Latvia Employment Guide

Essential Components of Latvian Employment Contracts

When drafting employment agreements in Latvia, contracts must be written in Latvian. For international employees who don't speak the official language, bilingual versions are acceptable. All contracts require written format with signatures from both employer and employee.

Mandatory contract elements include:

1. Employee's full identification details (name, ID number, residential address)
2. Employer's complete legal information (name, registration number, legal address)
3. Employment commencement date
4. Contract duration and terms
5. Designated workplace location
6. Job title aligned with occupational classification standards
7. Probationary period specifications
8. Compensation amount and payment schedule
9. Daily and weekly working hours
10. Duration of paid annual leave
11. Contract termination conditions

Understanding Latvia's Probation Period Regulations

Latvian labor law establishes a maximum 90-day probation period, which cannot be extended beyond this statutory limit. SailGlobal incorporates this probationary framework into all employment contracts as standard practice since January 2022.

The probation period serves as a mutual evaluation phase. Employers can assess job performance and cultural fit, while employees gain firsthand experience to determine if the role aligns with their career aspirations. This structured approach benefits both parties by facilitating informed employment decisions.

International Employment Considerations

For global companies like SailGlobal operating in Latvia, proper contract administration is crucial. Recent cases demonstrate that clear probation terms help prevent disputes when international assignments don't meet expectations. One European technology firm avoided potential litigation by following Latvia's probation guidelines precisely when terminating an underperforming expatriate employee.