Student work rights in Latvia
Rules for working while studying in Latvia, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.
Read the complete Latvia study abroad guide.
Part-time Jobs
Latvia distinguishes work rights by study level. A full-time bachelor's student may work up to 20 hours per week during studies and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. Full-time master's and doctoral students have the right to work without the student-hour restriction stated for bachelor's students.
That distinction matters when budgeting: a bachelor's student should not build a plan around full-time term-time work. Keep employment compatible with your actual study obligations and make sure the employer follows the immigration and tax formalities that apply to your residence status.
Source: https://www.studyinlatvia.lv/faq/working-in-latvia
Post-study Work
The post-study runway depends on degree level. Full-time bachelor's students receive a residence permit covering the study period plus four months; that period can be used to move into master's studies or secure employment and change residence basis.
Full-time master's and doctoral students also receive the study period plus four months and may request an additional nine-month temporary residence period to look for a job or start a business. The request must be made before the existing permit expires, and the official Study in Latvia guidance notes that OCMA assesses the application individually rather than treating the extension as automatic.
Once suitable employment is secured, follow OCMA and employer procedures for the appropriate employment-based residence status rather than relying on a single generic graduate salary figure.
Source: https://www.studyinlatvia.lv/faq/visa-and-residence-permit
Common questions
What should international students know about work in Latvia?
Work rights depend on study level: bachelor's 20h/week in study periods and 40h in holidays; master's/doctoral students have no student-hour restriction.
What should international students know about post study in Latvia?
Bachelor's permits include four months after study; master's/doctoral graduates may request an additional nine-month job-search period.