EU Blue Card in Latvia
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly-qualified non-EU citizens, issued in Latvia as a temporary residence permit for up to 5 years. It comes with comprehensive social benefits and a path toward permanent residence and Latvian citizenship.
At a glance
- Permit term
- Up to 5 years — issued as a TRP
- Salary threshold
- 1.5× the average Latvian salary — or 1.2× for professions in shortage
- Education requirement
- Higher education and relevant experience
- Between-jobs grace period
- Up to 3 months — without losing the Blue Card; unemployment benefits may apply under Latvian employment law
- Changing employer
- Right to stay pending decision — you may remain in Latvia while a new residence-permit decision is made
- Path to permanent residence
- 5 years — and Blue Card holders may spend longer periods outside Latvia once permanent residency is applied for
Who needs this
- Higher education and relevant professional experience Required
- Salary at least 1.5 times the average salary in Latvia, or 1.2 times for professions officially in shortage Required
- A signed employment agreement Required
- An invitation from your employer Required
- A valid travel document Required
- No criminal record in your home country or country of residence Required
- A completed special Blue Card application form Required
- Health insurance covering the period of your employment agreement, valid across the Schengen zone Required
- Payment of the applicable state fees Required
Registration process
Secure a qualifying job offer
From a Latvian employer, at a salary meeting the 1.5× (or 1.2× shortage-profession) threshold.
Gather your documents
Employment agreement, employer invitation, proof of higher education and experience, valid travel document, criminal record evidence, and Schengen-wide health insurance.
Submit the Blue Card application
Using the special application form, alongside payment of the state fees.
Receive your Blue Card TRP
Issued for up to 5 years, with the same registration and residency rules that apply to other Latvian TRP holders.
Maintain your status
If you lose your job, you can remain in Latvia for up to 3 months without losing the Blue Card, with possible access to unemployment benefits. If you change employer, you may stay in Latvia while a decision on your new residence permit is made.
What it costs
Government fees
- Blue Card application state fee
- Ask us for the current figure for your case.
BIZ TRP fees
- Route confirmation & application support
- Ask us for a quote — from €120/hour
Why work with BIZ TRP
The salary threshold moves with the average Latvian wage, and shortage-profession eligibility isn't always obvious from the job title alone — we confirm both before you commit to an employer's offer.
- Eligibility confirmation. We confirm your salary meets the current threshold and check whether your profession qualifies for the reduced 1.2× shortage-profession rate.
- Application preparation. We prepare your Blue Card application, including the employer invitation and Schengen-wide health insurance documentation.
- Ongoing status support. If you change jobs or face a gap in employment, we help you understand what protections apply and what to file.
Common questions
How is the Blue Card different from a standard work permit?
The Blue Card is specifically for highly-qualified professionals — it requires higher education and a salary at least 1.5 times the Latvian average (1.2 times for shortage professions) — and comes with added protections, like a 3-month grace period if you lose your job. See our Work Permit page for the standard employment route.
What happens if I lose my job?
As long as the gap doesn't exceed 3 months in a row, you keep your Blue Card and may be entitled to unemployment benefits under Latvian employment law.
Can I change employers on a Blue Card?
Yes — if you decide to change employer, you have the right to stay in Latvia until a decision is made on your new residence permit application.
Need help with EU Blue Card in Latvia?
BIZ TRP confirms your eligibility and manages your EU Blue Card application from submission to approval.
Talk to us about EU Blue Card Email us