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Study in Latvia and Latvia Student Residence Permit
We help you choose a university and program in Latvia, prepare your admission documents and obtain a Latvia student residence permit for the duration of your studies.
Studying in Latvia is a way to earn a European degree and live legally in the EU while you study. Latvian universities, institutes and colleges accept international students on programs in business, economics, programming, logistics, law, psychology, design, architecture, tourism and medicine. The Latvia student residence permit is issued on the basis of admission: first the institution accepts you onto a program, then you apply for the permit. We help you through both parts without losing an academic year.
Under the new Immigration Law, in force since 15 September 2026, a residence permit for full-time study at an accredited university or college is issued for up to 2 years and then renewed. Full-time students can work part-time, and the law sets clear limits on hours. We match a program to your goals and budget, prepare the documents and support the application from start to finish.
Citizens of Russia and Belarus currently face restrictions on Latvian residence permits and visas. We check your eligibility before we start.
Who it is for
- School graduates who want to study in the EU
- Students transferring or continuing to a master's degree
- Parents looking for a European education for their child
- People who see study as a first step toward living in Europe
Requirements
- Admission to a full-time program at an accredited Latvian university or college
- An education document recognized for admission
- Proof of funds for living costs and tuition
- Health insurance
- No criminal record
What we do
- Choose a university and program to fit your goals, language of instruction and budget
- Prepare admission documents: translations, apostilles and motivation letters
- Handle correspondence with the university's admissions office
- Collect and file the documents for your student residence permit
- Help after arrival: housing, a bank account and permit renewal
Key documents
- Passport
- School certificate or diploma with transcript, apostille and translation
- Confirmation of admission from the institution
- Proof of funds for living costs and tuition
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance policy
How it works
- Choosing a programinstitution, field of study, language of instruction and admission deadlines
- Applicationeducation documents, translations and the application to the institution
- Admissionreceiving confirmation and paying tuition
- Student residence permitfiling the documents with the immigration office
- Movingcollecting the card, settling in and starting your studies
Timeline
Start preparing six months or more before the academic year; the student residence permit is issued for up to 2 years and then renewed.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- Missing admission deadlines pushes your start back by a semester or a year
- Education documents without an apostille or with an inaccurate translation delay admission
- Insufficient proof of funds is a common cause of questions when you apply for the permit
- The spouse and children of a bachelor's or master's student do not get residence permits with them unless the student is a citizen of a NATO country
- Latvian consulates accept visa applications from Russian citizens only in narrow cases, so we check the entry procedure before you pay tuition
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is on request. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
How do I get a Latvia student residence permit?
First you need admission to a full-time program at an accredited university or college and confirmation of enrollment. Then you file for the residence permit: passport, study documents, proof of funds, insurance and a criminal record certificate. The permit for study is issued for up to 2 years and renewed. We handle both parts.
Which fields of study can I choose?
Latvian universities offer business and economics, programming, logistics, law, psychology, design, architecture, tourism, medicine and other fields. Some programs are taught in English. We will choose a field based on your goals, language of instruction and budget, and check which documents your specific institution will ask for.
When should I start preparing?
Ideally six months or more before the academic year begins. You need time to choose a program, get apostilles and translations, go through admission and apply for the permit. Order your criminal record certificate and the apostille on your school certificate first. If you start late, you may lose a semester.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. A full-time student can work for any employer up to 20 hours a week, and up to 40 during holidays. Full-time master's and doctoral students are allowed to work without limits. We will advise on combining a job with your studies so that it doesn't affect your permit renewal.
Can my family come with me?
If you are enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program, your spouse and children do not get residence permits together with you, unless you are a citizen of a NATO country. NATO citizens are not covered by this restriction. We will check how the rule applies to your family before you commit to a program.
Do I need to speak Latvian?
For programs taught in English, Latvian is not required; you only need to prove your English to the institution's standard. Programs in Latvian require knowledge of the language. Documents for your first permit can be filed in Latvian or English, but renewals only in Latvian, and we arrange the translations.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Related programs
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
