Latvia Study Visa: Latvia Study Visa Requirements, Cost, Success Rate

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If you are planning to study in Europe, getting your Latvia study visa is the first step in the journey. This student visa allows international students like you to legally live and study in Latvia alongside exploring opportunities across the European Union. To study in Latvia, you either need a Short-term (C) Visa or a Long-term (D) Visa, depending on the duration of your program. Moreover, the general requirements of a Latvia student visa include a passport, an acceptance letter, an application form, and so on. Interested in learning more details? You are at the right place. In this blog, you will read all about the Latvia study visa requirements, fees, processing time, success rate, and so much more.

Latvia Study Visa Parameter Details 
Types of Latvia Student VisaShort-term (C) Visa: For up to 90 daysLong-term (D) Visa: For over 90 days
Latvia Study Visa Requirements Application form
Passport size photographs
Passport
Financial means of subsistence
Payment proof of university application fees
Police clearance certificate 
Latvia Study Visa Processing TimeAverage time: 15-30 daysPeak season: up to 60 days
Latvia Study Visa Success Rate90% (approximate)

Who Needs a Latvia Study Visa?

Like other countries, international students must obtain a visa in order to study abroad. In the case of Europe, a Latvia student visa is required for students enrolled in academic programs or language courses. The Immigration Law of Latvia states that students from third-world countries can apply for a Long Stay Visa with the diplomatic and consular representatives at the Embassy of Latvia. Upon entering Latvia, students are required to apply for a residence permit at the OCMA. The Latvia student visa is valid for the entire duration of your studies.

  • You need a Latvia study visa if you’re a non-EU/EEA student planning to study in Latvia.
  • This visa is also required for students from countries like India, China, the USA, and Canada.
  • Long-term visas are mandatory for full-time students, PhD scholars, researchers, or those attending preparatory courses over 90 days.
  • If shifting from a short-term course to a long-term program, ensure to apply for a long-term visa before your short-term visa expires.

Types of Latvia Student Visa

There are two types of Latvia student visa:

  • Short-Term Visa (C): This Latvia student visa is ideal for courses lasting up to 90 days. It may include language programs, workshops, or summer schools.
  • Long-Term Visa (D): A Long-term Latvia study visa is for courses exceeding 90 days. This may include full degree programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral levels. This is the most commonly used visa for international students.

Latvia Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students 

The exact Latvia study visa requirements may differ from country to country. Here you will find a checklist of general Latvia study visa requirements for Indian students:

  • A filled Long Stay Visa Application Form of the Republic of Latvia.
  • 3 passport-size photos (size 35mm x 45 mm), taken during visa submission
  • A Valid Passport
  • Copies of the identification and information pages of previously issued visas (if any)
  • OCMA approved the invitation.
  • Study Agreement 
  • Written certification issued by the higher education institution or college
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Proof of Accommodation
  • Proof of Sponsorship  
  • Proof of Previous Education
  • Ticket Reservation
  • Travel Medical Insurance of minimum coverage of 42,600 EUR.
  • Visa fee of 60 EUR ( (Masters and PhD students exempted)
  • Hello Verify the confirmation slip

Latvia Study Visa Application Process

Understanding the Latvia study visa application process is important for students to start their academic journey abroad. Since it can differ depending on the country, here is a general overview of the step-by-step process:

  1. Obtain an acceptance letter from any of the recognised Latvian institutions.
  2. Gather all the documents required to obtain a Latvia student visa.
  3. Next, fill out the visa application form.
  4. Contact the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country and schedule an appointment.
  5. Submit the required documents, and application form, and pay the visa fee.

Latvia Study Visa Application Process for Indian Students

  1. Applicant can schedule their appointment after uploading the requested documents to the Hello Verify webpage.
  2. They will receive a confirmation once all documents are successfully uploaded. Applicants who are unable to book an appointment online need to contact the VFS Global India Call Center to schedule an appointment
  3. Applicants have to submit the visa application at the assigned VFS Global Latvia visa application centre in India.
  4. All student applicants need to appear for the interview at the VFS Global Latvia Visa application centre with the Embassy of Latvia in India. The date and time slot of the interview will be allocated by the VFS Global Latvia Visa application centres when submitting the visa application. This interview can be either through video call or in person. 

Latvia Student Visa Processing Time

According to the Immigration Law of Latvia, the Latvia student visa processing time may take 15-30 days. It only begins after the student has submitted all the supporting documents. If additional information or inspection is necessary, the decision takes place within 60 days. 

It is best to apply early at least 2 months before your expected departure date.

Type Latvia Study Visa Processing Time
General 15-30 days
Peak seasonUpto 60 days (in some cases)

Latvia Study Visa Cost and Fees

The exact Latvia study visa cost can be different depending on your nationality and other factors. In most cases, the fee is:

  • Short-term (C) Visa: EUR 60
  • Long-term (D) Visa: EUR 120

Do Check Out:

Latvia Student Visa Success Rate

International students planning to study in Latvia would be glad to know about the Latvia student visa success rate. Unlike other popular study-abroad destinations, the Latvia study visa success rate is relatively high, around 90%. The best way to increase your chances of obtaining the visa is the timely submission of your documents and application.

Latvia Student Visa Rejection Reasons

Here are a few main reasons why Latvian student visas can be rejected.

  • Insufficient information
  • Unsuccessful attempts at prior levels of education
  • Fake Documents and Information
  • Country of origin
  • Insufficient Funds

Can I Extend My Latvia Student Visa?

Yes, students can extend their Latvia student visa under certain conditions. For that, you need to satisfy certain eligibility requirements such as:

  • You need to be rolled in a recognised university or institute
  • You need a valid reason for visa extension, such as completing a course
  • You also need to prove that you can sustain financial and health insurance requirements

Documents Required

When applying for a Latvia student visa extension, you may be required to submit a few essential documents such as:

  • A filled application form
  • Proof of Continued Enrollment
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of Financial Means
  • A valid Health Insurance

Application Process for Latvia Student Visa Extension

  1. Fill out the visa extension application form from the OCMA website.
  2. Gather all the required documents and ensure that they are in English or Latvian (if required).
  3. Next, submit your application along with the documents and fee to the OCMA or your nearest Latvian embassy.
  4. Provide other required details such as fingerprints and a digital photograph.

Now, you will have to wait for around 15-30 days for the final decision.

What is a Residency Permit?

A Residency Permit allows international students to live and study in Latvia for an extended period, typically beyond the duration of their visa. It is important if your study program exceeds 1 year and you are required to apply for a temporary resident permit. Here are some details about the residency permit charges:

Type Days Resident Permit Charges
General 35 DaysUSD 120
Express 5-10 DaysUSD 320 – 520 

Study in Latvia Without IELTS

You can study in Latvia without an IELTS score and apply for the Latvia study visa for Indians under the following conditions:

  • You are a native speaker of an English-speaking country;
  • Your previous degree of education is from an English Medium University/College;
  • The students are required to provide an official Declaration or Certificate as evidence that their previous education was in English;
  • Applicants who do not have an internationally recognised test score will be requested to opt for English courses at Latvia University itself.

Some universities conduct online tests and interviews via Skype for their selected applicants. These interviews and tests evaluate students’ English language abilities and cover all aspects such as speaking, reading, and general comprehension of the language. 

You can also provide any other official language certification and give other English proficiency tests such as: 

Some universities that allow admission without submitting IELTS scores are:

  • Daugavpils University
  • University of Latvia
  • Riga Technical University
  • Riga Stradins University
  • University of Liepaja
  • Ventspils University College

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Latvia?

Most study programmes at public institutions in Latvia cost between 1,550 and 6,000 EUR (INR 1.24 lacs and 4.81 lacs) each academic year, which is much less expensive than tuition at other well-liked study locations. Business courses like Executive MBAs are the greatest tuition costs, which may cost up to EUR 25,600 (INR 20.5 lacs) per year. Medical degrees can cost up to 15,000 EUR(INR 12. lacs).

FAQs

How much percentage is required for a Latvia study visa?

The required aggregate percentage of 65% with no subject fails.

Can I work while studying in Latvia?

Yes, you are able to work in Latvia while you are a student, although there are certain limits based on your academic level. For example, a full-time bachelor’s student at a Latvian institution can work up to 20 part-time or 40 full-time hours per week during breaks with any business.

Is Latvia easy to get PR?

After five years of residing in the nation, you are eligible to apply for a long-term resident of the European Union status. As a consequence, you may relocate to another EU nation, such as Germany or the Netherlands, where you can live, study, and work. You can apply for Latvian citizenship after a total of 10 years.

How can I get a student visa for Latvia?

To get a student visa for Latvia, you will have to apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country. Gather all the required documents such as an acceptance letter and proof of financial means and pay the fee to get the process started.

Can I get PR after study in Latvia?

Yes, you can potentially get a residence permit (similar to PR) after studying in Latvia. However, it depends on your specific circumstances and Latvia’s immigration laws.

Interesting Reads

Details About Latvia Post Study Work VisaStudy in Latvia Without IELTS
Europe Student Visa Processing Time Country WiseAll About Europe Student Visa Requirements
A Complete Guide to Part Time Jobs in LatviaLatvia Tourist Visa: Informative Guide 
All You Need to Know About Europe Study Visa for Indian Students Difference Between a Student Visa and a Study Permit

Hope you like this blog on Latvia study visa. If you want to get into a high-ranked university you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

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