Heading off to Latvia for your studies? You’re in for an affordable adventure, with monthly living costs ranging between €635 and €835. But, is it really possible to get a scholarship as a student?
This Latvia student visa application checklist 2026 is your step-by-step roadmap to a hassle-free process. Over the following sections, you’ll cover every piece of paperwork, appointment booking, and interview preparation to move from application to arrival in Riga.
Whether you’re coming from Asia, the United States, or Canada, these steps apply to all non-EU/EEA students. Ready to get started? Let’s get into the visa options.
Quick Overview
- Explore which visa type matches your study timeline
- Gather every document on time, from passport photos to health insurance
- Submit biometrics unless you qualify for a waiver
- Schedule your appointment early and prep for the interview
- Track processing, inspect your visa, and register upon arrival
- Plan ahead if you’ll need an extension or residence permit
Latvia Visa Categories
Not sure which visa to pick? Latvia issues two main types for prospective students, each serving a different length of stay.
Short-term Schengen C visa
The C visa covers courses or language programs up to 90 days. It’s a Schengen-area permit, so you can travel freely across member states once issued. Use this if your study program is shorter than three months, such as summer schools or certificate courses.
Here are the key options under the Schengen C visa:
- Valid up to 90 days in the Schengen zone
- Allows single or multiple entries, depending on the consular decision
- Ideal for short internships, language immersion, or exchange semesters
Long-term D visa
If you’ll study in Latvia for more than 90 days, you need a national D visa. This allows you to enter Latvia and apply for a residence permit upon arrival. The D visa is valid for the full duration of your academic program or up to one year, with extensions available. Here’s what the long-term D visa offers;
- Covers degree programs, long-term internships, and research stays
- Must enter Latvia first before traveling elsewhere in Schengen
- Can be extended or converted into a temporary residence permit
Since you get all the information about visa type, let’s head to the next part.
Choose the Degree Program
Which program will fuel your career goals? Can I get the scholarship for the program I’m interested in? Well, there are so many questions on mind while choosing a program to study.
Here’s how you can pick a program without any hassle.
Review eligibility criteria
Before you apply, confirm you meet basic requirements:
- Non-EU/EEA nationals need a visa; EU/EEA citizens simply register locally
- Some fields may require additional language or professional qualifications
- Check any country-specific rules on the Latvian consulate website.
Select an accredited institution
Select a Latvian university or college that is recognized by the Ministry of Education. Accreditation ensures:
- Your acceptance letter is valid for visa purposes
- Credits and degrees transfer back to your home country
- You qualify for student discounts on travel and housing
Apply early because programs can fill up fast, especially in popular fields like engineering or business.
Gather Required Documents
Here’s a quick overview of the paperwork you’ll need right off the bat:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport and photos | Valid passport + two passport-sized photos |
| Acceptance letter | Official letter from your Latvian institution |
| Proof of financial support | Bank statements or scholarship award showing ≥ 1685 EUR/month ([MFA]) |
| Health insurance policy | Coverage valid across all Schengen states |
| Proof of accommodation | Rental agreement, dorm booking, or host invitation |
| Academic and language certificates | Transcripts, diplomas, and language test scores |
| Additional documents and translations | Police clearance, medical certificate, notarized translations |
Passport and photos
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Schengen. Grab two recent passport-style photos with a plain background. Check size and format details on the embassy site.
Acceptance letter
Include the original and a copy of your official acceptance letter. It should state:
- Your full name
- Program title and level (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Start and end dates of study
Proof of financial support
Do you know how much you need to show? As of April 1, 2025, you must prove funds equal to either the average gross monthly wage in your field or at least 1685 EUR per month, whichever is higher. Acceptable evidence includes:
- Recent bank statements (last three months)
- Scholarship or fellowship award letters
- Sponsor’s affidavit of support with financial documents
Health insurance policy
Another key thing to tick off from the Latvia student visa application checklist 2026 is having a health insurance policy. You need a policy valid across all Schengen states with at least €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies. Many providers offer student-focused plans—compare a few to find the best price.
Proof of accommodation
Show where you’ll live during your studies. Options include:
- University dorm booking confirmation
- Private rental agreement in your name
- Host invitation letter signed by a Latvian resident
Academic and language certificates
Submit certified copies of your:
- Highest academic diploma or transcript
- Official language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if required by your program
Additional documents and translations
Depending on your nationality and program, you may need:
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical certificate confirming good health
- Notarized translations of any documents not in English, Latvian, or Russian
Provide Biometric Data
Every student visa applicant must submit fingerprints and a digital photo, unless your data was collected by a Schengen state in the past five years.
Fingerprint requirements
You’ll visit the visa center or consulate to have your fingerprints scanned. Plan for about 15 minutes extra in your appointment slot.
Data waiver conditions
If you already provided biometrics within five years, mention it on your form and include a copy of the previous visa or confirmation. This can save you a second trip and a fee.
Schedule a Visa Appointment
The next step in your Latvia student visa application checklist is to book an appointment at the nearest embassy or visa application center.
Locate embassy or consulate
Find your local Latvian mission via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Some countries outsource to visa centers like VFS Global.
Book an appointment online
Most consulates allow you to select a date and time slot online. Slots can fill up weeks in advance, so book as soon as you have all the required documents.
Attend Your Interview
Nervous about the visa interview? A little prep goes a long way.
Prepare interview answers
Consular officers often ask:
- Why did you choose Latvia and this program?
- How will you finance your studies?
- What are your plans after graduation?
Keep answers concise, honest, and focused on your academic goals.
Bring essential documents
On interview day, carry:
- All originals plus copies of documents from our checklist
- Proof of paid visa fee receipt
- A pen and a folder to stay organized
Additionally, avoid common pitfalls by checking our list of common mistakes in student visa applications.
Track Application Status
After your appointment, it’s time to wait, but you can still stay on top of progress.
Check processing timelines
Standard processing runs 15 to 30 days, but during peak seasons it can extend to 45 days. Mark your calendar and avoid booking flights too early.
Respond to follow-up requests
Occasionally, consulates request extra documents or clarifications. Reply promptly to avoid delays—check your email and application portal daily.
Receive and review visa
Once approved, you’ll collect your passport or have it returned by courier.
Inspect visa sticker
Make sure:
- Your name and date of birth match your passport
- The visa type (C or D) and validity dates are correct
- The number of entries suits your travel plans
Register after arrival
If you hold a D visa, you must register with the local authorities in Latvia within 30 days of arrival. Your institution’s international office can guide you through this process.
How to Extend or Convert a Visa?
If you’re planning to stay beyond your original visa validity, you have the following options:
Apply extension permit
Submit an extension application at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs before your visa expires. You’ll need:
- Proof of continued enrollment
- Updated financial proof
- Valid health insurance
Switch to a residence permit
If you qualify, you can apply directly for a temporary residence permit for study. This permit often lasts the full program duration and may allow part-time work up to 20 hours per week.
Resources and further reading
- For a deeper breakdown, see our step-by-step guide for a student permit
- Compare requirements across Europe in our student permits section
- Check out our Austria student visa application checklist 2026 and Spain student visa application checklist 2026
- Browse the full hub at the student visa application checklist
Now you’ve got everything in place for the Latvia student visa application checklist 2026. Go ahead and tick off each item, and before you know it, you’ll be settling into campus life in Latvia. Good luck!
