Long-stay (D) Visa for Studies
Latvia
Last updated: December 26, 2025
Duration of program (renewable)
$106
15-60 days
Medium
About this Visa
The Latvia Long-stay (D) Visa for Studies is a residence permit designed for international students enrolling in full-time degree programs at accredited Latvian educational institutions. The visa remains actively available and accepting applications as of December 2024-2025 with no discontinuation or suspension. Students must demonstrate minimum financial capability of €8,400 and maintain health insurance coverage of €42,600 minimum. Work rights are permitted: bachelor's students may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours during breaks; master's and doctoral students generally have unrestricted work hours. Post-graduation, students receive 4 months (bachelor's) or 9 months (master's/doctoral) to seek employment with the ability to transition to work-based residence permits. Permanent residence is eligible after 5 years continuous legal residence. Family reunification is available to students at all degree levels (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) through spouse invitations via D-visa or family reunification residence permit applications.
Key Benefits
- Work rights (20 hours/week bachelor's, unrestricted master's/doctoral)
- Schengen area travel (90 days within 180-day period)
- Family reunification available at all degree levels
- Post-graduation employment path (4-9 months)
- Path to permanent residence (5 years) and citizenship (10 years total)
- Healthcare coverage included
- No separate work permit required
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time enrollment in accredited Latvian educational institution
- Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, or vocational degree programs
- Age 18+ (younger if full-time enrolled)
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 72+ for English-taught programs)
- Clean criminal record, no entry bans or deportation orders
- No history of visa violations or fraudulent documents
Financial Requirement
€8,400 minimum subsistence plus €42,600 health insurance coverage; documented via bank statements, scholarships, or notarized sponsorship letters
Documents
- Valid passport3+ months validity, 2+ blank pages, issued within 10 years
- University invitationOfficial invitation with OCMA-issued invitation number
- Admission letterProof of enrollment from accredited institution
- Financial proof€8,400 minimum demonstrated via bank statements or sponsorship
- Health insurance€42,600 minimum Schengen-wide coverage certificate
- Accommodation proofDormitory confirmation or rental lease agreement
- Criminal record certificateFrom country of citizenship and any country of residence >12 months
- Passport photos1-2 recent color photos 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.