Yes. Workers in Latvia are legally entitled to paid holidays. Latvia has clear labour laws that protect employee rights, including annual leave, public holidays, and additional paid days for eligible workers.
Whether you are a local employee or a foreign worker, your employer must provide paid leave according to Latvian Labour Law.
How Paid Holidays Work in Latvia
Latvia guarantees workers a minimum amount of paid annual leave each year. The law also ensures paid public holidays and special leave for certain circumstances.
Here is what every worker should know.
Minimum Paid Annual Leave
All full-time workers in Latvia receive:
At least 4 weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave per year
This excludes public holidays.
Key points:
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Leave is paid at the employee’s average earnings.
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Workers must complete 6 months with their employer before taking full annual leave.
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Employers cannot replace annual leave with money unless the employment ends.
Part-time employees also receive paid leave, calculated proportionally.
Paid Public Holidays in Latvia
Latvia celebrates several national public holidays, and employees are entitled to a paid day off when these fall on a working day.
Common paid public holidays include:
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New Year’s Day
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Good Friday and Easter Monday
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Labour Day
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Midsummer Festival (Jāņi)
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Independence Day
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Christmas (multiple days)
If an employee must work on a public holiday, the employer must pay double salary or offer compensatory time off.
Additional Paid Leave
Latvia also offers extra categories of paid leave, depending on the situation.
Paid Study Leave
Employees studying in accredited programs may receive study-related leave.
Parental Leave
Parents can take paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave, covered by social insurance benefits.
Sick Leave
Employers and the state pay sick leave according to rules set by Latvia’s Social Insurance Agency.
Do Foreign Workers Get Paid Holidays in Latvia?
Yes. Foreign workers, including non-EU nationals, have the same rights to paid holidays as Latvian citizens. Employers must follow Latvian Labour Law for every legally employed worker.
Can Paid Leave Be Carried Over?
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Annual leave must normally be used in the same year or the next year.
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Unused leave can be carried over if agreed with the employer.
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Employers must ensure that employees take at least two consecutive weeks of leave each year.
Payment During Leave
During paid annual leave, workers receive:
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Their average monthly pay based on the last six months of employment.
This ensures fair compensation even if salaries fluctuate.
Final Thoughts
Latvia provides strong labour protections, especially regarding paid holidays. Workers receive minimum 4 weeks of paid annual leave, paid public holidays, and additional leave when applicable.
This makes Latvia an attractive work destination for both local employees and international workers seeking fair working conditions.