WHAT IS THE SUMMER STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM?
The summer student employment program is a Latvian state-supported program intended for young people aged 15 to 20 who study in general, special or vocational education institutions. The aim of the program is to promote short-term employment during the summer holidays, helping students gain work skills and understand the work environment.
At the same time, for employers it is a practical opportunity to attract additional workforce during the seasonal period, reducing personnel costs with the help of state co-financing.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYERS IN 2026
The acceptance of employer applications for the program for summer 2026 will take place from 23 February to 15 March digitally in the NVA CV and Vacancy Portal, by filling out the application form regarding the jobs offered to students.
It is important to note that applications will be evaluated in the order they are submitted. Demand for state co-financed jobs often exceeds the available funding, therefore delays may reduce the chances of receiving support. Submitted applications and their compliance will be assessed by an NVA commission, which will make the decision to approve or refuse the employer’s implementation of the program. The employer will be informed electronically about the decision via the company’s e-address. For a more detailed information regarding the process visit the NVA website in Latvian here.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND REMUNERATION
State support is one of the main reasons why this program is attractive to companies. NVA grants a subsidy for the student’s salary:
- 50% of the state-determined minimum monthly wage for a full working time;
- 100% of the minimum monthly wage if a student with a disability is employed.
In 2026, the minimum monthly wage within normal working hours is 780 EUR before taxes. In addition, NVA covers the costs of mandatory health examinations (if required by regulatory enactments), insures students against workplace accidents and provides a subsidy for the remuneration of the work supervisor.
The employer, in turn, must provide co-financing for the student’s salary, pay the mandatory state social insurance contributions and pay compensation for unused leave.
WORKING TIME AND SAFETY CONDITIONS
When employing students, it is especially important to comply with the restrictions set out in the Labour Law. These differ depending on age:
- For students aged 15 to 17, working time must not exceed 7 hours per day and 35 hours per week;
- For young people aged 18 to 20, working time must not exceed 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
The employer is obliged to ensure a safe working environment, carry out a workplace risk assessment, instruct students on occupational safety matters and appoint a work supervisor. One work supervisor may supervise up to 10 students at the same time, but when working with students with disabilities, up to 5 students.
It should be noted that it is prohibited to employ students in jobs that pose increased risk to their safety, health or development, for example, in dangerous production processes or jobs related to the circulation of alcohol and tobacco. The full list of jobs in which it is prohibited to employ adolescents are defined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 206.
WHY IS THE PROGRAM BENEFICIAL FOR EMPLOYERS?
Summer student employment is not only a socially responsible step. It also provides practical benefits for business:
- The ability to cover seasonal labour shortages;
- Reduced personnel costs thanks to state subsidies;
- The opportunity to get to know and prepare potential future employees in advance;
- Strengthening the company’s reputation as a responsible and socially responsible employer.
To ensure that the student employment experience is successful, consider a few practical recommendations:
👉 Prepare job descriptions and work supervisors in advance;
👉 Choose tasks that are simple, safe and, at the same time, educational;
👉 Plan time for training and feedback;
👉 Cooperate with Numeri to correctly calculate salaries, taxes and prepare reports.
The summer student employment program in 2026 is an opportunity for companies to combine business needs with an investment in youth development. Properly planned participation in the program allows businesses to optimize costs, strengthen the company’s image and at the same time help young people take their first steps into the labour market.
If you want to be sure that all tax, payroll and administrative matters are arranged correctly, reach out to us and Numeri will provide support throughout the entire summer student employment process!
