Process of Getting Residence Permit for Non-EU Citizens

What is a residence permit?

A residence permit is a document providing a foreigner the rights to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a definite period of time (a temporary residence permit) or permanently (a permanent residence permit). A temporary residence permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. Students must remember that the main intention of their residence permit is study and this should be their priority.

What are the cases a residence permit is necessary?

A residence permit is a document providing a foreigner the rights to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a definite period of time (a temporary residence permit) or permanently (a permanent residence permit). A temporary residence permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. Students must remember that the main intention of their residence permit is study and this should be their priority.

​What are the cases a residence permit is necessary?

A residence permit is necessary if you are willing to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of time exceeding 90 days within half a year counting from the first day of entrance.

For what period of time is a residence permit issued?

A residence permit may be issued to a foreigner as a citizen of a third country due to studies at an accredited educational establishment – for the time period of studies however not longer than one year.

What are the documents to be submitted to apply for requiring a residence permit?

Documents to be submitted in order to receive a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia in connection with studies at an accredited higher educational establishment or participation in studies program.

1. You shall present a valid travel document admitted in the Republic of Latvia (passport):
2. a definite sample form for a residence permit request;
3. a photography (3×4);
4. a criminal record statement issued by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country (for a foreigner more than 14 years old), if a foreigner has resided in that country longer than 12 months;
5. a bank statement confirming the necessary subsistence. The minimal allowance is 430 EUR per month (or 5160 EUR per year). The statement should include the surname and given name of the foreign national that holds an account and a card, total amount of available funds in Euros (not less than 5160 EUR), the type of the card (Maestro Card, Visa Electron etc.) and a confirmation that using this card cash withdrawals are possible in the Republic of Latvia. The statement should be written in English. The addressee is the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia.
6. documents confirming that you have acquired the necessary education to start the studies;
7. a document confirming the state duty payment. State fee for the examination of documents submitted for an application for a temporary residence permit is 70 EUR. Applications are being processed within 30 days (or 200 EUR within 10 working days, 400 EUR within 5 working days). Payment can only be made in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia. Remember, examination of documents can be prolonged, if the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia of Latvia will require some additional information;
8. an agreement on studies in the Republic of Latvia (issued by College);
9.  a document confirming the envisaged place of residence in the Republic of Latvia and the rights to stay there (issued by College);
10. the approved call from your inviter (the College).

The documents being issued abroad must be legalized if international agreements do not stipulate otherwise (see also Apostille Convention). When submitting copies of documents that are not certified by a notary, originals of such documents must be presented. Legalization fee in Consular Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia is 15 EUR for 1 document (takes 2-3 days).

Where can the documents be submitted?

To apply for a residence permit, a foreigner must submit documents to a diplomatic or consular representative office of the Republic of Latvia abroad.

Order of residence permit registration

A diplomatic or consular representative office of the Republic of Latvia where the application has been submitted will issue a foreigner a visa to enter the Republic of Latvia. On arrival a foreign national must personally submit documents for registration of a valid residence permit to a regional office of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Have any more questions? Feel free to ask. Student Counselling – Anna Čekina E-mail: admissions@hotelschool.lv ​Phone: +371 67213037

Skype name: hotelschool.riga