Latvia student visa and residence permit for studies

Anyone from outside the EU who will study full time at an accredited Latvian higher education or general education institution for longer than 90 days in 180 days needs a temporary residence permit. The university acts as the inviting party: before you apply it must have a sponsorship request (call) approved by OCMA, which takes up to five working days when employment is involved and normally two otherwise. Exchange stays and traineeships of up to one year use a separate study-practice permit.

OCMA asks for means of subsistence for as long as you will stay, at the level of the minimum monthly wage: EUR 780 per month in 2026, plus EUR 234 per month for each minor child who comes with you. Bank statements, a scholarship letter or a sponsor’s guarantee can serve as proof. Health insurance valid in Latvia must cover emergency care, life-saving hospital treatment, transport to hospital and repatriation, with a limit of at least EUR 42,600 for the insured period.

The review fee under Regulation No. 731 is EUR 160 for a decision within 30 days, EUR 280 within 10 working days or EUR 560 within 5 working days. The plastic card costs EUR 45, and the 30-day entry D visa costs EUR 90. Fees are paid before submission and not refunded after a refusal.

After OCMA approves the permit, you apply at the Latvian embassy or its visa application centre for a single-entry D visa valid for 30 days (fee EUR 90) and travel to Latvia. There you give biometrics at an OCMA office, pay the card fee and receive the residence permit card. As a permit holder you must declare your place of residence; the application form usually counts as the declaration, and later changes must be declared within one month, free of charge on Latvija.gov.lv or for EUR 4.27 at an office.

If the programme lasts longer than the permit, you request a repeated permit from OCMA in Latvia with a new sponsorship from the university, a copy of your passport, proof of means and the fee. Send documents at least 30 days before expiry, plus 10 working days for the card.

A refusal can be contested within 30 days of its entry into force with an application in Latvian to the Head of OCMA; the Head’s decision can then be appealed to court. OCMA lists grounds such as false information, missing documents and a threat to public order.

Students residing in Latvia on a study permit may work up to 20 hours a week without obtaining separate confirmation of the right to employment. Traineeships that are part of the study programme are also exempt. Master’s and doctoral graduates who apply within three months of receiving a state-recognised diploma can get a residence permit for up to six months after graduation; OCMA notes that this permit does not itself include the right to work.