Short answer: Latvia's new Immigration Law came into force on 15 September 2026. The biggest change for Indian students: if you study full-time for a bachelor's or master's degree and you are not a citizen of a NATO country, your family members cannot get a Latvian residence permit to join you (doctoral students are not affected). You can still get a student residence permit, work up to 20 hours a week without a separate work right, and stay on after graduation to look for a job.

Last checked: 28 October 2026, on the websites of Latvia's Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), the European Commission's EU Immigration Portal, Study in Latvia, the University of Latvia and Latvijas Vēstnesis (lvportals.lv). Rules are changing in 2026, so confirm each point with PMLP or your university before you apply.

What changed on 15 September 2026

  • No family residence permits for most students: family members of a foreign student who is not a NATO-country citizen and who studies full-time in a first- or second-cycle programme (bachelor's or master's) have no right to a temporary residence permit. This restriction does not apply to doctoral students. Indian citizens are affected, because India is not a NATO member.
  • Language of applications: your first visa or temporary residence permit application can be in Latvian or English. Repeat temporary residence permit applications must be in Latvian, and the inviter (your university) always submits in Latvian.
  • Integration later: from 31 December 2027, foreigners whose temporary residence permits add up to at least 18 months will have to complete a Latvian culture and history course and reach Latvian at level A1.

If an agent tells you that you can study in Latvia and take your spouse with you on a bachelor's or master's course, ask them to show you the rule on an official Latvian website. Under the new law, that route is closed for Indian students at these levels.

Student residence permit: documents and money

Your university first approves your invitation with PMLP. PMLP's studies page then lists these documents for the residence permit:

  • a full copy of your passport;
  • the residence permit request form and a photograph;
  • a document proving necessary subsistence;
  • proof of paying the state fee;
  • your study agreement with the Latvian university.

Subsistence: PMLP's studies page states 500 euros a month for the student (page last updated April 2022). Ask PMLP or your university for the current amount before you arrange your bank statement.

State fee: the EU Immigration Portal (updated 1 April 2025) lists 70 euros for a residence permit processed within 30 days, with master's and doctoral students exempt, and 60 euros for a visa.

Entry registration: since 1 September 2025, travellers who do not yet hold a Latvian visa or residence permit and are not exempt must register on eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before entering Latvia, even in transit.

Can Indian students work in Latvia?

Yes, part-time. PMLP says a student living in Latvia on a study residence permit does not need a separate confirmed right to employment if the work does not exceed 20 hours a week (PMLP page published 26 February 2026). The EU Immigration Portal adds that students may work up to 40 hours a week during study holidays. Do not plan to pay your tuition from part-time work.

Staying after graduation

The Study in Latvia portal says bachelor's students get a residence permit for the study period plus 4 months after their studies end. Master's and doctoral graduates can also ask for a further 9 months to look for a job, which must be requested before the current permit expires and is not guaranteed. A work permit after that needs an employer.

Applying to a Latvian university

Each university sets its own tuition and deadlines. As an example, the University of Latvia charges a non-refundable application fee of 170 euros and a registration fee of 170 euros, and the first year's tuition must be paid before you apply for a visa or residence permit. Ask for the fee for your exact programme in writing, from the university itself.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my spouse to Latvia on a student visa?

Not on a full-time bachelor's or master's programme, under the Immigration Law in force from 15 September 2026, unless you are a citizen of a NATO country. Doctoral students are not covered by this restriction.

Is IELTS required to study in Latvia?

Universities decide. The University of Latvia asks for an English proficiency document unless your previous education was in English in one of a short list of countries (Australia, The Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the UK or the USA), so most Indian students will need a test score there.

How many hours can I work in Latvia as a student?

Up to 20 hours a week during studies without a separate work right, according to PMLP, and up to 40 hours during study holidays, according to the EU Immigration Portal.

How much money do I need to show?

PMLP's studies page states 500 euros a month for the student, but that page was last updated in 2022. Confirm the current figure with PMLP or your university.

Is Latvia in the Schengen area?

Yes. Latvia is an EU and Schengen country, and a Latvian residence permit lets you travel in the Schengen area for short stays.

Official sources

Plan your Latvia application with Win Your Visa

Win Your Visa (M/s Win Your English and Consultancy) is a Punjab Government licensed consultancy, Licence No. 908. Our counsellors check every Latvian rule on official websites before you apply, and tell you plainly what the new law means for your plans. Visit our Jagraon head office on Raikot Road (above Bank of Baroda) or our Ludhiana branch at SCO 13, Block-A, Model Town Extension, or call +91 76578 91191. See our Study in Latvia page.