Latvia

Am I eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card?

To apply for an EU Blue Card, the applicant must:

• have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment with a duration of at least 1 year;
• meet the minimum salary threshold in the Member State concerned (see below);
• for regulated professions: present documents proving that the national legal requirements are met;
• for unregulated professions: present documents proving that the relevant higher professional qualifications are met (for more information about higher professional qualifications, see the FAQ section);
• present a valid travel document, an application for a visa or a visa (if necessary), and a valid residence permit or a national long-term visa (if appropriate);
• present a proof of sickness insurance (or a proof of having applied for it).

In addition, the applicant must not pose a threat to public policy in the view of the Member State. He/she will also be required to provide his/her address in that Member State.

How much do I have to earn to qualify for an EU Blue Card?

The gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer must be equal to or higher than the relevant salary threshold defined by the Member State (at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in the Member State concerned).

Are there exceptions to the minimum salary requirement?

If you are going to be employed in the profession stipulated in the relevant Cabinet of Ministers regulations listing the professions in which there is a lack of local labour force, your salary shall be at least 1.2 times the average gross annual salary in the Republic of Latvia.

Will EU citizens' applications be prioritised over mine?

Some Member States apply a Labour Market Test (LMT). This is a mechanism that aims to ensure that migrant workers are only admitted after employers have unsuccessfully searched for national workers, EU citizens (in EU Member States, this also means EEA workers) or legally residing third-country nationals with access to the labour market according to national legislation (for more information see the FAQ section).

Latvia does not apply a labour market test.

How long will my EU Blue Card be valid?

The standard period of validity in Latvia is: five years.

Specific rules: in Latvia, the EU Blue Card is issued for the period of the employment contract and no longer than five years. If the employment contract is for less than one year, the EU Blue Card shall be issued for the duration of the contract plus three months.

How much will it cost?

Fee for the examination of documents: 10 working days: 100 euros. 5 working days: 200 euros.

How long will it take to get my EU Blue Card?

National law foresees that the maximum processing time for issuing an EU Blue Card in Latvia is 10 working days. The production of the ID card will take another 10 working days (15 euros) or 2 working days (accelerated procedure – 30 euros).

State Employment Agency of Latvia

More information on migrating to Latvia

For more information on the EU Blue Card, please check here.

Information