Long-Stay Visa (D-type) and Temporary Residence Permit - Student
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- D visa: 15-30 calendar days; Temporary residence permit: 30-60 days standard, up to 45 days for visa processing in complex cases
- Fee
- EUR 90 (long-stay D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card, 10 working days) or EUR 80 (expedited, 2 working days)
- Validity
- D visa up to 12 months; temporary residence permit for studies valid for duration of study programme, renewable annually
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Non-EU/EEA nationals studying in Latvia for more than 90 days must obtain a long-stay D visa and/or a temporary residence permit for study. The D visa allows stays up to 12 months and permits travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Students are issued a temporary residence permit (TRP) for the duration of their studies by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA/PMLP). To qualify, applicants must be accepted into a full-time accredited study programme in Latvia including bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, vocational education, or recognized exchange programmes such as Erasmus+. Distance-learning students are generally not eligible unless their studies require physical presence. International students may work 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays. Citizens of visa-required countries can first apply for a visa and, upon arrival in Latvia, apply for a residence permit at OCMA. Documents must be presented in Latvian with a notarized translation. Educational documents must be legalized in accordance with the Hague Convention.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who have been accepted at a Latvian higher education institution.
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Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled or accepted for a full-time accredited study programme at a recognized Latvian educational institution.
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Financial
Must have at least EUR 740 per month available for living expenses in addition to tuition fees.
Minimum funds: EUR 740 per month
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Health
Must have adequate health insurance coverage valid in Latvia.
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public order, internal security, or public health.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: Three recent passport-sized colour photographs (35x45mm), white background, face covering approximately 80% of the frame.
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: University dormitory confirmation, rental agreement, or host declaration; Must cover full stay: No
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Long-stay visa or temporary residence permit application form; Form url: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/residence-permit
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Private health insurance
Minimum coverage: Must cover medical expenses in Latvia
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain acceptance letter from a Latvian educational institution. Legalize educational documents per the Hague Convention. Gather passport, photos, financial proof, insurance, and accommodation documents. Translate documents into Latvian with notarized translation.
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Online application
Submit D visa application at the Latvian embassy/consulate abroad. Upon arrival in Latvia, apply for residence permit at OCMA during the validity period of the visa.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate for identity verification and document submission. Apply at least two months before intended departure.
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Fee payment
Pay the D visa fee of EUR 90 and residence permit card fee of EUR 45.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the embassy or consulate. Original documents must be presented.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy or consulate.
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Processing wait
D visa: 15-30 calendar days. Residence permit: 30-60 days. Track application status through OCMA.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with D visa sticker. After arrival in Latvia, register with OCMA, present health insurance and fluorography results, and collect residence permit card.