💼 NVA / VSAA

Unemployment benefit

The unemployment benefit is granted if NVA has assigned you unemployed status, your total insurance record is at least 1 year, and unemployment contributions were paid for at least 12 of the last 16 months. The amount depends on your record — 50–60% of your average contribution wage — and is paid for up to 8 months with gradual reduction.

Service passportUpdated: 28.07.2026.
Cost
Free; benefit 50–60% of wage
Duration
Paid up to 8 months
Deadline
Register with NVA right after losing your job
Where
NVA status → VSAA e-application

Who this applies to

A person who is not working and has no income subject to mandatory state social insurance contributions (from 1 April 2026 this applies to all tax regimes, including royalty recipients). You need unemployed status from NVA, at least 1 year of insurance record, and contributions in 12 of the last 16 months.

Step by step

Obtain unemployed status at NVA

Register with NVA in person or electronically via the NVA CV and vacancies portal. From 1 April 2026 there is only one status — unemployed (the job-seeker status was abolished).

Submit an e-application to VSAA

After getting the status, submit an e-application to VSAA via Latvija.gov.lv. Important: the e-application can be submitted only after NVA status has been granted.

Calculation and granting

The average wage is calculated over a 12-month period ending two months before the month the status was obtained; the months with the lowest and highest wages are excluded. Rate by insurance record: under 10 years — 50%, 10–20 years — 55%, over 20 years — 60%. If you quit voluntarily, the benefit is granted no earlier than 2 months after obtaining the status.

Payment with gradual reduction

The benefit is paid for up to 8 months: months 1–2 in full, months 3–4 at 75%, months 5–6 at 50%, months 7–8 at 45% of the granted amount. It is paid for the previous month.

Common mistakes

Applying to VSAA before getting NVA status — the e-application is accepted only after the status is granted.
Not informing NVA about income within one working day — benefit already paid for the employment period must be repaid to the state budget.
Delaying registration — the wage calculation period is tied to the status month, and delay can affect the calculation.
Not knowing the short-term work rules — from 01.04.2026 employees may work up to 92 days (self-employed — 3 months) keeping the status; payment is paused and then resumed.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the unemployment benefit?

By insurance record: under 10 years — 50% of the average contribution wage, 10–20 years — 55%, over 20 years — 60%. The amount then decreases step by step over the payment months.

How long is the benefit paid?

Up to 8 months: months 1–2 in full, 3–4 at 75%, 5–6 at 50%, 7–8 at 45% of the granted benefit.

Can I get the benefit if I quit voluntarily?

Yes, but it is granted no earlier than two months after obtaining unemployed status, and you receive the first payment only in the third month.

Can I receive it while job-hunting in another EU country?

Yes — with a U2 document the benefit continues for up to 3 months (in some cases up to 6). Apply to VSAA no later than 14 working days before departure.

Official sources

Verified against official sources · 28.07.2026.