Did you know Latvia is rapidly becoming a popular study destination for international students, including those from India? Don’t believe it? Here’s a fact: Of Latvia’s over 71,000 higher education students, nearly 10,000 are international students from over 60 countries worldwide.
Many of these students come from India, indicating a rising interest among Indian students in studying and working in Latvia. “Is it permissible for me to work while studying in Latvia?”—is this your question, too? Then there’s great news.
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Latvia offers a thriving part-time job market that caters to international students seeking part-time jobs.
As of January 1, 2024, the current minimum wage in Latvia is INR 63K (€700) per month. International students in Latvia are typically allowed to work 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during holidays. It is important to note here that full-time master’s or doctoral students in Latvia can work for unrestricted hours.
This indicates that Latvia is becoming a popular destination for students, with increasing opportunities for student workers. Part-time jobs in Latvia offer a chance to gain valuable work experience and help you finance your studies.
This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need about part-time jobs in Latvia for international students, including high-paying roles, average salaries, and where to search for these jobs.
Excited to support your finances as a student in Latvia? Dive in for details.
Key Highlights
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll discover in this article on part-time jobs in Latvia.
| Particulars | Details |
| Part-Time Jobs in Latvia | -Waiter -Pet Take Care -Cashier |
| Rules for Part-Time Jobs in Latvia for International Students | -Must be enrolled in a full-time degree program to work part-time in Latvia -Can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks |
| Popular Platforms to Search for Part-Time Jobs in Latvia | -Indeed -Piktalent -Job Gether |
| Part-Time Jobs in Latvia for English Speakers | -Data Entry Specialist -Freelance Writer -Customer Support Representative |
Why Should You Get Part-Time Jobs in Latvia?
Latvia has a close-knit academic and industry network, allowing you to join top companies and contribute to developing new technologies through collaborative research and innovation hubs during your studies.
The best part is that most programs in Latvia include placements and hands-on work, which provide practical experience and valuable connections right from the start. If you’re still wondering why you should look for part-time jobs in Latvia, here are the top four reasons.
- Opportunity to Work in the World’s Most Startup Friendly Country
Did you know Latvia is the most startup-friendly country in the world? With a thriving ecosystem of over 500 active startups, some of the renowned ones you must watch include OX Drive, Naco Technologies, Roibox, and Self Named.
Working part-time in Latvia offers a unique chance to work with these innovative companies, known for their potential for growth, market impact, and exceptional products and services.
- A Hub of Early Entrepreneurial Activity in Europe
In Europe, entrepreneurship drives economic growth, with Latvia leading at 14.34%, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. Working a part-time job in Latvia will allow you to immerse yourself in a vibrant entrepreneurial environment from an early age. You’ll gain firsthand experience and learn innovative business practices that can lead you to a successful career.
- Unrestricted Part-Time Work Benefits for Master’s and Doctoral Students
Full-time master’s or doctoral students in Latvia enjoy unrestricted part-time work opportunities. These opportunities allow students like you a chance to earn valuable income, gain professional experience, and be a part of the local community while pursuing your academic goals.
- Tech Sector Growth
Latvia’s IT industry is thriving and growing quickly. Software development is especially important for Latvia’s economy, with a remarkable growth rate of 8.72%. The country is home to about 2,200 IT companies, making it a dynamic and competitive business environment.
These companies employ over 39,000 IT professionals, highlighting the sector’s role in creating jobs and the continuous demand for backend engineers. If you’re seeking part-time work in the IT sector to gain experience, Latvia offers ample opportunities with its rapidly growing and competitive IT industry.
Rules and Regulations for Part-Time Jobs in Latvia for International Students
For international students, part-time jobs in Latvia are crucial to cover living expenses and save for tuition fees. Latvia allows international students to work part-time without needing a work permit on a student visa.
Popular industries for part-time student work in Latvia include textiles, fast food restaurants, and electronics. That said, you must fulfil specific rules and regulations for working part-time in Latvia. Here are some of them.
- You must be enrolled in a full-time degree program to work part-time in Latvia.
- According to European Union regulations, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks.
- A full-time master’s or PhD student can work part-time without restrictions as their visa conditions allow unrestricted work hours.
- To secure part-time jobs in Latvia, you must have a valid student visa with a condition that allows you to work.
- Part-time workers in Latvia enjoy equal employment rights as full-time employees, including entitlement to 20 days of paid time off (PTO) annually.
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Finding Part-Time Jobs in Latvia
According to the latest Labour Force Survey by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), Latvia recorded an unemployment rate of 7.2% in Q1 2024. This indicates that finding a part-time job in Latvia for international students should not be difficult.
The best part-time jobs in Latvia offer salaries sufficient to cover living expenses and sometimes even tuition costs. Now, the question arises: How can I find a part-time job in Riga, Latvia’s capital city?
If you’re wondering the same, this section has you covered.
Popular Platforms to Search for Part-Time Jobs in Latvia
Numerous resources are available to assist you in finding part-time jobs in Latvia. Online platforms like Indeed and Piktalent regularly update their listings with new opportunities.
All these platforms offer resources as well to help you showcase your strengths to potential employers. Read on to learn some of the most popular and effective platforms for searching for part-time jobs in Latvia.
- Indeed: Indeed is a highly regarded online platform for finding part-time jobs in Latvia for English speakers. It features various job listings spanning different industries, such as IT and healthcare, and companies catering to English job seekers like yourself.
The platform also allows you to read reviews and ratings from current and former employees, offering valuable insights into company culture. This can help you make informed decisions when considering potential employers in Latvia.
- CV.lv: CV.lv is Latvia’s top job advertisement portal, trusted by both local and international companies alike. It is a crucial platform for recruiting students like you across diverse industries and job categories. However, the primary focus is on roles for specialists and managers.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn is another valuable platform that allows you to customise job search criteria to filter for student-friendly positions specifically. This makes it easier to find part-time jobs in Latvia for English speakers as per your academic schedule.
LinkedIn also provides networking opportunities to connect with professionals and companies in your preferred fields of interest. This not only enhances job search efforts but also facilitates career development and exploration of potential internship opportunities.
- Piktalent: Piktalent works with over 3,000 companies spanning 15 countries, and the team processes over 20,000 applicants worldwide. It is the top platform for students to find part-time jobs in Latvia efficiently.
Additionally, the platform offers a tool that educational institutions can use to assess, compare, and evaluate their students’ growth based on their real-world experiences.
- Together: Are you looking for remote job opportunities in Latvia? Look no further than Jobgether.
Work from home or anywhere with many job options to match your skills. The best part is that the platform offers various filters, such as salary, contract type (internship, part-time, or freelance), industry, company, perks, and more, to tailor your job search to your preferences.
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University Career Services
Most universities in Latvia provide dedicated career services to help students find part-time employment. These services include the following support options.
- Internships in Latvia: Some study programs at Latvian universities incorporate internship and traineeship opportunities. If students are keen on pursuing professional development through internships, universities assist them in securing work placements.
When choosing a study program and university in Latvia, you can verify if internships are part of their curriculum offerings. Most Latvian universities offer a 6 to 18-week internship program designed for professional learning and training, particularly for IT and computer science majors. This program typically takes place during semester breaks.
- One-on-One Support: Universities in Latvia, including the University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University, provide personalised assistance to students aiming to advance their careers. This includes help with CV writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- Career Fairs and Events: Universities in Latvia host regular events where you can meet potential employers and discover part-time job opportunities. For example, the University of Latvia organises events in collaboration with employers, such as guest lectures and the annual “Career Opportunity Day” exhibition.
Interview Preparation for Securing Part-Time Jobs in Latvia
According to Eurostat, the part-time employment rate in Latvia was 6.60% in December 2023. And to secure a high-paying part-time role in Latvia, mastering the interview process is crucial.
This section emphasises the significance of practising responses to typical interview questions and adopting strategies to present yourself as the ideal candidate during interviews.
A successful interview can distinguish you from other students and enhance your hiring prospects. When you interview for a part-time job, it’s beneficial to tailor your answers to fit the role and highlight your strengths. While each part-time job in Latvia varies, you can often prepare by studying and practising responses to typical interview questions you might face.
Here are 10 interview questions for part-time jobs that you should prepare for.
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- Why are you interested in this part-time position?
- What relevant experience do you have for this role?
- How do you prioritise tasks and manage time effectively?
- Can you describe a time when you had to handle a challenging situation at work or school?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- What are your strengths that would benefit our team?
- Give an example of a time when you worked well in a team.
- How do you ensure attention to detail in your work?
- What do you hope to gain from working here part-time?
Preparing answers to these questions to fit the specifics of your industry will help you feel more confident and ready for your part-time job interview.
Top 5 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Latvia
According to Eurostat, the job vacancy rate stood at 2.80% in March 2024. This indicates a healthy demand for part-time job opportunities across various sectors.
In fact, the number of employed people in Latvia was forecast to remain at a similar level in 2025 as compared to 2024, with 0.89 million people. This forecast indicates that the overall employment situation in Latvia is expected to remain stable in 2025, thus boasting steady demand for part-time workers across various sectors.
Here is a list of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Latvia, along with their average wages.
| Job Roles | Average Hourly Wages |
| Waiter | INR 269 to INR 449 (€3 to €5) |
| Pet Take Care | INR 269 to INR 539 (€3 to €6) |
| Cashier | INR 449 to INR 539 (€5 to €6) |
| Language Teacher | INR 900 to INR 1,079 (€10 to €12) |
| Virtual Assistant | INR 1,258 to INR 1,438 (€14 to €16) |
Top 5 Part-Time Remote Jobs in Latvia
The number of employees working remotely in Latvia is increasing. In Q1 2024, 11.5% of employees (87.8 thousand people) worked remotely. This figure represents an increase of 10.2 thousand individuals or 1.2 percentage points from the previous quarter (77.6 thousand people or 10.3%). Among those working remotely, women accounted for 58.2% and men for 41.8%.
The average salary range for remote jobs in Latvia is $3.9k to $6.1k monthly. However, certain companies offer salaries as high as $14.2k per month for remote positions.
Here is a list of the top 5 part-time remote jobs in Latvia.
- Data Entry Specialist
- Freelance Writer
- Customer Support Representative
- IT Support Specialist
- Safety Specialist
If you’re wondering what skills can land you a remote job in Latvia, here are some in-demand skills.
- Attention to detail
- Clear communication skills
- Software engineering
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Collaboration skills
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)
- Python Programming
Please note: The required skills may vary depending on the specific job you are applying for.
Additional benefits are available for a remote, part-time job in Riga. Riga alone boasts over 2,200 free WiFi hotspots, with thousands more spread throughout Latvia.
What’s more? The country enjoys stable 4G coverage, covering 99% of Latvia.
How to Get a Student Visa to Apply for Part-Time Jobs in Latvia?
According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS) by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), 879.9 thousand individuals aged 15–74 were employed in Q1 2024 in Latvia. The employment rate remained unchanged from Q4 2023, holding steady at 64.0%.
Does this increase your confidence in choosing Latvia as your study destination? To make this a reality, securing a student visa is essential. Read on to learn about Latvia student visas.
International students applying for a visa to secure part-time jobs in Latvia must provide the following documentation.
- Valid passport
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs.
- Proof of acceptance by the university or educational institution.
- Letter confirming accommodations during studies in Latvia.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Proof of financial means: Original bank account statement reflecting transactions from the past month.
- Proof of visa payment.
- Document from an accredited higher educational institution for exchange program participants.
- Medical insurance records: INR 38L (€42,600)
According to the Immigration Law of Latvia, Indian students enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Latvia can apply for a long-stay visa. Upon receiving a 90-day long-stay visa, students must apply for a residence permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia (OCMA) upon entry into Latvia.
A Latvian student visa is typically issued for the duration of your study program, which can range from six months to one year. If your program extends beyond this period, you can apply for a visa extension to remain in the country. The visa processing typically takes around 15 days, and the visa fee is INR 5,400 (€60).
To Conclude
Studying and working in Latvia as an Indian student can be highly rewarding. Part-time jobs in Latvia offer numerous opportunities to manage finances efficiently and gain valuable work experience.
This experience enhances your competitiveness in the job market after graduation. However, to ensure fair treatment at work, you must learn about Latvia’s work rules and your rights as an employee.
Balancing work, study, and personal life is essential for academic achievement and mental well-being. By keeping all these points in mind, Indian students in Latvia can effectively maximise their study experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What are the popular part-time jobs in Latvia for international students?
Ans. Popular part-time jobs in Latvia for international students often include the following.
-Pet Take Care
-Retail and Sales Position
-Restaurant Jobs -
Q. Are part-time jobs available in Latvia?
Ans. Yes, part-time jobs are available in Latvia, especially in retail, hospitality, education, IT, customer service, and more sectors. You can find multiple opportunities to work part-time, allowing you to earn income while studying or pursuing other activities. The flexibility of these roles can also accommodate your academic schedule and personal commitments effectively.
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Q. How much can a student earn part-time in Latvia?
Ans. Part-time earnings in Latvia can vary depending on the job and industry. Typically, students can earn between INR 269 and INR 539 (€3 and €6) per hour in part-time positions. The exact wage may depend on factors such as the type of work, location, employer and your skills and experience.
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Q. What jobs are in demand in Latvia?
Ans. In Latvia, there is demand for professionals in sectors such as IT and software development, healthcare, engineering, finance, tourism and hospitality, education, and customer service. These industries offer opportunities for career growth and development, making them attractive for part-time job seekers in Latvia.
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Q. Is it easy to get a part-time job in Latvia?
Ans. Finding part-time jobs in Latvia can vary depending on your qualifications, skills, language proficiency, and the demand in your field. While it may require effort and persistence, opportunities are available in various industries for those who actively search and network. Additionally, Latvia hosts numerous multinational companies alongside a vibrant startup ecosystem.
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Q. What are the minimum working hours in Latvia?
Ans. In Latvia, the standard minimum working hours for part-time employment are typically set by labour laws and employment contracts. International students in Latvia are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters and up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks. Full-time master’s or doctoral students in Latvia have no restrictions on their working hours.
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Q. Is Latvia good to live in?
Ans. Latvia is known for its pleasant living conditions, featuring a high quality of life with reasonable living expenses, stunning natural scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and a safe atmosphere. The country offers numerous benefits, including a pristine environment, delicious cuisine, minimal traffic, fewer migrants, and affordable living costs.
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Q. Are Latvians friendly to Indian students?
Ans. Latvians are generally welcoming and friendly towards international students, including those from India. The country values cultural diversity and offers an inclusive environment, making it comfortable for Indian students to live and study in Latvia.
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Q. What is the currency in Latvia?
Ans. The currency in Latvia is the Euro (EUR). It has been the official currency since Latvia joined the Eurozone in 2014. Using the Euro simplifies transactions for everyone, contributing to economic stability and integration within the European Union.
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Q. Can one speak English in Latvia?
Ans. Nearly all Latvians are proficient in three languages – Latvian, Russian and English. While 86% of Latvia’s population speaks Latvian, 63% also speak Russian, making it the most prevalent “foreign” language by a significant margin. English ranks third, with 27% of the population fluent in it as a foreign language.
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Q. How to get a job in Latvia?
Ans. There are several resources available to help you find part-time jobs in Latvia. Well-known online platforms like Indeed and Piktalent frequently update job listings with new opportunities. These platforms also provide tools to enhance your presentation to potential employers.
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Q. How much is rent in Latvia?
Ans. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Latvia varies depending on its location. Apartments in the city centre tend to be more expensive, averaging INR 41K (€461) per month, whereas those outside the city centre are relatively cheaper, with an average rent of INR 28K (€317) per month.
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