Ventspils is experiencing a minor rise in unemployment, with 18 more residents registering for jobless benefits in the first half of January [[1]]. While the city’s 4.1% unemployment rate slightly exceeds the national average, a variety of open positions-currently numbering 195-indicate ongoing efforts to match residents with available work. The State Employment Agency data highlights the continuing, if fluctuating, economic conditions in the region as the new year begins.
Ventspils, Latvia is seeing a slight increase in unemployment, with 18 more residents registering as jobless in the first half of January, according to data released by the State Employment Agency. The figures reflect a broader trend of fluctuating employment rates across the country as the new year begins.
As of January 12, 2026, a total of 799 people in Ventspils were registered as unemployed. This represents an unemployment rate of 4.1%, matching the rate in the Kurzeme region but exceeding the national average of 3.9% by 0.2 percentage points.
Compared to January 5, 2026, unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points in Daugavpils, and by 0.1 percentage points in Jelgava, Jūrmala, Ventspils, and Jēkabpils. Valmiera saw a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points. The unemployment rate in the Kurzeme region increased by 0.1 percentage points over the same period, while the national rate remained stable.
A year prior, on January 13, 2025, Ventspils reported an unemployment rate of 4.4% with 847 registered unemployed residents. This indicates a slight decrease in unemployment year-over-year, despite the recent uptick.
As of January 12, 2026, the State Employment Agency reports 195 open positions in Ventspils across 33 different professions. Some of the current openings include:
1. Advisor to the Executive Director – Ventspils City Council
2. Senior Librarian – Ventspils Library
3. Physiotherapist – North Kurzeme Regional Hospital
4. Manager of the “Pentuļi” Waste Polygon – Ventspils Improvement Association
5. Inspector – State Police
More information on available jobs can be found on the State Employment Agency’s job website at cvvp.nva.gov.lv. An updated list of current vacancies is also available on the www.ventspils.lv portal and on the “Ventspils Economy” page of the Ventspils City Council Administration’s Economic and Procurement Department on Facebook (@ventspilsekonomikasnodala). The availability of jobs underscores ongoing efforts to connect residents with employment opportunities.
Information on job openings in Ventspils is continuously updated on the State Employment Agency’s website and on job portals such as www.cv.lv, www.cvmarket.lv, www.visidarbi.lv, www.ventasbalss.lv, www.ss.lv, and www.livinventspils.lv, as well as in the “Vacancies” section of the www.ventspils.lv portal.
