Work Permit After Study in Latvia

Excellent universities and a low-maintenance lifestyle make Latvia a popular choice for students. The nation is renowned for both its scenic landscapes and rich cultural legacy. In addition to its stunning scenery, the nation provides pupils with an excellent educational system. Many students want to return to Latvia and work there after completing the programme. Students require more time in the nation in order to locate work prospects. The Latvia after study employment visa provides permission to remain in the nation after the educational programme ends. 

Work Permit After Study in Latvia

International students who have just finished their studies at a Latvian university or college are eligible to apply for a sort of temporary residency permission called a Post-Study Work permit, which is provided by the Latvian government. With the help of this visa, new graduates can stay in Latvia for a longer amount of time after completing their degree programmes in order to look for work and acquire useful professional experience. Depending on the level of study, it is issued as an extension to your study permit, so there's no need to apply for it individually. After graduation, the bearer of a Post-Study Work visa is authorised to reside and work in Latvia for a maximum of nine months. 

Postgraduate students are allowed to stay in the nation for up to nine months in order to find work, while undergraduate students are granted an extended permission for four months.

They can then petition to extend their stay by getting a Temporary Residence Permit for employment purposes if they are offered a job that is relevant to their education. You might also need to submit an application for an additional work permit, depending on your nationality. The Temporary Resident Permit can be obtained before or after the work permit procedure. The Temporary Residence Permit is first granted for a duration determined by the job contract, however it may be extended for a maximum of five years.  After five years, former overseas students can seek for Latvian permanent residency by securing long-term legal work.

The Post-Study Work Visa holder is granted many of the same rights and advantages as local Latvian residents for the duration of the visa. They may freely look for work prospects in a variety of sectors and industries, bargain for pay that is competitive, and get familiar with the business environment of the nation. Visa holders are not restricted in any way when it comes to the industries or types of jobs they can pursue, provided that the work is relevant to their academic programme. Moreover, visa holders are not obligated to continue working for a certain employer or maintaining a specified salary level for the duration of their visa.

Post- Study Work in Latvia

A visa specifically designed for students who have just graduated from a Latvian institution with a master's, bachelor's, or doctorate degree is the Latvia post study work visa. After their student visas expire, the visa permits them to remain in the nation for the duration of their studies. This is to look for work. The students have three options: start a business, get an internship, or hunt for work. The nation is a hotbed for entrepreneurs and a centre of innovation.

• A residency visa is granted to master's programme participants for the length of the programme and an extra four months to find employment or register for a master's programme.

• Students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree are granted an extension of four months to search for work opportunities.

Graduate students in master's and doctoral programmes are also eligible to apply for a nine-month post-study work visa. The Office of Citizen and Migration Affairs and your behaviour in the nation throughout your study stay are the only factors that will determine whether or not this permission is granted.

Work Permit After Study in Latvia - Eligibility Criteria

The following criteria must be met in order to be eligible for the Latvian 4-month extended stay work permit

• You ought to have graduated with a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree from a Latvian institution.

• You have to be proficient in Latvian and be able to prove it.

• Your work permit may be revoked if you have a criminal history.

• To ensure that you can easily sustain yourself financially while in the nation, you need to have documentation proving that the funds are available.  

Adequate Financial Resources

Proof that you have enough money to sustain yourself and any dependents you may have while living in Latvia is required. Usually set by the government, the minimum income criterion is subject to change.

Accommodation

It will be necessary for you to produce evidence that you have appropriate housing in Latvia, such as a lease or other records attesting to your living situation.

Health Benefits

It is mandatory for foreign students visiting Latvia to have current health insurance. Proof of insurance may be required at the time of applying for a work permit and residency permit.

Educational Qualification

• It is required that you have finished a full-time degree programme (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral) from a Latvian educational institution that has been certified.

• Programmes for distant or part-time learning are not eligible.

Language Ability

You must exhibit a certain degree of skill in Latvian, usually B1 or B2, as decided by the appropriate authority. The requirements may change based on the area of study or employment.

Employment Contract or Job Offer

You need a legitimate job offer or employment contract from a Latvian employer in order to be granted a work and residence permit. The position, responsibilities, pay, and other pertinent information should all be included in the employment offer or contract.

No past criminal history

You must not have a criminal history or outstanding warrants that might jeopardise Latvian national security or public safety.

Observance of Immigration Laws

It is required that you have adhered to all immigration rules and regulations while studying in Latvia.

Work Permit After Study in Latvia - Documents Required

The following information relates to the paperwork normally needed in order to receive a work permit and residence permit following an international student's education in Latvia:

Regarding Work Permit

• filled-out application

• a valid passport

• a copy of the permit for temporary housing

• A letter of employment offer or contract

• certificates, diplomas, or other records attesting to your qualifications

• Receipt for state fee payment

In order to register with the VID (State Revenue Service)

• a valid passport

• a copy of the permit for temporary housing

• A copy of the employment contract and work permit

Regarding the Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

• filled-out application

• a valid passport

• An employment contract or letter of offer from a Latvian employer

• Evidence of adequate financial resources (pay stubs, bank statements, etc.)

• Evidence of accommodations (lease agreement, titles to real estate)

• Validity of health insurance coverage in Latvia Receipt for state fee payment 

Work Permit After Study in Latvia - Application Process

A further application is not required in order to be considered for the 4-month award. You already have permission to live there after completing your study if you hold a student housing permit. With a student residence visa, you can stay in the nation for a further four months to hunt for work if you're a PhD or master's degree holder, or for another four months to look for an education programme.

• In the event that the four months granted to Ph.D. or doctorate students have elapsed, they are eligible to request for a permission or an extension of nine months.

• The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs must receive the physical application for the nine-month extension of the post-study permit.

• The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has final say over whether to grant the permission; there is no certainty in this regard.

• The decision about the permission will be made following an investigation of your time spent studying in the nation, any criminal records you may have, and any indiscretions you may or may not have had.

Work Permit After Study in Latvia - Processing Time & Cost

You can apply for a residence permit or a work permit after finishing your school. A one-year temporary residency permit (TRP) can be obtained for up to EUR 100. In addition, you must pay the EUR 14.23 transaction charge. You may be required to pay extra for the translation of paperwork. A TRP is typically handled in 30 days. It may, however, take up to 90 days in some circumstances. Within five days, you can have the same by paying an extra cost. Up to 400 euros may be charged in extra.

On the other side, EUR 60 must be paid in order to receive the work permit. The processing period for a work permit in Latvia is seven to ten working days. You must have a required health assessment before applying. This health test will cost you between 50 and 100 euros. In a few days, you will receive the results.

Visa Alternatives After Latvia Post-Study Work Permit

Students who are successful in finding employment or starting a company during the post-study work permit period may subsequently apply for the following visas to stay in the nation and further their careers:

Work permit

Those with jobs secured in the nation are eligible for this visa. In order to obtain this visa, you must pass a medical fitness exam, present proof of qualification, and submit proof of a work offer.

Entrepreneurial Permit

This visa is intended for those who have already launched their firm, have a solid business strategy, and can demonstrate that their venture will be profitable.

Residential permit

If you establish a company, have a stable employment, or have deep family links to Latvia—for example, your spouse is a citizen—you may be qualified to apply for a residence visa.

FAQs

1. Is it worthwhile to work in Latvia?Latvia is the centre of innovation and a hotbed for entrepreneurs. Working here may be really fulfilling and intriguing. For recent graduate students, there are several options and growth paths there.

2. How much does a post-study work visa for Latvia cost?

The Latvia post-study work visa is free of charge. The permission and student visa are both given at the same time. It doesn't cost extra because it is only a 4-month extension of the student visa authorization to hunt for work.

3. To what extent is a gap allowed in Latvia?

Five years between bachelor's degrees is allowed. In the nation, a ten-year gap is permissible for master's degrees.

4. In Latvia, how many hours may a master's student work?

A master's candidate may put in up to 20 hours per week of work. They are able to work 40 hours a week, full time, throughout the Christmas season.

5. How can I obtain a Latvian resident permit?

You can apply for a residency visa if you are able to find work within the nation, whether it be through self-employment or a job. Aside from this, you can obtain a residency permit for Latvia even if your spouse or a close family member is a citizen.