Visa and residence permit procedures vary depending on your citizenship. Please find below a brief overview of applicable procedures based on your country of citizenship.

For assistance with visas and residence permits, please contact the international office of the higher education institution (HEI) where you intend to study.

EU, EEA/Switzerland Citizens:

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need to register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). They only require a valid travel document (passport or ID card) to enter Latvia under the following conditions:

• Admission to a HEI registered with the Register of education Institutions of the Republic of Latvia.

• Intended residence period does not exceed one year (refer to OCMA -> Residence permits).

Please note that in certain cases, such as opening a bank account, having a residence permit can be advantageous. For details on applying for a student residence permit as an EU citizen, please refer to OCMA information -> Registration cards for students.

Non-EU Nationals:

Non-EU nationals must determine if they require a visa to enter Latvia. Visa validity depends on individual circumstances. Detailed information is provided below.

Non-Visa Countries:

Certain non-EU nationals can enter Latvia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Please refer to the full list of countries whose citizens do not require a visa. Non-visa country citizens intending to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit. Those enrolled in full-time studies at a registered HEI in Latvia can apply for residence based on their student status.

For information on applying for a student residence permit, please visit the OCMA website -> Residence permits. Note that visa or residence permit applications may take several weeks, so it’s advisable to start the application process early.

Visa Countries:

Citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter Latvia must apply at Latvian consular missions abroad or at consulates of other Schengen Member States authorised to process Schengen visa applications for Latvia. Please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for relevant information and to locate Latvian Embassies.

For visa and residence permit applications, you can consult the international office of your HEI for details on procedures and required documents. The international office will guide you through the application process and provide information on study application requirements.

Countries Subject to Prior Consultation:

According to Article 22 of the Visa Code, certain countries or specific categories of citizens require prior consultation before a visa can be issued. For a list of these countries, please visit the relevant section on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. www.mfa.gov.lv/en

International Students' Survival Guide to Life in Latvia

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