Healthcare & Nursing Jobs in Latvia – Medical Career

For nurses seeking a stable and rewarding career within the European Union, Latvia offers a compelling blend of professional opportunity and cultural charm. As the nation’s healthcare sector expands, the demand for skilled, compassionate nurses has never been higher. Imagine building your future in a country known for its historic cities and beautiful landscapes, with a career that provides a clear path for growth.

While salaries for experienced nurses can reach up to €18,900 per year, the true value lies in the job security, EU-standard benefits, and the profound satisfaction of serving a community in need. If you are ready to take the next step in your professional journey, Latvia welcomes you.

The Job Market: An Overview

Demand is strongest for experienced specialists and nurses willing to work in the public healthcare system, particularly outside Riga. Leading employers include major university hospitals:

• Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, Riga
• Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Riga
• Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga
• Regional Hospitals in Daugavpils, Liepāja, and Jelgava

Important Note: The job listings in the original text for roles like “Medical Secretaries” with a $150,000 salary, “Receptionist,” and “Work in Ireland” are either inaccurate, misclassified, or not relevant to nursing positions in Latvia and should be disregarded.

Licensing and Registration: The Critical First Step

The ability to practice legally is the most important factor. For non-EU/EEA citizens, this process is managed by the Latvian Centre of Medicine (Medicīnas centrs) and the Health Inspectorate (Veselības inspekcija).

For Non-EU/EEA Qualified Nurses & Doctors:

1. Credential Recognition: Your nursing diploma/medical degree and transcripts must be translated and officially authenticated for evaluation by the Academic Information Centre (AIC) to determine its equivalence to a Latvian qualification.
2. Language Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in the Latvian language is mandatory for patient safety and licensing. You will likely need to pass a state language exam.
3. Professional Qualification Exam: You must pass a professional qualification exam in Latvian, which tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
4. Temporary Registration: After passing the exam, you can apply for a temporary license to practice, leading to full registration.

For EU/EEA Qualified Professionals:
The process is streamlined under the EU Professional Qualifications Directive. You must still apply for the recognition of your qualification and demonstrate language proficiency, but you may be exempt from the full qualification exam.

Work Visa and Residence Permit

Once you have a formal job offer from a licensed Latvian healthcare institution, you can apply for a temporary residence permit for employment.

Required documents typically include:

• A valid passport.
• A formal employment contract.
• Proof of recognized qualifications and professional registration.
• A clean criminal record certificate.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Evidence of Latvian language proficiency.

Salary Expectations

Salaries in Latvia are lower than in Western Europe but are commensurate with the local cost of living, especially outside Riga.

For Registered Nurses (Annual Gross Salary):

• Early Career (0-2 years): Approximately €12,000 – €15,000
• Mid-Career (5-10 years): Approximately €18,000 – €22,000
• Experienced (10+ years): Can reach €25,000 or more, especially in specialized units or supervisory roles.

Benefits of Healthcare & Nursing Jobs in Latvia

Latvia’s healthcare system has been expanding and modernizing over the past decade, creating steady demand for nurses, caregivers, and medical professionals. Whether you’re a local applicant or an international worker, healthcare jobs in Latvia offer solid career opportunities, professional growth, and long-term stability.

Below are the key benefits.

1. High Demand for Nurses and Healthcare Workers

Latvia is facing a shortage of skilled nurses and medical staff, which means:

• Consistent job openings
• Lower competition
• Strong job security
• Opportunities for foreign workers

Hospitals, clinics, and elderly care homes are actively hiring both locally and internationally.

2. Competitive Salaries With Clear Growth Path

Healthcare professionals receive:

• Competitive salaries within the Baltic region
• Extra earnings through night shifts, overtime, and weekend work
• Higher pay in private clinics
• Salary increases with experience and specialization

Specialized nurses (ICU, surgical, emergency care) often earn significantly more.

3. Modern Healthcare Infrastructure

Latvia has been upgrading its medical facilities, which means:

• Modern equipment
• Digital records and advanced health systems
• Clean, well-organized hospitals
• International-quality medical standards

Professionals gain exposure to updated practices and technologies.

4. Strong Opportunities for Professional Development

Healthcare workers benefit from:

• Ongoing training
• Certification programs
• Workshops and seminars
• Opportunities to specialize in high-demand fields

This makes Latvia a great place to advance your medical career.

5. Pathway to Work in Other EU Countries

Once you gain experience in Latvia’s healthcare system, your skills are recognized across the EU.
This creates opportunities to move to:

• Germany
• Norway
• Sweden
• Ireland
• The Netherlands

Latvia serves as a strong stepping stone for broader European careers.

6. Safe, Organized Work Environment

Latvia offers:

• Supportive medical teams
• Clear protocols
• Respect for professional boundaries
• Patient-focused care

Foreign healthcare employees often appreciate the structured and safe workplace culture.

7. Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to Western Europe, Latvia is much more affordable.
You save more on:

• Housing
• Transport
• Food
• Utilities

This helps nurses maintain a comfortable lifestyle even on entry-level wages.

8. Opportunities in Both Public and Private Sectors

Healthcare workers can find roles in:

• Government hospitals
• Private hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Elderly care homes
• Home-care services
• Dental and specialty clinics

This variety lets you choose the environment that fits your skills.

9. Work-Life Balance

Latvia is known for:

• Reasonable working hours
• Predictable schedules
• Paid leaves and national holidays
• A slower, calmer pace of life compared to larger countries

This helps healthcare workers avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being.

10. Easy Cultural Integration

Latvians are professional, welcoming, and respectful toward international employees.
Foreign nurses find it easy to adapt due to:

• A multicultural workforce
• Use of English in many hospitals
• Supportive colleagues
• A peaceful, safe living environment

Key Requirements for Applicants

• Educational Qualifications: A recognized bachelor’s degree in nursing or a medical degree equivalent to Latvian standards.
• Professional Registration: A valid license to practice from your home country and successful completion of the Latvian recognition process.
• Language Skills: Fluency in Latvian is non-negotiable for clinical practice and licensing.
• Experience: A minimum of 1-2 years of postgraduate experience is highly preferred and often required for visa sponsorship.

A Strategic Action Plan for International Nurses

1. Research and Self-Assessment: Confirm that your qualifications can be recognized. Begin intensive Latvian language studies immediately; this is the most significant barrier and prerequisite.
2. Initiate the Credential Recognition Process: Contact the Academic Information Centre (AIC) to start the evaluation of your diplomas.
3. Target Employers: Once you have advanced Latvian skills, apply directly to major hospitals. Be transparent about your status in the licensing process.
4. Secure a Job Offer: A formal offer is required for the residence permit application.
5. Complete Licensing Requirements: Pass the required language and professional exams.
6. Apply for a Residence Permit: Submit your application with the support of your employment contract.

Websites to Find Healthcare & Nursing Jobs in Latvia

1. CV.lv (CV-Online)
   • One of the largest local job portals in Latvia.
   • You can filter by “Health and Social Care” to find nursing roles. cv.lv
2. State Employment Agency (NVA.gov.lv)
   • Official government job board. nva.gov.lv+1
   • You can upload your CV, search for vacancies, and check healthcare job listings. nva.gov.lv
   • There’s also a page for employment of third-country nationals. nva.gov.lv
3. EURES – European Job Mobility Portal
   • Shares jobs from NVA. EURES (EURopean Employment Services)
   • Helpful for international applicants looking for roles in Latvia.
4. LinkedIn
   • Very useful for healthcare jobs, including nursing. LinkedIn+1
   • Allows you to network with hospitals, clinics, and recruiters.
5. Moving2Europe.eu – Healthcare Recruitment for Latvia
   • Specialized in medical and nursing recruitment. Moving2Europe
   • Good option if you’re open to relocation and want a recruiter to handle part of the process.
6. MillionMakers – Nurses / Nurse Jobs in Latvia
   • Lists nurse-specific vacancies. millionmakers.com+1
7. Himalayas.app – Remote Nursing Jobs
   • For remote nursing roles (telehealth, consults).

Conclusion

In summary, Latvia offers a structured and promising environment for nurses seeking to advance their careers within the European Union. With a clear demand for qualified professionals, a transparent salary scale based on experience, and a network of modern clinical hospitals, the country provides a solid platform for long-term professional growth.

By meeting the key requirements, particularly Latvian language proficiency and registration with the Health Inspectorate, you can secure a rewarding role in a healthcare system that balances high standards with a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions