Visas and Residence Permits

A citizen of a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or Switzerland may enter the Republic of Latvia without a visa and has the right to reside in Latvia for the duration of the study period.

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders, Israel, Japan, Korea (South Korea), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, Special Adminstrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City State, Venezuela you may enter the Republic of Latvia without visa and stay for 90 days within a 6 months period.A temporary residence permit is required if the duration of your  stay will exceeds 90 days within a 6 months period. Supposed students of Bachelor’s degree programme should apply for the resident permit at Latvian embassies in their countries. Supposed students of Master’s degree programmes have right to apply for the resident permit in Latvia.

The following documents should be submitted to obtain a temporary residence permit:

• An official application form for a residence permit;
• A photo;
• An evidence from a bank that you have sufficient financial means to stay in Latvia (at least EUR 8400 /per study year);
• A document confirming the envisaged place of residence in the Republic of Latvia and the rights to stay there (provided by DU);
• An agreement on studies in the Republic of Latvia;
• Documents confirming that you have acquired the necessary education to start the studies (should be legalized).

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries: 
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia (Chechnya), Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and any others not indicated in the list you require a visa to enter the Republic of Latvia and a temporary residence permit if your stay in the Republic of Latvia will exceed 90 days within a 6-month period.

The following documents should be submitted to obtain a temporary residence permit:

• One photo (size 3×4);
• Originals of your educational documents (should be legalized);
• Proof of tuition fee payment;
• A signed study agreement;
• A statement issued by a competent authority in your residence country about your previous criminal records (should be legalized);
• An evidence that you have sufficient financial means (at least EUR 8400 / per study year);
• A valid travel document recognized in the Republic of Latvia;
• An official application form for a residence permit;
• A document verifying the anticipated place of residence in the Republic of Latvia (provided by DU).

In order to receive a residence permit student has two options:

1. Apply for residence permit after receiving visa and arriving to Latvia (within 30 or 90 days as of the first day of entry) at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Riga (OCMA);
2. Student can apply for residence permit at the Embassy of Latvia in their country of origin or at the Embassy of other country who has territorial competence on giving visas for going to Latvia.

Extension of a residence permit must be done before the existing residence permit expires. Student has to inform DU coordinator at least 2 month before residence permit expires to get new invitation for extension. Student is entitled to stay in Latvia while the permit is being processed.

Procedure of registration of the residence permit