To study at Latvian universities, international students are required to obtain a Student Visa to legitimize their stay in Latvia. However, if you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can study in Latvia without the need for a visa. Instead, you simply need to register your stay with the Office of Migration and Foreign Affairs. The streamlined process allows for greater ease and flexibility for students from these regions, enabling them to pursue their education in Latvia.

Latvian Student Visa Requirements

• Long-stay Latvia visa application form;
• Two Passport-Format Photographs;
• Your Travel Document or Passport, ensuring it is valid for at least three months beyond your stay;
• Acceptance Letter from a Latvian university, indicating the duration of your studies;
• Flight Ticket Reservation, ideally with a cancellation policy to avoid losing money if your visa is denied;
• Valid Travel Insurance, suitable for the Schengen area, adhering to specific guidelines for visa insurance. For extended stays, long-term health insurance with comprehensive coverage is recommended;
• Payment of Visa Fee, with proof of payment provided by the embassy or visa office after the fee is paid.

How to Apply

• Complete the application form online;
• Schedule an appointment with the Latvian embassy;
• Collect the required documents. Gather all necessary documents for your visa application, including a university acceptance letter;
• Submit the application. Visit the Latvian embassy, consulate, or visa office in your country to submit your completed application
• Attend the visa interview. Expect to participate in a brief interview at the embassy or visa office. The interview will cover questions about your background and your reasons for wanting to study in Latvia, ensuring that you intend to return to your home country after your studies;
• Wait for an answer. Your application will be processed over several weeks, after which you will receive a decision on your visa.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Latvia student visa generally takes about eight weeks. However, the timeframe can be extended for several reasons. High volumes of applications or incomplete submissions can cause delays. Furthermore, if the embassy requires additional documents, they will notify you, potentially extending the processing period even further. It’s important to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly to avoid delays. Alfred Education Group supports international students on each step of their admission and visa-obtaining process to make it fast and easy!

After Arriving

Upon arriving in Latvia, securing your temporary residence permit is essential. Your initial student visa (D-long stay visa) only covers the settling-in period, usually up to six months. To obtain your residence permit, you must register your address at the nearest Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) center. The required documents for the process include identification documents, proof of residence (such as a rental agreement or dormitory acceptance letter), and payment of the state fee. This ensures your stay in Latvia is fully authorized and compliant with local regulations.