Immigration

Citizens from EU or EEA member states, as well as Switzerland, may enter Latvia without a visa. However, they are only allowed to stay in Latvia visa-free for a maximum duration of one year. Full-time students from these regions residing in Latvia for more than a year will be required to undergo an immigration procedure.

Note! The completion of the immigration process, including obtaining a Latvian Personal Code, is mandatory for graduation and/or receiving a Latvian university diploma. This also applies to Double-Degree students, even if their studies at RTU are for a limited time.

No visa required.

Students who hold citizenship from countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are required to handle immigration matters either before or upon arrival in Latvia. Depending on your country of citizenship, there are three different procedures:

1.      Entry visa-free (for up to 90 days)

2.      Entry with a Residence Permit

3.      Entry with a visa

For more information on immigration procedures and instructions, check out our guides here:

Entry visa-free (for up to 90 days) 

Entry with a Residence Permit 

Entry with a visa 

The processing time for a visa depends on the embassy where you apply and your country of origin. Typically, it can take from 2 to 4 weeks from the day the embassy receives your documents.