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Notice period for ending an employment contract in Latvia

Published: 27 September 2026 · Sources checked: 27 September 2026

In short

In Latvia an employee can resign by giving written notice, normally one month (the contract may set a shorter period, not a longer one). An employer's notice period depends on the legal ground for dismissal — for redundancy, for example, it is one month. During probation either side may terminate with three days' written notice.

Resigning as an employee

Notice must be in writing. The period starts the day after your employer receives it, so keep proof of delivery. If you have a serious reason that makes continuing the job unacceptable on grounds of morality and fairness — for example, persistent non-payment of wages — the Labour Law allows you to leave without working out the notice. Describe the reason specifically in your notice.

When the employer gives notice

An employer may dismiss only on the grounds listed in Section 101 of the Labour Law, in writing, stating the circumstances. Section 103 sets the notice period: it is shorter for dismissals linked to the employee's conduct and one month for grounds such as redundancy or liquidation. You keep working and being paid during the notice period.

If you are offered a 'mutual agreement' instead of a redundancy notice, check first whether you would lose severance pay.

What evidence to keep

  • Employment contract and any collective agreement.
  • Copy of the notice with the date it was received.
  • Payslips and bank statements.
  • Emails or messages about the termination.

Step by step

  1. Check the ground and period in your contract and in Sections 100 and 103 of the Labour Law.
  2. On your last day, check the final settlement, including compensation for unused annual leave.
  3. To challenge a dismissal, file a claim in court within one month of receiving the notice (Section 122).
  4. The State Labour Inspectorate (VDI) gives free employment-law consultations.

Exceptions and caveats

  • Probation: three days' notice, and the employer need not give a reason.
  • Dismissal during sick leave or annual leave is generally prohibited, with exceptions.
  • Some groups, e.g. pregnant employees and trade union members, have extra protection.

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This is general information on Latvian law prepared with AI assistance, not legal advice and not a guarantee of any result. Laws change — check the current version in official sources before acting.