Residence permit in Latvia for studies
NBC.LV helps prospective international students obtain a residence permit in Latvia to study at an accredited educational institution. We help you choose a suitable study programme, prepare the documents for admission and your residence permit, and support you throughout the process until you receive your permit.
Get a consultationWhy study in Latvia
Latvia is an option for international students who want to study in a European Union country while living and developing their skills in a European environment.
Programmes taught in English
Latvian higher education institutions offer international students English-taught programmes in a range of subjects.
Studying and working
International students can work in Latvia during their studies, subject to the conditions of their student residence permit. This allows them to gain their first professional experience alongside their education.
A European education
Studying in Latvia offers the opportunity to earn a qualification from a European educational institution and continue your education or professional development after graduation.
Eligibility for a student residence permit in Latvia
From 15 September 2026, a student residence permit is issued for full-time studies at an accredited Latvian higher education institution or college that awards state-recognised diplomas. The chosen field of study must be accredited when the studies begin.
To apply for a residence permit, you must be admitted to the relevant study programme and meet the requirements for residing in Latvia as an international student.
Separate rules apply to student exchange programmes.
Documents needed for a student residence permit
To apply for a residence permit, you need to confirm your admission and prepare the documents required to live in Latvia.
Study documents
Confirmation of admission to full-time studies at an accredited higher education institution or college, together with documents relating to your chosen study programme.
Academic recognition of qualifications (nostrification)
Before applying to a Latvian higher education institution, check the procedure for academic recognition of foreign education documents.
The assessment procedure depends on the document and the institution. Based on the recognition results, the institution decides whether you can continue your education on the chosen programme.
Personal documents
A valid passport and other documents required for the residence permit application.
Proof of funds
You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to live in Latvia during your studies.
Foreign documents
Documents issued outside Latvia must be translated, legalised or certified with an apostille where required.
Student residence permit: the application process step by step
- 1 Consultation and assessment
We discuss your situation, chosen institution and study programme. We explain the residence permit requirements and the application procedure.
- 2 Preparing your documents
We advise on the documents you need and help prepare your residence permit application. Where necessary, we help with the academic recognition of foreign education documents.
- 3 Admission and the institution’s residence permit invitation
After you are admitted, the institution arranges an invitation for your residence permit application. Once the invitation is in place, we move on to preparing the documents for submission.
- 4 Submitting the residence permit application
We compile and check the complete set of documents. We explain the submission procedure and support you through this stage.
- 5 Support until you receive your permit
We monitor the progress of your application and help you respond to any additional requests. We stay with you until the residence permit process in Latvia is complete.
Client reviews
I wanted to enroll in a European university and chose Latvia. NBC.LV helped me pick a study program, explained the admission requirements and supported me with the documents and their recognition. I now live in Riga and study in an MBA program.
Frequently asked questions about student residence permits
How long is a student residence permit in Latvia valid for?
For full-time studies at an accredited higher education institution or college, a residence permit may be issued for up to two years.
What if my studies continue after my residence permit expires?
If you continue studying and meet your programme’s requirements, you can apply for a further residence permit to continue your studies.
What requirements must I meet to keep my student residence permit?
You must actually pursue your studies and meet the programme’s requirements. Repeated dismissal for poor academic performance, discontinuing your studies or significantly exceeding the prescribed study period may affect your ability to retain your residence permit or obtain a further permit.
Can I work in Latvia while studying, and for how many hours?
Yes. Students can work up to 20 hours per week, or up to 40 hours per week during study holidays. Students on full-time second- and third-cycle programmes have the right to work without these limits, provided there is no break in their studies.
What happens to my residence permit if I change institution or study programme?
Before changing your institution or programme, check whether the grounds for your current residence permit remain valid and whether new documents are required. It is best to clarify this before making the change.
Can I stay in Latvia after completing my studies?
Yes, if you have another basis for a residence permit. After completing a full-time second- or third-cycle programme and receiving a state-recognised diploma, you can apply for a nine-month residence permit. You must apply no later than three months after your student residence permit expires. Other options are explained on our Residence permit in Latvia page.
How much money do I need to show for a student residence permit?
In 2026, an adult student applying for a residence permit must demonstrate funds of €780 per month to cover living expenses.
How long does a student residence permit application take, and what is the state fee?
The standard fees for reviewing a student residence permit application are €160 for 30 days, €280 for 10 working days or €560 for 5 working days. The period starts once all required documents have been accepted and may be extended if additional checks are needed. Exchange programme participants are exempt from the fee for review within the standard period. The residence permit card is paid for separately.
Get a consultation on a residence permit for studies in Latvia
We will discuss your situation and explain how to arrange a residence permit for your studies in Latvia.