Latvia's labor laws establish a framework for regulating working hours, overtime, and rest periods to protect employee well-being and ensure fair labor practices. Understanding these regulations is crucial for employers operating in Latvia to maintain compliance and foster a positive work environment. The following information outlines the key aspects of working time regulations in Latvia as of 2025.
Latvian labor law specifies the standard working hours and conditions for overtime, rest periods, and other aspects of work schedules. These regulations are designed to protect employees from overwork and ensure they have adequate time for rest and personal life. Employers must adhere to these rules to avoid legal penalties and maintain a fair and productive workplace.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard working time in Latvia is 40 hours per week. This generally translates to eight hours per day for a five-day workweek. However, the law allows for variations in the distribution of working hours, provided that the total working time does not exceed 40 hours per week on average over a specific accounting period, which is typically one month but can be extended up to three months in some cases.
- For employees under the age of 18, the standard working time is reduced to 35 hours per week.
- Certain categories of employees, such as those working in hazardous conditions, may also have reduced working hours.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
Overtime work is permitted in Latvia only in exceptional cases, such as to complete urgent or unforeseen tasks. Overtime work requires the employee's written consent, except in situations where it is necessary to prevent accidents or deal with emergencies.
Limits on Overtime:
- The maximum overtime allowed is 144 hours per year.
- Overtime should not exceed an average of eight hours per week over a four-month period.
Compensation for Overtime:
Employees are entitled to increased pay for overtime work. The minimum compensation rates are:
| Time Period | Overtime Rate |
|---|---|
| First two overtime hours | Not less than 50% of the hourly wage rate |
| Subsequent overtime hours | Not less than 100% of the hourly wage rate |
Instead of increased pay, an employee may agree to take time off in lieu of overtime pay. The time off must be equivalent to the overtime hours worked, plus the applicable overtime compensation rate.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees in Latvia are entitled to rest periods during the workday and between workdays to ensure their well-being and prevent fatigue.
Daily Rest Period:
- Employees are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes if their workday is longer than six hours.
- This break can be divided into shorter periods, but each period must be at least 15 minutes long.
Weekly Rest Period:
- Employees are entitled to a continuous weekly rest period of at least 42 hours.
- Generally, the weekly rest period should include Sunday.
Annual Leave:
- Employees are entitled to a minimum of four calendar weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave.
- Employees under the age of 18 and those working in hazardous conditions are entitled to longer annual leave.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Night work is defined as work performed between 10 PM and 6 AM. Employees working night shifts are entitled to increased pay.
Compensation for Night Work:
- Employees working night shifts are entitled to a supplement of not less than 50% of their hourly wage rate.
Weekend Work:
- Work on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) is generally restricted, but it is permitted in certain industries or for specific tasks that cannot be performed during the week.
- Employees working on weekends are entitled to increased pay.
Compensation for Weekend Work:
- Employees working on weekends are entitled to a supplement of not less than 100% of their hourly wage rate.
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Latvia are required to keep accurate records of working time for each employee. These records must include:
- Start and end times of each workday
- Total hours worked each day and week
- Overtime hours worked
- Night shift hours worked
- Weekend work hours
- Breaks and rest periods taken
These records must be kept for at least three years and be made available to labor inspectors upon request. Accurate record-keeping is essential for demonstrating compliance with working time regulations and resolving any disputes related to working hours or compensation.
