Public Holidays in Latvia for 2019
Latvia is a small nation that was unnoticed during the early 90s, but it has gained popularity, and it is now frequently visited by tourists. There are dramatic landscapes, rich heritage, and its beautiful capital is Riga.
This country has abundant natural attractions such as the stunning coastline, the Gulf of Riga, beautiful resorts, and sandy shores. There are inland national parks and nature reserves that tourists find exciting and breath-taking.
Latvia has 27 public holidays, and you need to take note of them if you plan a vacation there. It will also help you as an investor or employer if you know about them because your employees are entitled to paid leave.
You can read on if you want to know more about them
What Employers Must Know About Latvia Public Holidays 2019
The monthly minimum wage for employees in Latvia is £340. The bonuses raise, and anything additional is generally agreed upon when the first contract is made. Latvia does not impose rules when it comes to giving raises or bonuses, but most companies reward a loyal employee every year. However, employees can be let go if they fail to meet their contract requirements, but employers must notify them in advance.
When it comes to holidays, employers are not allowed to require employees to work during holidays, but they can give additional pay if it is really needed.
Latvians can work long hours, but the regular is 40 hours a week and eight hours a day. The employees are entitled to receive four calendar weeks, 20 business days paid holiday yearly. Most of them have their vacation in June, July and August during summertime. Christmas time is another time they prefer to take their vacation.
Dates of the Latvia Public Holiday 2019
Date | Day/s | Holiday | Type |
1 January | Tuesday | New Year’s Day | National |
14 February | Thursday | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
20 March | Wednesday | March Equinox | Season |
31 March | Sunday | Daylight Saving Time starts | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
19 April | Friday | Good Friday | National |
20 April | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Observance |
21 April | Sunday | Easter Sunday | National |
22 April | Monday | Easter Monday | National |
1 May | Wednesday | Labour Day/May Day | National |
1 May | Wednesday | Constituent Assembly Convocation Day | National |
4 May | Saturday | Independence Restoration Day | National |
6 May | Monday | Independence Restoration Day observed | National |
12 May | Sunday | Mothers’ Day | National |
9 June | Sunday | Whit Sunday | National |
21 June | Friday | June Solstice | Season |
23 June | Sunday | Midsummer Eve | National |
24 June | Monday | Midsummer Day | National |
8 September | Sunday | Fathers’ Day | Observance |
23 September | Monday | September Equinox | Season |
27 October | Sunday | Daylight Saving Time ends | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
31 October | Thursday | Halloween | Observance |
18 November | Monday | Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day | National |
22 December | Sunday | December Solstice | Season |
24 December | Tuesday | Christmas Eve | National |
25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day | National |
26 December | Thursday | Second Day of Christmas | National |
31 December | Tuesday | New Year’s Eve | National |
Employee Benefits During Public Holidays
Employees must receive statutory benefits, and one of them is having time off during the public holidays. The paid leave is given every year at an agreed time or based on the leave schedule. When allowing paid leave, an employer must consider the employee’s wishes. The employee may request a paid leave if they have been with the employer for six months with no interruptions.
Maternity leave can be requested after the paid leave has been granted. Employees who are under 18 and have a child younger than three years old can be granted an annual paid leave during summertime. In case the employee is under 18 and is still studying, annual paid leave can be granted to match the school’s holidays.
If the employee is asked to work on a public holiday, he or she must receive double pay.
Doing Business in Latvia
Latvians are trustworthy and straightforward, so they want their business partners to be the same. One of the reasons why setting up a business in Latvia would be useful is because of its transparency. They are also very punctual and will appreciate it if you will do the same because it shows professionalism.
The small population of Latvia is high-income earners, making it a very conducive place for doing business. Also, the government is now more open to foreign investors and new opportunities that you can bring to its people. It will be an excellent decision to do business there.