Does every worker under 18 need a parent to sign?
They do not — and here the law is more precise than most people assume. Written parental consent is required to employ a child. But "child" does not simply mean "under 18". In employment law a child is a person under 15, or one still obtaining primary education. An adolescent — aged 15 to 17 and no longer classed as a child — may sign the contract personally, without written parental consent. From 13 a child may perform only permitted light work outside school time. The hour limits: during the school year 2 h a day and 10 h a week; in the holidays 4 h a day and 20 h a week.
📋 The rules
- Parental consent is needed for a child, not every minor
- A child — under 15, or still in primary education
- An adolescent may sign the contract themselves
- From 13 — only permitted light work
- School year: 2 h a day, 10 h a week
🔓 Exceptions
- Performing in cultural, sporting or advertising events needs consent and an inspectorate permit
- For an adolescent, school and work hours are added together, as are hours with several employers
- Hazardous work in vocational training is allowed only in a supervisor's direct presence
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Breaching the minor-employment rules costs €35–350 for a natural person and €70–1,100 for a legal entity. But failing to arrange the compulsory medical examination is a separate offence — €70–350 and €140–700. A person under 18 normally needs a medical examination before starting work and every year thereafter until they turn 18. The bigger consequence is not the fine: hazardous or excessive work can be stopped by the inspectorate, and the employer remains liable for the wages and for any injury resulting from the unlawful arrangement. In the holidays a child who has reached 15 may work up to 7 h a day and 35 h a week.
📎 Official sources
- likumi.lv · Labour Law (Arts. 37, 132) →
- VDI · Children and young workers →
- likumi.lv · Regulation on work permitted from 13 →
❓ Frequently asked
From what age can a child work?
From 13, but only permitted light work outside school time and with the written consent of a parent or guardian. Permanent employment of children is prohibited outright.
Does a 16-year-old need parental consent?
Not always. An adolescent no longer classed as a child may sign the employment contract personally. But if they are still obtaining primary education, they may legally remain a child until 18.
How many hours may a school pupil work?
A child from 13 may work two hours a day and ten a week during the school year. In the holidays, four a day and twenty a week; from age 15, up to seven a day and thirty-five a week.
Is a medical examination required?
Yes. A person under 18 normally needs an examination before starting work and every year thereafter until they turn 18. Failing to arrange it is a separate offence with its own fine.
Can a child appear in an advert?
Yes, but only with written parental consent and a permit from the State Labour Inspectorate. This covers performing in cultural, artistic, sporting and advertising events.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “from what age can you work latvia”
- “working from 13 latvia”
- “working hours for minors latvia”
- “does a 16 year old need parental consent”
- “how many hours can a pupil work latvia”
- “penalty for employing a minor latvia”