Latvia seasonal work visa

The financial resources you need are tied to pay. For seasonal agriculture, forestry and fishery work OCMA requires at least the previous year’s average gross wage in the sector: EUR 1,516 for crop and animal production, hunting and related services; EUR 1,933 for forestry and logging; EUR 1,990 for fishery. For other sectors the sector average or the sector agreement minimum applies, but not more than the national average of EUR 1,815. The means must cover the whole period of employment.

The D visa costs EUR 90; a visa application centre may add its service fee. A D visa decision can take up to 60 days if needed, so plan the season early. The employer pays the OCMA invitation fees, including EUR 85 for each worker’s right to employment.

A visa with the right to employment must be obtained before entering Latvia, and only from a Latvian embassy or consulate, not from another Schengen state. The employer first registers the vacancy with the State Employment Agency and obtains its opinion, then files the invitation with OCMA including the right to employment. With the approved invitation you apply for a D visa; for work of up to 90 days in 180 days a C visa with the seasonal work remark is enough. OCMA publishes a seasonal visa application form and an information sheet on seasonal workers’ rights and obligations in English.

A visa refusal can be appealed by you within 30 days to the Director of the MFA Consular Department and then to the Administrative Court.

You may work only for the employer and in the work named in the visa. The employer is responsible for your employment conditions, including pay, accommodation and health care, and for removal costs if needed. You must register with the State Revenue Service as a taxpayer. Medical insurance for a D visa must have a limit of at least EUR 42,600.