10.5 thousand Ukraine citizens working in Latvia

According to Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) estimates based on the State Revenue Service data, 10.5 thousand Ukraine citizens ¹ having the status of temporary protection in Latvia were registered as employees at the beginning of 2026, and compared with the beginning of 2025, the number increased by 1.2 thousand. At the same time, slightly more than 4 thousand Ukraine citizens were enrolled in and continue their studies in Latvian education institutions.

Employment of Ukraine citizens

In terms of economic activities, the largest share of Ukraine citizens was employed in ming and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas or water supply (22.2 %), followed by financial, insurance, scientific, administrative and real estate activities (12.9 %). Accommodation and food service activities employed 12.1 %, wholesale and retail trade 10.7 %, and construction 10.1 %.

Data source: State Revenue Service

As for occupations, 37.4 % of the employed Ukraine citizens (registered as employees) were engaged in elementary occupations (e.g., were domestic, hotel and office cleaners and helpers, kitchen helpers, shelf fillers, etc.), 16.1 % were craft and related trades workers, 11.6 % service and sales workers, 10.1 % plant and machine operators and assemblers, and 1.1 % managers.

Data source: State Revenue Service
Only the people with occupation available in the State Revenue Service data are included. 

About 4 thousand Ukraine citizens registered with Latvian educational institutions 

At the beginning of 2026, general education institutions at pre-primary, primary and secondary level had around 3.8 thousand students who were Ukraine citizens having the status of temporary protection in Latvia, in vocational education institutions those were around 200 students, and in tertiary education institutions over 200 students.

On 2 June 2026, CSB will release the annual population estimate for 1 January 2026 and will also inform about the number of permanent residents who are Ukraine citizens having the status of temporary protection in Latvia.

Methodological information

¹ Ukraine citizens the place of residence whereof was declared in Latvia at the beginning of the respective month and who have a residence permit for at least 11 months (data from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs), as well as persons who have been granted the status of temporary protection in Latvia.

Media requests:
Public Relations Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666

More information on the data:
Sigita Meldere
Social Statistics Department
E-mail: Sigita.Meldere@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366751