Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

Latvia

Minimum wage: from 1 January 2026 at least €780 a month for standard working time (40 hours a week). For comparison, the average gross wage in 2025 was €1,815 (€1,346 net).
Contract: the employment contract must be in writing, in two copies – one is for you. A probation period can last up to 3 months; fixed-term contracts up to 5 years.
Working time: normally no more than 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. Overtime is only allowed if you agree to it in writing, and on average no more than 8 hours of overtime in seven days (counted over four months).
Overtime is paid with a bonus of at least 100% of your hourly or daily wage; night work with at least 50%.
Breaks and rest: if you work more than 6 hours, you get a break of at least 30 minutes, no later than 4 hours after you start. Daily rest: at least 12 hours in a row; weekly rest: at least 42 hours in a row.
Holidays: at least 4 calendar weeks of paid annual leave, not counting public holidays.
Pay day: wages are paid at least twice a month, unless you agree with your employer on monthly payments.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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