Cost of an employee in Latvia (2026)
What an employee really costs an employer in Latvia: gross salary plus mandatory employer social contributions.
On a gross salary of €1,815 per month in Latvia, an employer pays about €2,243 in total once mandatory employer social contributions of 23.6% on top of the gross are included.
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How salary is taxed in Latvia
Income tax in Latvia is progressive: marginal rates rise from 25.5% to 36% as income grows.
Employees also pay social contributions of around 10.5% of gross salary.
A tax-free allowance of about €6,600 per year is deducted before income tax.
The standard VAT rate is 21%.
| Annual taxable income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to €105,300 | 25.5% |
| Up to €200,000 | 33% |
| €200,000 and above | 36% |
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to employ someone in Latvia?
On top of the gross salary, an employer in Latvia pays mandatory social contributions. The total cost of employment is the gross salary plus those employer contributions.
Are employer contributions the same as salary deductions?
No. Employer contributions are paid by the company in addition to the gross salary, while employee deductions (income tax and social contributions) are taken out of the gross to leave the net take-home pay.
Employer-contribution rates are approximate and may be capped or vary by region and sector.
Estimates based on 2026 rates. For guidance only, not tax advice.
Rates updated June 2026