HOW TO FIND A JOB IN RIGA
Modern Riga is a beautiful European city, the political, economic and cultural center and the capital of the Republic of Latvia. Due to its favorable geographical location, Riga is the most important transport and transit hub in the Baltics. The main industrial potential of the state is concentrated here. In general, the city produces more than half of Latvian GDP.
The port of Riga is considered to be the largest in the region, and the network of international highways provides transportation of huge amount of cargo from the Scandinavian countries to the Central Europe and vice versa. More than 60% of Latvian companies are based in Riga, the level of foreign investment is growing. By the way, many migrants from different countries run successful business in Latvia.
Jobs in Riga in 2024 are available in many sectors. Especially in logistics, information technology, industry, tourism and construction. More than 50% of the working population of the country works directly in the capital. Of course, it is not easy for foreigners to find a decent job in Riga.
Despite Latvia's accession to the European Union and its fairly stable development, the standard of living of Latvian citizens is still inferior to that in most Western countries. For many job seekers from abroad, employment in Riga serves as a means of seasonal employment, or as a kind of a "springboard" to immigrate to the more successful European states.
Specifics of labour migration to Riga
It is quite comfortable to live and work in Latvia (especially in the capital). Riga has interesting architecture, many churches, historical monuments and other attractions. In 2014, the city was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture. Latvian universities provide quality education, including for foreigners. It is possible to study in Latvian, English and Russian. Special attention should be paid to the prestigious educational institution in Latvia – Riga Technical University.
Riga has rather favorable climate, acceptable prices for accommodation and food, low crime rate, well developed public transport system. Riga International Airport is one of the busiest in Eastern Europe. Over 90% of annual tourist arrivals to Latvia go to Riga. Revenues from tourism account for a significant part of the city's budget, while the industry itself is an important economic and employment generator.
In 2024 the population of Riga will be about 627.5 thousand people. It is the largest city not only in Latvia but also in the whole Baltics. It is worth noting that in the early 90s the Latvian capital had more than 900 thousand inhabitants. High percentage of labour migration of Latvians to more developed European countries and low birth rate cause considerable concern of Latvian government. That is why the way to Riga is open for qualified specialists from abroad.
The ethnic composition of Riga is as follows:
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Latvians – 44%
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Russians – 37.9%
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Ukrainians – 3.7%
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Belarusians – 3.7%
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Poles – 1.8%
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Others – 8.9%
Experts say that the number of Russian residents in Riga will gradually decline. Nevertheless, today a significant part of the inhabitants of the capital of Latvia are Russian-speaking. In order to be officially employed in Riga, the Latvian laws require citizens from third countries to meet a number of conditions. One of the main ones is absence of applicants for work among Latvians and citizens of the European Union for at least 30 days.
The procedure of labour migration to Riga:
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Searching for the employer.
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Obtaining the work permit.
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Signing the work contract.
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Opening a work visa.
Registration of residence permit in Latvia (employment period of more than 90 days).
More information about the procedure of moving to Riga for employment and the requirements for foreigners can be found on the official website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia – pmlp.gov.lv.
How to find a job in Riga
Riga is a key economic, financial and business city in Latvia and the Baltic states as a whole. Latvia's largest companies are concentrated here. For example, Latvenergo, Latvijas Gāze and airBaltic. The Latvian stock exchange and the central bank are also located in Riga. The number of international companies is constantly growing. So put together a good resume and cover letter. Write job offers directly to large employers.
Visit Riga on a tourist visa. Labor migrants living in Latvia can help you find a job. Look through advertisements in local newspapers, go to job fairs, try to establish business contacts. You might be able to get an interview and convince a local employer of your competitive advantages. Remember that Latvians and Europeans have priority positions when applying for jobs in Riga. Soberly assess your chances, especially your qualifications and language skills.
Qualifications. For foreigners a well-paid job in Riga is available to highly qualified job seekers with a profession in demand in the city's economy. The level of education, experience and practical skills of the employee are important. Technical specialists have the best chances for employment in Riga in 2024.
Language. The official language in Latvia is Latvian. English is fluent mainly among the younger generation, as a rule, inhabitants of the capital region. In contrast to many EU cities, Russian and elementary Latvian skills may be quite sufficient when looking for work in Riga. You will need English for employment in international companies.
Job search in Riga
State Employment Agency of Latvia – nva.gov.lv
List of large employers in Riga – glassdoor.com
Professional social network – linkedin.com
Popular newspapers in Latvia and Riga – onlinenewspapers.com
Popular job search sites in Riga
cv.lv (in Latvian)
ss.lv (in Russian)
careerjet.com (English)
If you fail to find a job in Riga without any mediator, please contact a recruiting agency. Preferably a recruiting agency in Riga. Be active on the Internet. Frequently visit thematic forums, groups in social networks and specialized sites. Communicate with like-minded people and experienced labor migrants, who have work experience in Riga.
Jobs and wages in Riga
Unfortunately, the level of pay for workers in Riga is considerably inferior to that in most European capitals. It is not surprising that young Latvians tend to go to work in countries such as Great Britain or Germany. If employment in London can provide a salary of 3-3.5 thousand euros (after taxes), in the Latvian capital these figures are 4 times lower. The average salary in Riga in 2024 is 1,434 euros a month, and after paying taxes 1,048 euros. The minimum wage is 700 euros.
Jobs in Riga in 2024 are offered to workers (construction) professions – painters, plasterers, drywallers, electricians, welders, masons. You can earn from 800 to 1,500 euros a month, as luck would have it. There is a demand for experienced programmers and engineers. In this case, the pay can exceed 1,500 euros. International drivers are often invited to work in Riga.
Jobs in Riga for foreigners are available in the offices of international companies. Most often IT specialists or sales representatives with knowledge of English are needed. Good chances for employment are in the field of tourism. In the field of unskilled labor to find jobs in Riga is very difficult. Professions such as housekeepers, maids, nannies, caregivers and so on are virtually unclaimed. Moreover, the salaries in these areas are very low.
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