Latvia : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Latvia is suffering from the effects of the recent recession and had to seek help from the International Monetary Fund. It has high unemployment (17%) and this is expected to rise before it falls. Seemingly, more companies are shedding staff, rather than hiring. However, there is a need for skilled specialist workers, such as ship repair workers and other qualified people.

• Typical problems encountered: competition with qualified local professionals will be tough, especially if there are language barriers.
• How to improve your chances: professional qualifications may enhance your chances and fluency in Latvian would be advantageous.
• Language requirements: a working knowledge of some European languages would be valuable. The official language is Latvian, and while Russian is the second language, for some it is a first language. Lithuanian and Polish are also spoken. English is used for international communication.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: petrochemicals, automotive, white goods, construction, pharmaceuticals and food processing.
• Recent growth areas: pharmaceuticals, new technology, tourism and higher education.
• Industries in decline: agriculture and heavy industry.
• Shortage occupations: cooks, assembly technicians, customer advisers, sales agents.
• Major companies: Grindex Pharmaceuticals, Phillip Morris International, KPMG, Latvenergo (utilities), Lattelekom (telecommunications), Tele2 (telecommunications), AirBaltic (national airline).
• Search for more companies: the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIDA) can supply details on the economy and business opportunities. British Chamber of Commerce in Latvia - search under Corporate members for British companies. Europages - a useful directory. Kompass - a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service.
• Major cities: Riga (capital and largest), Daugavpils, Liepaja. Other than teaching English it is unlikely that a non-Latvian graduate will find work anywhere but Riga.

What’s it like working in Latvia?

• Average working hours: working day cannot exceed eight hours; normal working week is 40 hours.
• Holidays: around ten public holidays a year and up to four weeks of paid leave.
• Tax rates: 26% income tax.
• Working practices and customs: the dress code at work is usually formal except in the IT industry. Business is conducted in a similar way to other EU countries.