Visa and residence permit

Certificates of qualifications by foreign students must  be submitted for analysis to the Academic Information Centre, where it is evaluated and decided whether it is valid in Latvia.

Visas and residence permits for foreign students are acquired as part of the application and enrolment process. If the assessment of the foreign qualification by the Academic Information Centre is positive, and the enrolment application is accepted, the university contacts the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) to apply for a 3-month entry visa for citizens of countries who require a visa. Upon arrival, a residence permit is applied for by the university on behalf of the foreign student for the course period.

 Documents Required

• Completed application form http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/residencepermits/applications.html
• Photo
• Copy of passport (original must be presented, applying in person)
• Copy of study agreement with the university (original must be presented)
• Copy of Education/ Degree Certificate or Diploma and Transcripts of records/marks
• (originals must be presented and originals shall be legalized with APOSTILLE, if applicable)
• Copy of academic recognition of foreign qualification (sent by receiving university)
• Proof of study fee payment (provided by receiving university)
• A statement on punishability issued by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host
• country (legalized with APOSTILLE, if applicable)
• Bank statement that confirms sufficient financial means or living expenses for staying in
• Latvia during the validity period of the residence permit (it equals to 320 EUR/per month)
• Rental agreement or guarantee letter from university about the perspective place of residence
• Statement on fluorography or x-ray examining results (upon arrival in Riga)
• Health insurance for the whole validity period of the residence permit (upon arrival in Riga)