Visas and residence permits

BIA / Visas and residence permits

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There are two ways of submitting the documents for requesting or registering a residence permit:

  1. by post (visiting Post office )
  2. electronically by approving the application and documents appended thereto with a secure electronic signature (eParaksts).

In order to take care of the safety and health of customers and employees, as well as to limit the risks inherent to gatherings of people, the OCMA has decided that the services will be provided for customers by pre-appointment only, thus disabling the provision of services on a first-come, first-served basis.

The use of face masks is the expression of solidarity aiming at protecting the people around us – the Office’s customers and employees – from the infection. Therefore, we are urging that the visitors, who stay in the customer service hall, use a mouth and nose cover. A scarf, respirator, home-sewn or bought mask face may be used as the face cover.

You can also apply for a pre-appointment by calling to one of the OCMA territorial division by the phone 67209400 or by e-mail. The CONTACTS of the territorial divisions are available HERE.

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Regulations on visas and residence permits for international students in Latvia vary depending on country of their citizenship.

CITIZENS OF EU/EEA

Citizens of European Union (EU)/ European Economic Area (EEA) have the right to reside in Latvia without a residence permit or visa, but they have to apply for a registration card in the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia.

CITIZENS OF NON-EU/EEA

Citizens of Non-EU/EEA require a visa residence and permit to enter the Republic of Latvia:

  • If you are intending to stay in Latvia for less than 90 days. If your country of citizenship is on the list (https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/visas-and-invitations/list-countries.html), you generally can enter Latvia without a visa.
  • A residence permit is necessary if you are willing to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of time exceeding 90 days within half a year counting from the first day of entrance.

For detailed information on applying for a residence permit, we strongly recommend you to find the information provided by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/residence-permits/)

The temporary residence permit is made out only for students of day (full) time department.

In order to issue a residence permit, you needs to pay tuition fee for the first study year at the Baltic International Academy (BIA). After that, BIA foreign student department will prepare the documents to apply for a temporary residence permit.

List of the documents to be submitted to receive a residence permit, you can find here!

If you have any questions, please contact us by email – [email protected]