Latvia Ministry of Welfare proposes minimum wage increase

The Latvian Ministry of Welfare has proposed increasing the minimum monthly wage to 820 euros for next year. This proposal follows a failure to reach an agreement in the National Tripartite Cooperation Council regarding a higher target of 835 euros.

Currently, the minimum wage stands at 780 euros. The proposed 820 euro figure is 15 euros lower than the 835 euro amount calculated based on the official reference value, which is set at 46% of the average gross salary. According to Central Statistical Bureau data, the average gross salary for 2025 is estimated at 1,815 euros.

The draft regulations have been submitted for coordination until November 9, after which the government will make a final decision. The Ministry expects that the increase will boost the purchasing power of low-wage earners and positively impact domestic demand, while noting that it should not significantly increase the administrative burden for employers.