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Latvia

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At a glance

Living index rating
Very affordable
Monthly rent
€180 – €380 for a dormitory or shared room in Riga
Monthly food
€150 – €250
Other monthly expenses
€100 – €200 (transport, phone, winter heating, personal)
Visa processing time
Usually 30 days (10 or 5 working days with a higher fee)
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Residence permit for studies, requested by your university from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), plus a D visa for the journey if needed
  • Admission to an accredited programme at a Latvian institution
  • Proof of subsistence funds: €500 a month for students
  • Health insurance, proof of accommodation and a TB test certificate
  • Work up to 20 hours a week in term and full-time in university holidays, without a separate work permit

Work permit after studies

  • Bachelor's graduates keep their residence permit for 4 months after graduating
  • Master's and doctoral graduates also get 4 months and can ask for a further 9 months to look for work
  • With a job, switch to a work-based residence permit or EU Blue Card

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence after 5 years on temporary permits, with Latvian language at A2 level
  • Naturalisation after 5 years of permanent residence, with Latvian language, constitution, anthem and history tests

Family details

  • Family members of students at accredited institutions can apply to join you if you show extra funds: €500 a month for each adult and €150 a month for each child
  • Rules can differ by study level and are being tightened, so check with your university and PMLP first

Universities in Latvia

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (34), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.