Latvia Student Visa Insights

When applying for a student visa (Long-stay visa D) to Latvia from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

1. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed Long Stay Visa Application Form of Latvia.
2. Passport: Your valid passport with a validity of at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Latvia, and containing at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
3. Passport Photos: Two passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm) adhering to the Schengen visa photo requirements.
4. Invitation Letter: An approved invitation letter from your Latvian education institution, dated no later than 6 months prior to your application.
5. Study Agreement: A copy of your signed study agreement with the educational institution in Latvia.
6. Bank Statements: Original bank statements from the last three months, showing sufficient financial means to support your stay. Include a balance confirmation letter from the bank, duly stamped and signed.
7. Credit/Debit Card: Provide evidence of an international credit or debit card activated for transactions in Euros.
8. University Financial Statement: If your university offers a statement on the availability of necessary financial means, include the original statement duly signed and stamped by the university.
9. Sponsorship Declaration: If you are sponsored by a family member or relative, include a notarized declaration of sponsorship.
10. Sponsor's Professional Proof: Include proof of the sponsor's professional status, such as an employment contract, pay slips for the last 3 months, or proof of self-employment (certificate of registration, bank statements, and current year's Income Tax Return).
11. Accommodation Proof: Provide a copy of proof of your intended residence in Latvia, such as a rental agreement or accommodation confirmation.
12. Previous Education: Submit copies of your previous education diplomas and transcripts, including certificates and mark sheets.
13. Travel Medical Insurance: Obtain travel medical insurance that covers the entire Schengen area for the entire 90-day visit, with a minimum coverage of 42,600 EUR. Ensure it includes costs for urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, medical transportation, and repatriation in case of death. This insurance can be obtained in your home country or any other country, or it can be taken out by the inviting person.
14. Hello Verify Conformation Slip: Include the confirmation received from Hello Verify for successfully uploading your visa application supporting documents for verification.
15. Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee of 60 EUR (Note: Masters, Erasmus, and PhD students may be exempt from this fee).

You can download the document checklist, Please click here

Travel insurance is required when visiting Schengen countries. If you haven't obtained it yet, kindly click here.

Note: Ensure that you carefully follow the specific guidelines and requirements provided by the Latvian consulate or embassy in India, as these requirements may change from time to time. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding the visa application process.

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.

Electronic Visa Application Form

Application Form for Requiring a Residence Permit

Important notes:

• Fill out the online questionnaire anytime, visit this link: Click Here, and use the form number and security code given after your initial submission.
• Complete all fields marked with a red asterisk (*).
• Use Latin letters only in the questionnaire, like "Vladimir" for "Владимир" in your passport.
• You need to print and sign the completed form before visiting the representative office.
• Please use capital letters when filling out the Resident Permit application form. Keep in mind that incomplete or incorrect information in your application could result in a denial.

The process for applying for a Latvia study visa (Long-Stay Visa D) from India typically involves the following steps:

1. Admission to a Latvian Educational Institution:
   • Before applying for a student visa, you must secure admission to a recognized educational institution in Latvia.
2. Acceptance Letter:
   • Obtain an official acceptance letter or certificate of enrollment from the Latvian educational institution where you have been admitted.
3. Complete Visa Application Form:
   • Once you've identified your visa type and gathered the required information, download the visa application form.
   • Carefully complete the form, print it out, and collect the necessary documents.
   • Take everything to the Visa Application Center to apply.
4. Gather Required Documents:
   • Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include: A valid passport, Completed visa application form, Acceptance letter, Proof of sufficient financial, Health insurance, Passport-sized photographs as per visa requirements and etc.
5. Schedule an Appointment:
   • Visit the website of the Visa Application Centre (VAC) responsible for handling Latvian visa applications in India.
   • Schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application.
6. Attend the Appointment:
   • On the scheduled date and time, visit the Visa Application Centre to submit your application.
   • Pay the visa application fee, if you haven't already.
7. Biometric Data Collection:
   • Provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, at the Visa Application Centre.
8. Wait for Processing:
   • The processing time for a long-term student visa can vary. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
9. Visa Interview (if required):
   • Prepare for a possible visa interview if the Latvian Embassy or Consulate requests one.
10. Receive Visa Decision:
    • You will be notified of the visa decision. If approved, you will receive a long-term student visa sticker on your passport.
11. Travel to Latvia:
    • With your student visa, you can travel to Latvia and commence your studies at the educational institution.
12. Register with Latvian Authorities:
    • Upon arrival in Latvia, you may be required to register with the local authorities or the educational institution.

Important notes:

• According to Latvia's Immigration Law, visa processing takes 15 days after submitting all documents through VFS Global. If more checks are needed for a long-stay visa, a decision will come within 60 days.
• Students from certain countries can apply for a long stay visa in Latvia if they are studying at an accredited Latvian educational institution. After getting a 90-day visa, they must apply for a residence permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia (OCMA) in Latvia.
• For students applying for a "study in Latvia" long stay visa, their documents need to be verified by Hello Verify India Private Limited. You can find step-by-step instructions and document submission details on http://visa.helloverify.com. Keep in mind that you must complete the document verification before applying for a visa at VFS Global Latvia.

To obtain more information about Residence permit, please click here