Informative Materials – Latvia

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1 Informative Materials – Latvia
1.1 Education paths leading to professional caregiving in Latvia
1.2 Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.3 Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Latvia
1.3.1 Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.3.2 General about recognition for purpose continuing education
1.4 Employment conditions in Latvia; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations
1.5 Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Latvia (as low-skilled foreigners)
1.6 Information on earning
1.7 Job offers
1.7.1 Job seeking
1.8 Some statistic data
1.9 Link to relevant websites in country
1.10 Useful materials
1.11 References

Education paths leading to professional caregiving in Latvia

The Latvian education system consists of pre-school, basic, secondary, and higher education. General education in Latvia lasts 12 years, consisting of compulsory 9-years basic education and 3 years secondary education. Additionally, pre-school education at the age of 5-6 is compulsory in Latvia. The basic education stage comprises general basic education (grades 1-9) and vocational basic education. The secondary education stage includes general secondary education, vocational secondary education, and vocational education. Higher education comprises both academic and professional study programmes.

Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

In place the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations of 13 June 2017 No. 322, “Regulations on the classification of Latvian education” were approved. According to the Latvian Qualification Level that follows the European Qualification Framework (EQF) we can find the Caregiver Profession (level 3). This profession is held as a Welfare thematic field and follows detailed Care for the Elderly and disabled adults. This is done in secondary education in vocational education, with one-year duration.

For more information and a professional description, see here.

Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Latvia

Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

The recognition of education or skills acquired through non-formal and informal learning uses the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), whose purpose is to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. In close cooperation with the European Commission, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) also provides analytical and coordination support for implementing the EQF. 

The European Commission Information about recognition of Professional Qualifications – Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs delivers the following information: 

User guide, Directive 2005/36/EC – All you need to know about recognition of professional qualifications, Publications Office, 2020, available here (It permits the download in all languages)

Academic Information Centre

Postal address: Vaļņu iela 2, Rīga, LV-1050

LATVIJAOffice address:Dzirnavu iela 16, 3rd floor, Rīga, LV-1010, LATVIJA

Tel: + 371 67225155; Fax: + 371 67221006

Email: aic＠aic.lv / prof@aic.lv

Website: www.aic.lv

For CEDEFOP (Vocational Education and Training in Latvia), see here.

General about recognition for purpose continuing education

Information about academic recognition in Latvia can be reached here.

Employment conditions in Latvia; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations

For employment conditions of EU citizens, see here.

Procedures for the Recognition of a Professional Qualification for Independent Professional Activity in the Republic of Latvia

Language requirements: bear in mind that to successfully find a job in Latvia, adequate knowledge of Latvian is necessary. Latvian is the state (official) language in Latvia, and it is used in all state institutions and most workplaces. In your job search, knowledge of Russian and in some cases English, German or Scandinavian languages may prove useful.

Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Latvia (as low-skilled foreigners)

Not know.

Information on earning

An Elderly Care Giver working in Latvia will typically earn around 5,720 EUR per year (gross amount), and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 1,960 EUR to the highest average salary of 10,100 EUR (World Salaries, 2023).

The most important factor in determining your salary after the specific profession is the number of years’ experience you have. It stands to reason that more years of experience will result in a higher wage.

Average Salary by Experience Chart

0-2 Years 1,420 EUR
2-5 Years                  +31% 2,480 EUR
5-10 Years                   +40% 5,160 EUR
10-15 Years                   +20% 8,440 EUR
15-20 Years                     +9% 7,040 EUR
20+ Years                      +8% 6,440 EUR

 

Average Salary by Education Chart

High School 4,400 EUR
Certificate or Diploma +47% 6,480 EUR
Bachelor’s Degree +54% 6,440 EUR

 

Information available here (non-official)

Job offers

The most common ways of finding a job in Latvia include personal contacts, newspaper and radio job advertisements, employment agencies, recruitment firms and the internet, which immensely broadens the job search options.

For more information about the offered services, see the State Employment Agency homepage

 Job seeking

Some statistic data

According to Latvia – Eurocarers

During the coming decennia, the population of Latvia will gradually decline, from 2.0 million inhabitants in 2016 to 1.3 million inhabitants in 2070. This 32% fall contrasts sharply with the EU average increase of 2%. Until now, emigration has been the primary driver of population decline; in the future, natural population change will take the lead role. Moreover, the rate of decline in the working-age population is set to accelerate over the next 20 years compared with the previous two decades.

In line with the general demographic trend in the EU, the percentage of older population (65 and above) is growing and is projected to increase further. In 2018, the proportion of people aged 65 and over amounted to 20.1 %, against 15.1 % in 2001. It is projected to reach 28,7% in 2050 (28.5 % in the EU).

The Latvia’s approach to long-term care (LTC) policy is characterised by a strong informal care orientation and little support for informal care. Family is the main payer for LTC, in a country where the risk of poverty among the elderly is particularly high.

As a result of the lack of relevant statistical data and research on care and caring related issues in Latvia, there is no official data regarding the number of informal carers. However, according to the European Quality of Life Survey the proportion of people taking care for a disabled or infirm family members, neighbours or friends aged 75 or over at least several days a week in 2017 was 12.4 %, while the EU average of 7.5 %. The prevalence of informal care within the working population is comparatively very high in Latvia, with 13.8% of people in employment managing care for elderly, against 6.4 % in average in the EU.

Unlike many other countries, a similar proportion of women (12.6) and men (12.2) are involved in caring for the elderly in Latvia.

Link to relevant websites in country

Useful materials

References