If you are a legal entity and plan to employ a foreigner in the short or long term, read our latest article on the main steps for employing *third-country nationals.
What are the main steps for short-term employment of third-country nationals?
- The employer registers the vacancy in the State Employment Agency if the employment is provided on the basis of an employment contract. The vacancy must be vacant for at least 10 working days;
- The employer draws up and submits to the Office an invitation request (together with the employment contract or its project and the foreigner's educational documents);
- after approval of the invitation, the foreigner shall submit documents for requesting a visa to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia abroad. Information on employment rights is included in the visa;
- A foreigner registers in the State Revenue Service as a taxpayer.
What are the main steps for long-term employment of third-country nationals?
- The employer in the State Employment Agency, if the employment is provided on the basis of an employment contract, registers the vacancy;
- The employer submits to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs an invitation request (together with the employment contract or its project and the foreigner's educational documents);
- An invitation application can also be submitted using the e-service;
- If a foreigner is abroad, he or she shall submit documents for the receipt of residence permits and rights and employment to a diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia, but if he or she is legally residing in Latvia, then to the Office;
- After the Office issues a residence permit with the right to employment, a third-country national shall register with the State Revenue Service as a taxpayer.
It should be taken into account that the employer assumes full responsibility for the employment of the foreigner (including restrictions on remuneration), residence (including residence and health care) and, if necessary, expulsion expenses.
How can I submit documents for invitation or summons?
Documents for confirmation of an invitation or summons can be submitted electronically by sending an e-mail to pmlp@pmlp.gov.lv, confirming the application and each of the attached documents with a secure electronic signature.
More detailed information about approval of the summons is available HERE.
More information on employing a foreigner is available in the section “Employment of foreigners”.
* Third-country nationals - foreigners who are not citizens of the European Union Member States, as well as nationals of countries of the European Economic Area (EU27 + Liechtenstein + Iceland + Norway) and citizens of the Swiss Confederation.