Temporary residence permit for full-time studies
Foreigners in full-time studies at an accredited Latvian university or college can request a temporary residence permit for up to two years at a time. Graduates of second- or third-cycle programmes can request a permit for nine months to look for work, if they apply within three months after their study permit ends. Full-time students are exempt from the early integration programme.
Life in Latvia
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
25.5–33%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
33% on annual income above EUR 105,300, plus an extra 3% on income above EUR 200,000; a differentiated non-taxable minimum applies.
Living
1
Happiness
#46 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
International students at accredited Latvian higher education institutions.
Eligibility
Accredited institution
Full-time studies at an accredited university or college (s. 27(1)(21)).
Post-studyGraduates
You may get a permit for nine months after finishing full-time second or third cycle studies with a state-recognised diploma.
Post-study permit
- Permit lengthafter completing studies
- Nine months
- Request window
- Three months
- Request must be made within three months after the study permit expires
- Legal basis: s. 27(1)(24)
Official wording
Nine months after completing full-time second or third cycle studies with a state-recognised diploma, if requested within three months after the study permit expires (s. 27(1)(24)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistProof of enrolment
- FeesState fee
- Steps to applyGet admitted to an accredited institution
The full requirements are for members
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- 2 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in Latvia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Latvia
- Visit & tourismShort-stay Schengen visa or visa-free visit to Latvia
- Work permitsTemporary residence permit for employment
- Permanent residencePermanent residence permit
- FamilyTemporary residence permit for spouses and children of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents
- Investors & entrepreneursTemporary residence permit for investors
- CitizenshipLatvian citizenship by naturalisation
