. You apply for the D visa. The Latvian Embassy in Washington takes applications through outsourced visa centers in several U.S. cities, or by mail. Bring the approved invitation, one recent 35 x 45 mm photo and health insurance for the whole stay. The fee is €90 (about $102), plus €35 (about $40) for FedEx return of your passport.
4. You move to a residence permit. To stay past the visa, your employer sponsors a temporary residence permit. Review costs €100 (about $114) for the standard 30 days, and the new law caps processing at four months.

Plan on at least three months from offer to first day. The two-month posting is the part nobody can speed up.

Here's the catch

Your right to work is tied to the job you were approved for. You can only work in that specialty, a new employer means a new authorization, and you can't start the new job before the new permit arrives. Under the new law, local-hire permits run up to one year at a time, and every renewal must be filed in Latvian. State fees aren't refunded if you're turned down.

Higher earners: the EU Blue Card

With a degree from a program of three years or more, or five years of professional experience, the EU Blue Card is the stronger version of this route. It needs about $3,100 a month (€2,723), or about $2,480 (€2,178) in shortage jobs, can run up to two years, and survives up to three months between jobs.

Your family

Your spouse and minor children can apply for residence permits with you. Each needs health insurance and a certificate from a Latvian clinic showing they don't have tuberculosis, and you'll show €234 a month (about $266) in extra means per child.

Taxes on both sides

Latvia taxes residents (183 days in any 12 months, or a declared home there) on worldwide income: 25.5% up to €105,300 (about $119,800) and 33% above, as of 2026. The U.S. still taxes you, but there's a U.S.-Latvia tax treaty, and in 2026 you can exclude up to $132,900 of foreign wages. There's no Social Security agreement between the two countries.

Permanent residence and a passport

After five years on temporary permits you can apply for permanent residence, in Latvian. From December 31, 2027, permit holders will also have to learn Latvian and take a history and culture course. Latvia allows dual citizenship with NATO countries, the U.S. included.