Latvia

Country Name: Republic of Latvia
Continent: Europe
Capital City: Riga
Currency: Euro (EUR €)
Official Language: Latvian
Population: Approx. 1.88 million (2024 estimate)
EU/Schengen Member: Yes

Student Wages and Working Rights

Wage Rate for Students:

Student Working Rights:

EU/EEA students: No restrictions

  • Non-EU students (like from India, Nepal, etc.):
Latvia

Average Salaries in Latvia (Monthly, Gross)

General Average Salary (2024):
• Approx. €1,400 – €1,700/month gross

Average Salary by Profession:

Profession Average Monthly Salary (€)
IT & Software Developer €2,000 – €3,500
Engineering (Civil/Mechanical) €1,500 – €2,200
Healthcare (Doctors) €2,500 – €4,000
Nurse €1,000 – €1,500
Finance & Banking €1,800 – €2,800
Teachers/Lecturers €900 – €1,400
Hospitality Staff €800 – €1,200
Logistics/Warehouse Jobs €900 – €1,300
Customer Support (English) €1,200 – €1,800

Permanent Residency (PR) for International Students

Pathway to PR:

Student Residence Permit:

  1. Granted for duration of study.
  2. Does not count towards PR eligibility directly

Post-Graduation:

  1. After completing studies, students can apply for a job search permit (up to 6 months) to find a job.

Work Residence Permit:

  1. If student finds a job in a field matching their qualification, they can get a temporary work permit.

Eligibility for PR:

  1. Must legally reside in Latvia for 5 consecutive years (under work/residence
    permits).
  2. Should pass a Latvian language test (A2 level).
  3. Stable income, valid health insurance, and accommodation proof required.

Work Permit for Non-EU Nationals

Work Permit for Non-EU Nationals

Riga Capital city, modern infrastructure, job opportunities, top universities (e.g., University of Latvia, Riga Technical University). Best for students and expats.

Jelgava Affordable cost of living, good for students attending Latvia University of Life Sciences.

Daugavpils Latvia’s second-largest city, quieter and cheaper. Fewer English-speaking opportunities.

Liepāja Coastal city, vibrant cultural life, growing tech scene.

Ventspils Clean and scenic port city, fewer job opportunities but peaceful lifestyle.

Best City for Students & Job Seekers: Riga

Additional Information

Healthcare: Available through public and private providers. Students must have valid health insurance.

Transportation: Efficient public transportation in Riga. Student discounts available.

Cost of Living: Approx. €500–€800/month for students (including rent, food, transportation).

Residency Permit Cost: Around €100–150 depending on duration and processing time.