You work for a company established outside the European Union (EU) and you are going to be transferred to a branch in Latvia? You can find information below on the conditions, procedures, rights and mobility you can enjoy during your stay.
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.
Where and how to apply | Students 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. |
Fees | Fees for examination of documents submitted for application:
Fees for residence permit:
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Documents required | You shall present a valid travel document recognised in the Republic of Latvia and submit the following documents:
To obtain a visa (if necessary), you have to provide:
Visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information on visa hereSearch for available translations of the preceding link. |
| Further requirements | Upon arrival and having received your residence permit, you must declare your place of residenceSearch for available translations of the preceding link 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 permits | The 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). |
| Further requirements | Upon arrival and having received your residence permit, you must declare your place of residenceSearch for available translations of the preceding link and provide a radiologist’s report on the results of an x-ray or fluoroscopic examination done in Latvia and a health insurance of minimum 42 600 euro 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 permits | The 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 renewal | The permit is not renewed if the student has not made progress in his/her studies. The progress is considered as insufficient if:
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| Appeals | You have a right to appeal the decision before the Head of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs within 30 days. |
| Further information | For more information on getting a residence permit please check hereSearch for available translations of the preceding link. For more information on visas please check her |
| Employment during studies | During 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 studies | After 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 status | A change of status without leaving the country is possible only after completing the studies. |
| Family members | The 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 residence | Only half of the study period qualifies for obtaining a long-term resident status. |
| Conditions | No procedures are required for student mobility if your stay is up to 360 days. |
| Procedures | If 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:
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| Fees | Fees for examination of documents submitted for application:
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| Rights | Students can be employed without restrictions for up to 20 hours per week. |
- Office of Citizenship and Migration AffairsSearch for available translations of the preceding link
- Ministry of the Interior
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Diplomatic missions abroad
- Ministry of Welfare
- State Employment Agency
- Eastern Partnership on Migration and Asylum
- National scientific activity information system