Latvia is not usually the first country people think about when searching for a job abroad. Many people focus on Spain, Portugal or Greece. But over the last few years, more internationals have discovered that working in Latvia comes with a combination that is difficult to find elsewhere: affordable living, international jobs, good work life balance and a surprisingly modern lifestyle.

What often starts as a short term experience quickly turns into something longer. Many foreigners who move for jobs in Latvia end up extending their stay because life simply feels easier, calmer and more balanced than expected.

So what makes Latvia different from other European destinations?

Why foreigners are choosing Latvia

Latvia has become increasingly popular among young professionals and multilingual candidates looking for work abroad. Especially in the capital city Riga, international companies regularly hire foreigners for customer support, sales, IT, content moderation and finance related positions.

One of the biggest reasons people choose working in Latvia is accessibility. For EU citizens, moving is relatively simple and there is less bureaucracy compared to many non European destinations. At the same time, the cost of living remains lower than in Western Europe.

But beyond practical reasons, Latvia offers something many people do not expect: quality of life.

You get modern cities without the overwhelming crowds. Nature is always close. Public transport is affordable and reliable. Cafés, coworking spaces and restaurants feel international while prices stay reasonable.

For many expats, this creates a lifestyle that feels sustainable long term.

What jobs in Latvia are available for foreigners?

The majority of international jobs in Latvia are located in Riga. This is where many global companies have customer service centres and multilingual offices.

Popular jobs in Latvia for foreigners include:

Customer support advisor
Technical support specialist
Sales representative
Social media moderator
Content reviewer
IT support
Finance and accounting roles
Recruitment and HR positions

Many companies specifically search for people who speak languages like German, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish or Finnish alongside English.

In most international offices, English is the daily working language, which makes it easier for foreigners to adapt quickly.

Some employers also offer relocation packages that may include:

Temporary accommodation
Flight reimbursement
Help with paperwork
Airport pickup
Support opening a bank account

This makes moving abroad feel far less stressful, especially for first time expats.

The cost of living is still relatively low

One of the strongest advantages of working in Latvia is financial balance.

While salaries may not be as high as in countries like Germany or the Netherlands, everyday expenses are significantly lower too. Many foreigners realise they can still save money while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

Typical monthly costs in Riga might look like this:

Shared apartment: €250 to €450
One bedroom apartment: €450 to €800
Public transport pass: around €30
Gym membership: €25 to €50
Coffee in a café: €2 to €4

Compared to many major European capitals, Riga remains affordable while still offering modern infrastructure and a high standard of living. You can compare average living costs in Latvia on Numbeo.

Riga surprises most newcomers

A lot of foreigners arrive in Latvia without many expectations. Then Riga changes their mind.

The city combines historical architecture with modern Scandinavian influenced design. You will find quiet streets next to lively nightlife areas, trendy cafés next to Soviet era buildings and large green parks throughout the city.

Riga also has one of the fastest internet infrastructures in Europe, which has helped attract remote workers and international companies.

Another thing many expats notice quickly is how walkable the city is. You do not necessarily need a car. Daily life is simple and manageable.

And while locals may initially seem reserved, many foreigners say that once you get to know Latvian people, friendships become genuine and long lasting.

Work life balance feels healthier

This is one of the main reasons why people often stay longer than planned after moving for jobs in Latvia.

In many countries, work culture can feel extremely fast paced and stressful. Latvia often feels calmer. Of course, this depends on the company, but many internationals describe the work environment as more balanced and less aggressive than in larger Western European cities.

People value personal time, nature and slower routines. That lifestyle tends to influence foreigners as well.

After work, it is common to spend time:

Walking through parks or forests
Visiting cafés with friends
Going to the beach in nearby Jūrmala
Enjoying saunas and spa culture
Exploring local markets and food halls

Latvia also has beautiful nature across the country. Forests cover more than half the land area, and the Baltic coastline offers peaceful beaches without huge tourist crowds.

Winters are cold, but many foreigners still love living there

Yes, Latvian winters can be dark and cold. Temperatures often drop below freezing between December and February.

For some people, this takes adjustment. But many expats also say the winter season creates a cosy atmosphere that they grow to appreciate.

Cafés become warm meeting spots, Christmas markets appear around the city and snow completely changes the scenery.

At the same time, summers in Latvia are surprisingly pleasant. Long daylight hours, outdoor terraces and festivals make the warmer months feel very social and energetic.

The contrast between seasons is actually something many foreigners end up enjoying.

Is working in Latvia a good career move?

For many people, yes.

International experience is highly valued by employers, and working abroad often helps people develop personally as well as professionally. Living in another country improves adaptability, communication skills and confidence.

For younger candidates especially, jobs in Latvia can be a relatively accessible entry point into international work experience.

You often do not need years of experience to get started. Some companies mainly focus on language skills, motivation and willingness to relocate.

This means Latvia can become:

A first international work experience
A gap year destination
A stepping stone into larger international careers
A way to improve English skills
An opportunity to build confidence and independence

And as many foreigners discover, it can also become much more permanent than originally planned.

Why people end up staying longer

When people first think about working in Latvia, they often imagine staying for six months or one year.

But then life settles into a comfortable rhythm.The combination of affordable living, international communities, manageable city life and better work life balance creates an environment where people feel surprisingly at home.

Many foreigners who planned a temporary move suddenly realise they are happier, less stressed and more fulfilled than before.

That is why Latvia continues to quietly grow as a destination for internationals looking for both career opportunities and a better everyday life.

How Job Squad can help you find jobs in Latvia

At Job Squad, we help candidates find jobs abroad across Europe, including opportunities in Latvia. Whether you are searching for customer support roles, sales positions or multilingual office jobs, recruiters can guide you through the entire process.

From helping you understand relocation packages to preparing for interviews and settling into your new destination, the goal is to make moving abroad feel less overwhelming and more exciting.

If you are considering working in Latvia, you can always contact a recruiter and explore which opportunities currently match your language skills and experience.

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Working in Latvia: Why more foreigners stay longer than planned