Changing Employers in Latvia on a Work Permit

Changing employers in Latvia (Latvija) on a work permit is possible, but your work rights are tied to a specific employer and profession. Under Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA, or PMLP) rules, a foreigner may only work for the employer and in the specialty covered by their work rights — if either changes, you need new work rights based on a new invitation from the new employer. In most cases, the new employer must first register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA), which issues a positive opinion if no suitable local candidate is found within 10 working days. The new job must pay at least €1,815 a month or the sector reference from 1 April 2026. This EU Helpers guide explains the process — international candidates can explore Latvian opportunities through EU Helpers. Latvia joined the EU and NATO in 2004, became part of the Schengen area in 2007, adopted the euro in 2014, and has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1995.

Essential Context: How Latvian Work Permits Are Tied to Employers

Changing jobs in Latvia means changing your work rights.

When You Can Change Employers in Latvia

• Ordinary employment permit holders — once the new employer has approved work rights for you; you cannot start before then.
• Same employer, new profession — the employer must issue a new invitation.
• EU Blue Card holders — the new job must meet the Blue Card salary of €2,723 a month (2026); EU rules make job changes more flexible, especially after 12 months.
• Permanent residents — can change jobs freely.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Agree on the new job — the salary must meet the 2026 threshold for your permit type.
2. The new employer registers the vacancy with the NVA, which issues a positive opinion if no suitable local candidate is found within 10 working days.
3. The new employer submits an invitation to OCMA requesting work rights for you and pays the state fee.
4. Give notice to your current employer under the Labour Law and your contract.
5. Wait for OCMA to approve your new work rights — do not start before then.
6. Start with the new employer and keep copies of your contract and the decision.

Documentation You Will Need

Timing: How Long the Switch Takes

Rules on Notice, Probation and Severance

• Notice — under the Labour Law, an employee usually gives one month's written notice, unless the contract sets a shorter period.
• Probation — the new employer can set a probation period of up to six months.
• Severance — paid only in certain cases of dismissal by the employer, not when you resign.
• Final pay — unused annual leave is paid out when you leave.

If You Lose Your Job Before Finding a New One

Under amendments to the Immigration Law endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers in December 2025, the temporary residence permit of an employed foreigner is not annulled for unemployment of up to three months, or up to six months after more than two years of work in Latvia. Use this time to find a new employer who can secure work rights for you.

Salary and Benefits When Switching

From 1 April 2026, ordinary employment permits require at least €1,815 a month or the sector reference, and Blue Cards require €2,723 a month (€2,178 for shortage roles). Only guaranteed gross salary in the contract counts.

Risks and Common Mistakes

• Starting before new work rights are approved — this is illegal work.
• Changing profession without a new invitation — even with the same employer.
• Salary below the threshold — check the 2026 figures.
• Unreliable new employers — OCMA can bar employers from inviting foreigners for up to three years.
• Low-skilled roles — the new Immigration Law restricts invitations for Major Group 9 occupations through labour supply providers.
• Not reporting changes — employers must notify OCMA of changes within three working days.

Upcoming Changes From 2027

The new Immigration Law, with main provisions in force from 1 January 2027, will issue employment permits for local hires for up to one year and give employers greater responsibility for checking that foreign workers meet their conditions of stay.

Final Guidance

Changing employers in Latvia on a work permit is possible but must be planned: your work rights are tied to one employer and profession, so your new employer must register the vacancy with the NVA, submit an invitation to OCMA and secure new work rights before you start. The new job must meet the 2026 salary thresholds, and you should give the usual one month's notice. If you lose your job, amendments endorsed in December 2025 protect your permit for three to six months. Always confirm current rules with OCMA before resigning. International candidates can explore Latvian opportunities through EU Helpers. EU Helpers supports foreign workers with offer checks, employer invitations, NVA vacancy coordination and OCMA filings.