Latvia Student Visa - Definitive Guide

The National Visa (D Visa) for study purposes in Latvia is typically issued for the duration of the study program, up to one year, with possibilities for extension. Many programs are conducted in English, though knowledge of Latvian can be beneficial but is not necessarily required for the visa. The processing time generally takes around 2-3 months, depending on the embassy's workload. The current visa fee is €60 for a long-stay visa, though this is subject to change. Additionally, students must obtain a residence permit within three months of arriving in Latvia.

• Age: No strict age limit, but typically for students pursuing higher education
  
  
  
• Academic Eligibility: Admission to a Latvian educational institution (university, college, or language course)
  
  
  
• Language Proficiency: Depends on the program (English, Latvian, or other languages as specified by the institution)
  
  
  
• Financial Capacity: Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses (approximately €420-€500 per month)
  
  
  
• Health Insurance: Valid policy covering at least €30,000 in Latvia
  
  
  
• Clean Police Record: Certificate from Indian authorities indicating no criminal record

Mandatory Documents

• Valid Travel Document (Passport)
  

• Valid for at least 12 months beyond the intended stay
• At least two blank pages
  
  

• Filled and Signed Visa Application Form
  
  

• Download from the Embassy of Latvia's website or complete online
  
  

• Recent Color Photographs
  
  

• 2-3 photos, depending on the embassy’s requirements
  
  

• Proof of Admission
  
  

• Acceptance letter from a Latvian educational institution
• Specifies study program, duration, and language of instruction
  
  

• Proof of Language Proficiency
  
  

• English: IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English (depending on the program’s requirements)
• Latvian: If the program is in Latvian, proof of Latvian language proficiency might be required
  
  

• Proof of Financial Resources
  
  

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds for living expenses
• Scholarship award letter, if applicable
  
  

• Health Insurance
  
  

• Policy that covers you in Latvia for the entire stay, with a minimum coverage of €30,000
  
  

• Police Certificate
  
  

• From the Regional Passport Office or the concerned authorities in India, indicating no criminal record
  
  

Additional Documents (May Be Required)

• Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
  
  
• Certified copies of previous educational qualifications
  
  
  
• Proof of Accommodation in Latvia
  
  
• Confirmation from the educational institution or a rental agreement
  
  
  
• Flight Itinerary or Proof of Travel Arrangements
  
  
• Though not always required, having this can be beneficial
  
  
  
• Sponsorship Letter (If Applicable)
  
  
• If someone else is covering your expenses

Step 1: Check with the Embassy or Consulate

• Why Check with the Embassy?

• • Requirements can change, and the embassy's website might not always reflect these changes.

• • The embassy can provide insights into specific program requirements.
    
    

• How to Check:

• • Visit the Official Website:

• • • www.mfa.gov.lv (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia)

• • • Look for the "Consular Services" or "Visas" section.
      
      

• Contact the Embassy:

• • Phone: +91 11 4167 7840 (for the New Delhi embassy)

• • Email: embassy.india@mfa.gov.lv

• • In Person: A-3, Ring Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110057 (if possible)
    
    
    

Step 2: Gather All Documents

• Required Documents Checklist:

• • Valid Travel Document (Passport)

• • Must be valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay.

• • Ensure at least two blank pages.

• • Filled and Signed Visa Application Form

• • Download from the embassy's website or complete online.

• • Recent Color Photographs

• • 2-3 photos, depending on the embassy's requirements.

• • Ensure they meet the size and format specified.
    
    

• Proof of Admission

• • Admission letter from a Latvian educational institution.

• • Specifies program, duration, and language of instruction.

• • Language Proficiency Certificate

• • Depending on the program (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English for English-taught programs)
    
    

• Proof of Financial Resources

• • Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately €420-€500 per month)

• • Scholarship award letter, if applicable.
    
    

• Health Insurance Policy

• • Covering you in Latvia for the entire stay (minimum €30,000 coverage)
    
    

• Police Certificate

• Gathering Tips:
  
  

• • Official Sources: Ensure documents come from official sources (e.g., bank statements directly from your bank).

• • Translations and Certifications: If documents aren't in English or Latvian, ensure translations are certified.

• • Copies vs. Originals: Submit originals where possible, but have certified copies ready.
    
    

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Application Form Formats:

• • Online Application:

• • • Available on the embassy's website.

• • • Fill out and submit directly.
      
      

• Paper Application:

• • Download, print, fill out, and sign.

• • Ensure all required fields are completed.
    
    

• Required Information:

• • Personal Details:

• • • Full name, DOB, contact info, etc.
      
      

• Travel and Study Details:

• • Intended stay duration, study program, etc.
    
    

• Signature:

• • Sign in the designated area.
    
    

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Submission Methods:

• • In Person:

• • • Directly at the embassy or consulate.

• • • Ensure all documents are in order.
      
      

• Through a Third Party:

• • Authorized representatives can submit on your behalf.

• • Provide them with all necessary documents.
    
    

• Submission Timing:

• • Check the embassy's working hours.

• • Avoid last-minute submissions to ensure timely processing.
    
    

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• Current Fee for Long-Stay Visa: €60
  
  

• Payment Methods:

• • In Person: Cash, card, or bank transfer (check with the embassy)

• • Through a Third Party: If using a service, their accepted payment methods
    
    

• Additional Fees:

• • Service fees might be charged by third-party services.
    
    

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Processing Time: Typically 2-3 months, but can vary.
  
  

• Tracking Your Application:

• • Contact the embassy if you haven't received an update after the standard processing time.

• • Provide your application ID (if given) for quicker reference.
    
    

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

• Collection Timing: Once your visa is approved, collect it within the specified timeframe.
  
  

• Collection Methods:

• • In Person: At the embassy or consulate.

• • Through a Representative: If you can’t collect in person, authorize someone to do so.
    
    

• Ensure Your Passport is Ready:

• • Check your passport for the visa sticker or a separate visa document.

• Register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA)
  
  
• Health Insurance
  
  
• Enroll in Your Study Program
  
  
• Open a Local Bank Account (Recommended)

• Apply Early: To ensure you receive your visa in time for your program.
  
  
• Double-Check Requirements: With the embassy or consulate for the most current information.
  
  
• Legibility and Translation: Ensure all documents are clear and, if not in English or Latvian, translated and certified.
  
  
• Keep Copies: Of all your documents, in case of emergencies.

• Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi:
  
  

• Address: A-3, Ring Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110057
  
  
• Phone: +91 11 4167 7840
  
  
• Email: embassy.india@mfa.gov.lv
  
  
• Website: Check the official website for the most current contact information and visa requirements.

• Official Government Websites:
  

• Embassy of Latvia in India
• Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) of Latvia
  
  

• Educational Institutions in Latvia:
  

• University of Latvia
• Riga Technical University
• Other institutions as per your interest and eligibility.

Need more clarity on the Latvia Student visa? Check out helpful resources below

Latvia Visa Requirement
Latvia Tourist Visa Requirement
Latvia Business Visa Requirement
Latvia Study Visa Requirement
Latvia Visit Visa Requirement
Latvia Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection