Live and work in Latvia
Latvia is known for its beautiful and vibrant capital city Riga, which is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. But what else? And what is it like to live there?
Here we will try to give you a little more of a local point of view on the beautiful country.
Latest available jobs in Latvia
Polish Online Game Presenter – Riga
Do you speak Polish and English and do you have excellent communication skills? And do you enjoy leading games, interacting with players, and being a host in front of the camera? Then apply for this job!
Italian Online Game Presenter – Riga
Do you speak Italian and English and do you have excellent communication skills? And do you enjoy leading games, interacting with players, and being a host in front of the camera? Then apply for this job!
Swedish Operations Manager – Riga
Do you speak Swedish and are you looking for a job as Manager in Service Processes in Riga? Then we have good news! Contact us and start your work adventure abroad.
Currency
The Euro (€) is the official currency in Latvia like most other European countries
Famous people
Some notable Latvian people are Ernests Gulbis, Mark Rothko, Agata Mucuniece
Population
Latvia has a population of ~1.8 million people, the majority lives in Riga
Typical food
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (stew with ”chickpeas”), cabbage soup, Ābolu Plātsmaize (Apple Flatbread)
Avg. working week
Latvia has a 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
Latvia is located in north-eastern and borders Estonia, Russia, Belarus, and Lithuania. The capital city is Riga.
Languages
The official language is Latvian, and they use latin script
Healthcare
Latvia has a low public spending on health. Citizens of Latvia have free public healthcare services.
Work in Latvia: Everything you need to know
Latvia is a lush and green country that is well-known for its stunning lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. They have many expats who have made the same decision you are about to make now, and the warm Latvian people are ready to welcome you into their society.
Latvia is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, and it can be a good place to start working abroad. If you are curious about what our job offers in Latvia, click HERE. Keep reading to find out more about this fast-paced country.
Work in Latvia
Working in Latvia is a great experience, especially for expats. There are many jobs in customer service, IT support, sales and language based jobs in Riga. The economy in Latvia is improving and the IT field and tourism sector is increasing its activity.
Salaries in Latvia varies whether you are in Riga or in the rest of the country. In Riga you may find the highest salaries with an average of €1.300, while in the rest of the country the average is about €850. This may seem lower than other European countries but the low cost of living makes up for it.
The work culture in Latvia is influenced by other European cultures in general. They are very open to expats and the majority of their workforce comes from expats. However they value privacy which means that they usually don’t appreciate questions about family and their private life at work.
Work in Riga
Riga is the capital of Latvia and more than half of the population of the country lives here. It has a perfect location with a harbour in the Baltic sea, which makes Riga an attractive destination for a growing economy. Riga is called “The Smart City” because of their economical growth in 2014. The leading fields are trade accounting, transport and manufacturing, but you can also find opportunities in tourism.
Taxes in Latvia
Once you arrive in Latvia you need to apply for a Tax Identification Number. It’s your social security system number which contains 11 digits. With this number, you are entitled to use social security systems such as the unemployment fund. Latvia has adopted the Personal Income Tax system (PIT). This means that the progressive rate is based on an annual income. E.g. for an annual income up to € 20 000 the rate is 20%.
You can find more information by looking at this website.
Finding accommodation in Latvia
Most of the accommodations for rent in Latvia are already furnished, so you don’t have to worry about buying furniture etc. However, it’s still good to start looking for a place to stay before you will move there. The majority of expats decide to start living and working in Riga because most of the job opportunities are located there. To find accommodation remotely you can visit websites like rentinriga.lv/en/apartment/rent. It’s also wise to check Facebook groups with rental offers. If you would like to change accommodation after arrival, contact local agencies. They know the neighbourhood best, however, remember that you will have to pay a fee for their services.
In most cases, you will have to pay utilities on your own. Costs will depend on the area you live in. The highest costs of accommodation will be in the capital city, Riga. If you want to save some money you can rent a room in a shared apartment, but generally, accommodation costs are affordable.
Cost of living in Latvia
Costs of living, similarly to costs of accommodation, are relatively low. Prices of groceries and articles of everyday usage are low compared to other European countries. The same applies to restaurants and hotels. If you use public transport remember to buy a ticket beforehand, since a ticket onboard may cost more. If you take a taxi, the starting price is € 1.70 and then € 0.50 for every 1 kilometre. In most public places it’s possible to pay by card.
Below you can find examples of basic expenses in Latvia.
|
Description |
Cost in Euro |
|
Accommodation* |
350 – 600 |
|
Food** (meal for two) |
30 – 45 |
|
Public transport |
1.10 |
|
Fitness club (monthly pass) |
39 |
|
Cinema ticket |
7 |
|
Mobile rate (monthly) |
40-55 |
|
Pint of beer |
3 |
|
Cappuccino |
2.50 |
|
Total |
537.60 |
* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.
**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks from.
Expats in Latvia
Latvia is a great destination for expats. The diversity is big so you can find plenty of expat groups on social media. Don’t hesitate to socialise and make friends with your colleagues. They are in a situation similar to yours, so change some experience while having a cup of coffee or a pint of beer. Look if something interesting is happening in your neighbourhood, expat communities often organise meetings to make new friends in a foreign city.
But also, don’t forget to try to merge with the nationals. Be open to new customs and traditions, maybe you will apply some of them to your everyday life abroad.
Popular cities in Latvia
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Latvia
Latvia is a hidden gem in the Baltic region, where beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and warm-hearted people create a unique experience. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of Riga with its enchanting blend of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and mediaeval architecture.
Latvia’s natural beauty will leave you breathless. Explore the beaches along the Baltic Sea, where golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see. Or go into the calming forests of Gauja National Park, where you can hike, bike, and spot rare wildlife amidst lush greenery.
Basic facts about Latvia
Latvia is officially known as the Republic of Latvia and it is located by the Baltic Sea. The official language is Latvian but many nationals speak Russian as well. Its population of 1.9 million lives in an area of 64,589 km2. In 2014, when Latvia joined the European Union, the currency was changed to the Euro (€). It’s a charming country with the capital in Riga. Their summers are rainy and warm while winters are cold and windy. You will be surprised by how much this small Baltic country has to offer.
5 fun facts about Latvia
- Over half of the territory of Latvia is covered by forests. It’s one of the greenest countries in the world.
- It is said that Latvia is a WiFi paradise. Latvians can enjoy one of the fastest internet accesses in Europe
- Latvians flag is one of the oldest in the world. It was established back in the year 1280
- Their national sport is ice hockey
- Latvian women are the tallest in Europe, and one of the tallest in the whole world! The average height for ladies is 170cm.
Culture in Latvia
Latvia has a history of tumultuous development for being just between western and eastern Europe, which has resulted in clear signs of foreign activity. Latvians are proud of their country and their traditions from their ancestors. You can experience the Latvian folklore during the Summer Solstice or “Jani” holiday when they show many of their cultural traits in music, dance, arts and more. In Riga and Sigulda you can experience the traditional Opera during festivities if you’re a fan of music and performance.
Typical food in Latvia
Due to the fact that many foreigners live in Latvia, even many Latvians don’t know much about their real, national cuisine. Fortunately, despite the very high percentage of expats, there are people still keeping their core traditions alive. So what is Latvian cuisine like? It can be characterised as mildly spicy. Latvians don’t use a lot of spices in general. It’s a heavy cuisine with a lot of calories.
Latvians love potatoes and beans and their favourite meat is pork. Beer is their most loved alcoholic drink. The national cuisine of Latvia is far from being called plain or boring. These are some of their most popular dishes:
- Karbonāde (breaded pork chops)
- Aukstā zupa (cold beet soup)
- Kartupeļu pankūkas (potato pancakes with sour cream and berry jam)
- Frikadeļu zupa (meatball soup)
- Debesmanna (cranberry pudding)
Where to learn Latvian
Apart from their national language, Latvians speak Russian and English, however, the second one is used more commonly for the business and tourism sector and for younger generations. For this reason it’s good to know at least the basics of Latvian. To make the most of your Latvian experience there are free language courses for foreigners. Read more about online Latvian courses here. For those who really can’t wait you can also take online courses before moving!
Why Latvia
In Latvia you can find many interesting job opportunities for expats. With its high quality of life and picturesque landscapes, this small European country is a very satisfying destination for foreigners. A fast-growing economy, wide expat community, and welcoming nationals are great arguments for starting your journey with living and working in Latvia.
Check our Job offers in Riga or contact us by clicking HERE if you have any questions. We will be happy to help you with all doubts you have.
Still not convinced about Latvia?
Living in Latvia means being part of a society that values education, innovation, and a strong sense of community. The country boasts excellent educational opportunities, from prestigious universities to a thriving startup scene.
Latvia is also a country of festivities and traditions. Experience Midsummer’s Eve, when Latvians celebrate the longest day of the year with bonfires, singing, and flower wreaths. Join in the colourful Riga Carnival, where lively parades and street performances bring the city to life with music and laughter. The nightlife in Latvia, particularly in Riga, offers a vibrant and diverse scene. Riga is known for its lively nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to suit different tastes. The city has a bustling central district with a wide range of bars and pubs offering local and international drinks. The nightlife scene also includes nightclubs playing various genres of music, from electronic and dance to jazz and live performances. Riga’s nightlife is particularly vibrant during weekends, with many venues staying open until the early hours of the morning.
Latvia offers a range of attractions and beautiful sights to explore. Start with the capital city, Riga, which is known for its well-preserved mediaeval old town, filled with cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and charming squares. Visit the iconic Riga Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, and the impressive Art Nouveau district. Nature lovers can venture to Gauja National Park, where they can hike, explore caves, and visit Turaida Castle. The coastal town of Jurmala is renowned for its sandy beaches, picturesque pine forests, and charming wooden architecture. Furthermore, Riga is home to the world’s largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts.
Latvian cuisine will tempt your taste buds with its hearty and comforting flavours. Indulge in traditional dishes like grey peas with bacon, delicious Latvian rye bread, and the beloved potato pancakes known as “raguļi.” Don’t forget to taste a Riga Black Balsam, a herbal liqueur that has been crafted in Latvia for centuries.
FAQ
Yes and no, if you plan to stay for longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a work permit. You can read all about it here.
Latvian is moderately difficult to learn for non-native speakers. It is a Baltic language and has its own unique grammar and pronunciation rules. The language uses grammatical cases, which can be challenging for learners accustomed to languages without such a feature. However, with dedication and practice, it is certainly possible to learn Latvian. Many Latvians also speak English, especially in urban areas and the tourism industry, so communication in English is generally possible for visitors.
Latvia has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are generally mild to warm, with temperatures averaging around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It can occasionally reach higher temperatures. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), and can sometimes drop even lower. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, with fluctuating weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to check the specific weather forecast for the time of your visit, as conditions can vary.
Latvia has very good bus connections and it is easy to use their public transport. Tickets can be purchased beforehand, and each form of transportation requires different tickets.In for example Riga you can use public transport such as tram, trolleybus and bus, and you can also easily walk around og use a bicycle.
