Visa requirements

Latvia

General visa requirements for travelling to Latvia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Student visa (Long-Stay Visa (D-type) and Temporary Residence Permit - Student)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

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

• Nationality

  Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who have been accepted at a Latvian higher education institution.

• Purpose of visit

  Must be enrolled or accepted for a full-time accredited study programme at a recognized Latvian educational institution.

  Includes

  • Study
• Financial

  Must have at least EUR 740 per month available for living expenses in addition to tuition fees.

  Minimum funds: EUR 740 per month

• Health

  Must have adequate health insurance coverage valid in Latvia.

• Criminal record

  Must not pose a threat to public order, internal security, or public health.

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

• Photo

  Count: 3; Specifications: Three recent passport-sized colour photographs (35x45mm), white background, face covering approximately 80% of the frame.

• Bank statement

  Months required: 3

• Travel insurance

  Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

• 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

• Admission letter

  Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

• 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

• Visa fee payment

  Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)

• Academic transcript

  Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

  Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

• Private health insurance

  Minimum coverage: Must cover medical expenses in Latvia

How to apply

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Fee payment

   Pay the D visa fee of EUR 90 and residence permit card fee of EUR 45.

5. Document submission

   Submit all documents in person at the embassy or consulate. Original documents must be presented.

6. Biometrics

   Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy or consulate.

7. Processing wait

   D visa: 15-30 calendar days. Residence permit: 30-60 days. Track application status through OCMA.

8. 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.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.