Changing Jobs in Latvia on a Work-Based Residence Permit: What Changed in 2026

If you are a third-country national working in Latvia on a temporary residence permit tied to a specific employer, changing jobs could previously involve a lengthy immigration procedure. From 10 July 2026, the process became simpler.

Under the new rules, you generally do not need to obtain a new temporary residence permit solely because you change employers. Your existing permit can remain valid, but the new employer must complete a sponsorship procedure before you can start working.

At a glance

A separate new residence permit is generally not required solely because you change employers.
The new employer must submit a sponsorship request to OCMA.
When you can start the new job depends on your permit type.
You must notify OCMA when your previous employment ends.

What actually changed?

The amendments implement the revised EU Single Permit Directive and took effect on 10 July 2026.

Previously, changing employers could trigger a lengthy procedure because a foreign worker’s employment rights were connected to a specific employer.

Under the new rules, the new employer submits a sponsorship request to OCMA — the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, known in Latvia as PMLP. OCMA checks the new position, salary and employment conditions, but the worker does not normally need to obtain a completely new temporary residence permit solely because of the employer change.

Who does this apply to?

The procedure applies mainly to:

third-country nationals — people who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland — holding an employment-based temporary residence permit;
EU Blue Card holders changing employers;
foreign workers changing employers while their existing residence permit is still valid.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are not subject to this employment-based residence permit procedure.

When can you start the new job?

This depends on your permit type.

Permit type	When you can start	Conditions
EU Blue Card	Immediately after the new employer submits the sponsorship request	The employer change takes place during the permitted unemployment period, or more than 12 months have passed since the EU Blue Card was issued
Standard employment-based permit	After the sponsorship request is approved	If the request has not yet been decided, work may begin no later than 30 days after submission, provided the request has not been refused

If you hold a standard employment-based permit, do not assume that you can start working on the day the request is submitted. Confirm the submission date and current status with your employer and OCMA.

What if your unemployment period runs out during the process?

If you do not hold an EU Blue Card and the employer-change procedure begins during your permitted unemployment period, you may continue residing in Latvia while OCMA processes the new employer’s request.

This protection continues even if the permitted unemployment period expires before you become entitled to start the new job.

The permitted unemployment period is generally:

up to three months; or
up to six months if you have lived in Latvia for more than two years with an employment-based temporary residence permit.

For EU Blue Card holders, the permitted period is also generally three months, increasing to six months after the card has been held for at least two years.

To rely on this protection, you must notify OCMA that your previous employment has ended.

What to do when changing employers

Get a written job offer or draft employment contract from the new employer.
Confirm that the new employer will submit a sponsorship request to OCMA.
Notify OCMA that your previous employment has ended.
Ask for confirmation of the date on which the new request was submitted.
Confirm when you are legally permitted to start working.
Keep copies of your contract, submission confirmation and correspondence with OCMA.

The new employer is responsible for submitting the sponsorship request, but you should verify that it has actually been filed.

Does this provide unrestricted access to the labour market?

No.

The process is simpler, but OCMA still reviews the proposed employment. The authorities may examine:

the employment contract or job offer;
the position and required qualifications;
the proposed salary and employment conditions;
whether the employer complies with Latvian requirements.

The sponsorship request may still be refused if the legal conditions are not met.

FAQ

Do I need a new residence permit if I change jobs?

Generally, no. Your existing temporary residence permit can remain valid while OCMA processes the new employer’s sponsorship request.

Can I start the new job immediately?

It depends on your permit.

An EU Blue Card holder may start immediately after submission if the employer change takes place during the permitted unemployment period or more than 12 months have passed since the EU Blue Card was issued.

A standard employment-based permit holder can start after approval or, if no decision has yet been made, no later than 30 days after submission, provided the request has not been refused.

What if my unemployment period ends before the process is complete?

If you do not hold an EU Blue Card and the employer-change procedure began during your permitted unemployment period, you may continue residing in Latvia until you become entitled to start working for the new employer.

Who submits the sponsorship request?

The new employer submits the request to OCMA. You should confirm that it has been filed and keep a record of the submission date.

Do I need to notify OCMA when my previous employment ends?

Yes. Latvian immigration law requires the foreign worker to notify OCMA about the termination of employment in order to retain residence rights during the permitted unemployment period.

Does this apply to EU citizens?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are not subject to this employment-based residence permit procedure.

This guide provides general information and does not replace individual advice from OCMA or a qualified immigration specialist.

Official sources

Last updated: July 2026