Page contentsPage contents Conditions To come to the Republic of Latvia as a student you must be registered at a university or to another institution of higher education.You must also obtain:a residence permit for the purpose of study,a visa (if necessary).If you plan to study in the Republic of Latvia for less than 90 days, you do not need to apply for a residence permit. Procedures Where and how to applyStudents must receive an official invitation from the university. The invitation is filed at the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OCMA) by the university representative. Students must provide the invitation number upon submitting the documents at the Embassy of Republic of Latvia. Students who are not citizens of countries with an increased risk of terrorism are entitled to submit an application in the Republic of Latvia, at the OCMA or an application can be filed in by the representative of the educational institution.FeesFees for examination of documents submitted for application:fee for visa is 60 euros.Fees for residence permit:up to 30 days - 70 euros (students applying for studies in masters or doctoral programs are exempted from this fee),up to 10 working days - 200 euros,up to 5 working days - 400 euros.Documents requiredYou shall present a valid travel document recognised in the Republic of Latvia and submit the following documents:a definite sample form for a residence permit request,passport,a photography,criminal report issued by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country, if a third-country national has resided in that country longer than 12 months - citizens from visa-free countries do not submit this document,a document confirming the necessary subsistence,an agreement on studies in the Republic of Latvia.To obtain a visa (if necessary), you have to provide:a valid travel document,a visa application form filled out (some embassies might require this form to be filled out electronically) and signed,a photo,a copy of a document confirming that you have a health insurance policy.Visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information on visa here.Further requirementsUpon arrival and having received your residence permit, you must declare your place of residence and provide a radiologist's report on the results of an x-ray or fluoroscopic examination done in the Republic of Latvia and a health insurance of minimum 42 600 euros which guarantees the covering of health expenses, including repatriation to the country of origin in case of serious illness or death.Duration of validity of permitsThe residence permit is granted for a period, which exceeds the study period indicated in the study agreement by four months, while the residence permit card is issued for 1 year (it must be registered) (renewed annually).Conditions for renewalThe permit is not renewed if the student has not made progress in his/her studies.The progress is considered as insufficient if:the study term exceeds the term stated in the study agreement of more than one year if the initial study agreement has been concluded for a period of up to 3 years,the study term exceeds the term stated in the study agreement of more than two years if the initial study agreement has been concluded for a period exceeding 3 years,during the last five years before submitting the application for a residence permit has been suspended from the study programme at least twice due to educational underachievement or non-fulfilment of the conditions contained in the study contract,during the last five years before submitting the application for a residence permit at least twice has started his/her studies in a study programme and has discontinued them prior to successful completion of the study programme.AppealsYou have a right to appeal the decision before the Head of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs within 30 days.Further informationFor more information on getting a residence permit please check here.For more information on visas please check here. Rights Employment during studiesDuring the studies, students may work up to 20 hours per week for any employer, while during study holidays students may work up to 40 hours per week. Graduate and postgraduate students may work up to 40 hours per week.Stay and employment after studiesAfter graduation students can apply for a temporary residence permit up to 9 months, to seek employment or start a business. After this period students can apply for a new residence permit for an employment. Applications can be submitted without leaving the territory of the Republic of Latvia.Change of statusA change of status without leaving the country is possible only after completing the studies.Family membersThe student can prove that there are sufficient resources at his/her disposal to provide for him-/herself and his/her family member. Financial resources must correspond to the minimum monthly wage (500 euros in 2021).Long-term residenceOnly half of the study period qualifies for obtaining a long-term resident status. Mobility ConditionsNo procedures are required for student mobility if your stay is up to 360 days.ProceduresIf your stay exceeds 360 days, you have to apply for residence permit.Students must receive an official invitation from the university. The invitation is filed in the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OCMA) by the university representative.You should present these documents:a definite sample formfor a residence permit request,a passport,a photography,a document confirming the necessary subsistence,an agreement on studies in the Republic of Latvia.FeesFees for examination of documents submitted for application:up to 30 days - 70 euros,up to 10 working days - 200 euros,up to 5 working days - 400 euros.RightsStudents can be employed without restrictions for up to 20 hours per week. Links Office of Citizenship and Migration AffairsMinistry of the InteriorMinistry of Foreign AffairsDiplomatic missions abroadMinistry of WelfareState Employment AgencyEastern Partnership on Migration and AsylumNational scientific activity information system
