CITIZENS OF OTHER COUNTRIES (A)

For citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominica, East Timor, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (South Korea), Macau (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Northern Mariana Islands , Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, The Vatican, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.

You may enter the Republic of Latvia without a visa and reside for *90 days within a 6 months period*. You will be requested to submit a residence permit application on the basis of your full time studies upon arrival to Latvia at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Tax duty fee applies to submit a residence permit application, for more information please “click here”:http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/residence-permits/state-fee-for-issuing-the-residence-permit.html

Before the submission of the documents for a residence permit, *within a month after your arrival*, RTU will approve an invitation at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

You will be required below documents for the residence permit application:

• “A definite sample form for a residence permit request”:http://tinyurl.com/hcvez29 ;
• A photo;
• An agreement on studies in the Republic of Latvia (provided by RTU);
• Documents confirming that you have acquired the necessary education to start the studies (to be legalized);
• An evidence that you have sufficient financial means 5160 EUR/per one year (A LETTER FROM THE BANK ON YOUR NAME; YOUR NAME MUST BE WRITTEN AS IN THE PASSPORT, DATE OF BIRTH AND BALANCE OF YOUR ACCOUNT; THIS LETTER MUST BE SIGNED AND STAMPED BY BANK OFFICIAL! DEBIT or CREDIT card must be affiliated with the account for use abroad (letter is valid for three months);
• A document confirming the prospective place of residence in the Republic of Latvia and the rights to stay there (provided by RTU if staying at students dormitory).

*Note:* The documents for your residence permit application can be submitted in Latvian, English, French, Russian or German.

*Note:* *Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) is not a notarial act.* Unless there are international agreements in force that provide for a different procedure, all documents issued in other countries have to be legalized. Legalisation – Certification of Document Authenticity .Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) means verification of signature and seal of a document. It is performed by a Consular Officer in order the documents drawn up in one country were in force in another one. Legalisation also implies confirmation of the legal status and authority of the signatory.

*Please find “more information on legalization” http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/service/legalisation/

CITIZENS OF OTHER COUNTRIES (B) 

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries:
For citizens of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, Kenya, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Russia (Chechnya), Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia.

You require a residence permit and visa to enter the Republic of Latvia if your stay in the Republic of Latvia will exceed 90 days within a 6-month period.

After you have been accepted for studies at RTU, paid tuition fee for the first study year and a security deposit, RTU will prepare and post full admission package to the indicated address in your online application (Admission Letter, Agreement for studies at Riga Technical University, Invitation Letter in Latvian language, Guarantee Letter in Latvian language, Verification of academic qualifications in Latvian language). Then you should submit the following documents to a Latvian consular mission in a foreign country (http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/ministry/mission/):

• “A definite sample form for a residence permit request”:http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/assets/images/Uztur%C4%93%C5%A1an%C4%81s/UA_anketa_2016.pdf.pdf
• Two recent photos;
• Originals of your educational documents (to be legalized);
• A signed study agreement (provided by RTU) you shall sign it as well;
• A statement on punishability issued by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country, it is valid for 6 months (to be legalized);
•  An evidence that you have sufficient financial means 5160 EUR/per one year (A LETTER FROM THE BANK ON YOUR NAME; YOUR NAME MUST BE WRITTEN AS IN THE PASSPORT, DATE OF BIRTH AND BALANCE OF YOUR ACCOUNT; THIS LETTER MUST BE SIGNED AND STAMPED BY BANK OFFICIAL! DEBIT or CREDIT card must be affiliated with the account for use abroad (such letter is valid for three months);
• A valid travel document recognized in the Republic of Latvia;
• Tax duty fee applies to submit a residence permit application, for more information “click here”:http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/pricelist/;
• A document verifying the anticipated place of residence in the Republic of Latvia (provided by RTU if will be staying at students dormitory).

NOTE: If a residence permit issuance has been confirmed by the OCMA, you should obtain an entrance visa at a Latvian consular mission abroad (http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/ministry/mission). Please consult a respective consular mission on required documents for submission.
NOTE: If your residence permit has been approved but visa request rejected, RTU will refund your study fee.
NOTE: The documents for your residence permit application can be submitted in Latvian, English, French, Russian or German.

NOTE: Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) is not a notarial act. Unless there are international agreements in force that provide for a different procedure, all documents issued in other countries have to be legalized. Legalisation – Certification of Document Authenticity .Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) means verification of signature and seal of a document. It is performed by a Consular Officer in order the documents drawn up in one country were in force in another one. Legalisation also implies confirmation of the legal status and authority of the signatory. Please find “more information on legalization” http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/service/legalisation/

CITIZENS OF OTHER COUNTRIES (C) 

If you are a citizen of any other country not indicated in the previous lists:

You require a visa to enter the Republic of Latvia and a residence permit if your stay in the Republic of Latvia will exceed 90 days within a 6-month period.
RTU will submit documents for residence permit on behalf of the student to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
After you have been accepted for studies at RTU, you will receive a study agreement (or Acceptance Letter) for signing. Then you should send the following documents to the Foreign Students Department:

• Two recent photographs;
• Originals of your educational documents (to be legalized);
• A proof of  study fee payment;
• A signed study agreement (provided by RTU);
• A statement on punishability issued by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country (to be legalized);
• An evidence that you have sufficient financial means (USD 5300/per study year);
• A valid travel document recognized in the Republic of Latvia;
• A proof of the state duty payment (Western Union transfer to RTU – contact the Department for more information) or bank transfer to the RTU account)

An official application form for a residence permit http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/pakalpojumi/residence/application.html;
A document verifying the anticipated place of residence in the Republic of Latvia and the rights to stay there (provided by RTU if will be staying at students dormitory).

After receipt of your documents, RTU will approve an invitation and submit your documents for receipt of a residence permit to the OCMA.

If a residence permit issuance has been confirmed by the OCMA, you should obtain an entrance visa at  Latvian consular missions in foreign countries (http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/ministry/mission/). Please consult consular missions about required documents for submission.

NOTE: If your residence permit has been approved but visa request rejected, RTU will refund your study fee.
NOTE: The documents for your residence permit application can be submitted in Latvian, English, French, Russian or German.

NOTE: Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) is not a notarial act. Unless there are international agreements in force that provide for a different procedure, all documents issued in other countries have to be legalized. Legalisation – Certification of Document Authenticity .Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) means verification of signature and seal of a document. It is performed by a Consular Officer in order the documents drawn up in one country were in force in another one. Legalisation also implies confirmation of the legal status and authority of the signatory.

Please find more information on legalization http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/service/legalisation/
Documents verifying your financial situation and notices issued by the State Revenue Agency are valid for three months since the date of issue; other documents, notices and letters, except for documents issued by the General Register Office, courts, archives or educational establishments, are valid for six months since the date of issue.

If you are admitted for studies at Riga Technical University, you are allowed to enter Republic of Latvia with a 90 day D type visa, and submit an application for residence permit (RP) after arrival to Latvia.
After you have paid tuition fee for the first study year and a security deposit, RTU will prepare and provide visa Invitation approved by the OCMA (in 10 business day’s max) which will allow applying for D type (90 day) entrance visa.

STEP 1- GATHER DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION
*Visa application form completed online, printed and signed by the applicant which you may find here http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/assets/documents/anglu%20val/visas/D_viza_2011.pdf;
*Two photos (size 35mmx45mm) must be taken in last 6 months and it should be on white background;
*Passport containing at least two blank pages. Copies of the identification pages and the pages that contain information about previously issued visas;
*Invitation approved by the OCMA (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, Latvia), you will receive it from RTU when first study year tuition fee and a security deposit fee has been settled;
* Proof of accommodation: a copy of proof of your intended residence in Latvia has to be submitted (A Guarantee letter (GARANTIJAS VĒSTULE) will be provided from RTU when first study year tuition fee and a security deposit fee has been settled);
*Study agreement copy to be submitted along with the documents (you will receive a signed scanned copy from RTU).
*Proof of sufficient financial means:
• Original private bank account statement showing the movements during the last three months, duly stamped and signed by the bank, the balance of the account shall be 5160EUR;
• Indian income tax return acknowledgment for the last three assessment years;

*Travel medical insurance valid for the whole Schengen area and covering the entire period of visa (90 days). The minimum coverage of 42,600 EUR including the costs of urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment in case of an illness as well as medical transportation and repatriation in the event of death. It is important that the insurance meets all the above requirements;
STEP 2
Visa submission appointment only may be requested through VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) Global. When you have received a copy of Invitation from a University call VFS Centre to book an appointment at VFS near you +91 022-67866025.
Locate the closest VFS branch http://www.vfsglobal.com/Latvia/India/
Following fees apply to submit a visa application:
*tax duty fee for visa application reviewing 61.18 EUR can be paid in cash or by bank card at VFS centre;
*Applicants applying at the VFS shall be levied a service charge of Rs. 1531/- (inclusive of Goods and Service Tax –SGST @9% and CGST@9%) payable in cash or by debit/credit card. More info here http://www.vfsglobal.com/Latvia/India/visa-fees-at-glance.html
STEP 3
Embassy interview. Every student will be interviewed by the Latvian Embassy (New Delhi) via video call at VFS centre. This interview can take place at the time of file submission at the VFS centre or student may get a call from VFS at later stage for the interview date and time.
Your application will be accepted only if all documents listed in the STEP 2 will be presented. Note that if you miss the appointment or you do not have all documents no other appointment time will be given!

If your visa decision is positive you may enter Latvia. Upon arrival you will have to submit an application for a residence permit (RP) to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
The following documents must be prepared while in your home country:
* Originals of your educational documents or notary approved copies of them (to be legalized/apostiled);
* An original statement on punishability/criminal record issued (PCC) by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country, valid for 6 months (to be legalized/apostiled);
* An evidence that you have sufficient financial means 5160 EUR/per one year (AN ORIGINAL LETTER FROM THE BANK ON YOUR NAME; YOUR NAME MUST BE WRITTEN AS IN THE PASSPORT, DATE OF BIRTH AND BALANCE OF YOUR ACCOUNT; THIS LETTER MUST BE SIGNED AND STAMPED BY BANK OFFICIAL! DEBIT or CREDIT card must be affiliated with the account for use abroad, valid for 3 months.

*Note:* The documents for your residence permit application can be submitted in Latvian, English, French, Russian or German.
*Note:* *Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) is not a notarial act.* Unless there are international agreements in force that provide for a different procedure, all documents issued in other countries have to be legalized. Legalisation – Certification of Document Authenticity. Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) means verification of signature and seal of a document. It is performed by a Consular Officer in order the documents drawn up in one country were in force in another one. Legalisation also implies confirmation of the legal status and authority of the signatory.

Please find “more information on legalization” http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/service/legalisation/

Tax duty fee applies to submit a residence permit application, for more information please “click here”:http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/pricelist/

If you are admitted for studies at Riga Technical University, you are allowed to enter Republic of Latvia with a 90 day D type visa, and submit an application for residence permit (RP) after arrival to Latvia.
After you have paid tuition fee for the first study year and a security deposit, RTU will prepare and provide visa invitation (in 10 business day’s max) which will allow applying for D type (90 day) entrance visa.

STEP 1- GATHER DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION
*Visa application form completed online, printed and signed by the applicant which you may find here http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/assets/documents/anglu%20val/visas/D_viza_2011.pdf;
*Two photos (size 35mmx45mm) must be taken in last 6 months and it should be on white background;
*Passport containing at least two blank pages. Copies of the identification pages and the pages that contain information about previously issued visas;
*Invitation approved by the OCMA (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, Latvia), you will receive it from RTU when first study year tuition fee and a security deposit fee has been settled;
* Proof of accommodation: a copy of proof of your intended residence in Latvia has to be submitted (A Guarantee letter (GARANTIJAS VĒSTULE) will be provided from RTU when first study year tuition fee and a security deposit fee has been settled);
*Study agreement copy to be submitted along with the documents (you will receive a scanned copy signed from RTU).
*Proof of sufficient financial means:
• Original private bank account statement showing the movements during the last three months, duly stamped and signed by the bank, the balance of the account shall be 5160 EUR;
• Srilankan income tax return acknowledgment for the last three assessment years;

*Travel medical insurance valid for the whole Schengen area and covering the entire period of visa (90 days). The minimum coverage of 42,600 EUR including the costs of urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment in case of an illness as well as medical transportation and repatriation in the event of death. It is important that the insurance meets all the above requirements;

STEP 2
Visa submission appointment only may be requested through VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) Global. When you have received a copy of Invitation from a University call VFS Centre to book an appointment at VFS near you 0115160309.

Following fees apply to submit a visa application:
*tax duty fee for visa application reviewing 61.18 EUR can be paid in cash or by bank card at VFS centre;
*Applicants applying at the VFS shall be levied a service charge payable in cash or by debit/credit card.

STEP 3
Embassy interview. Every student will be interviewed by the Latvian Embassy (New Delhi) via video call at VFS centre. This interview can take place at the time of file submission at the VFS centre or student may get a call from VFS at later stage for the interview date and time.
Your application will be accepted only if all documents listed in the STEP 2 will be presented. Note that if you miss the appointment or you do not have all documents no other appointment time will be given!

If your visa decision is positive you may enter Latvia. Upon arrival you will have to submit an application for a residence permit (RP) to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
The following documents must be prepared while in your home country:
* Originals of your educational documents or notary approved copies of them (to be legalized/apostiled);
* An original statement on punishability/criminal record issued (PCC) by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country, valid for 6 months (to be legalized/apostiled);
* An evidence that you have sufficient financial means 5160 EUR/per one year (AN ORIGINAL LETTER FROM THE BANK ON YOUR NAME; YOUR NAME MUST BE WRITTEN AS IN THE PASSPORT, DATE OF BIRTH AND BALANCE OF YOUR ACCOUNT; THIS LETTER MUST BE SIGNED AND STAMPED BY BANK OFFICIAL! DEBIT or CREDIT card must be affiliated with the account for use abroad, valid for 3 months.

*Note:* The documents for your residence permit application can be submitted in Latvian, English, French, Russian or German.
*Note:* *Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) is not a notarial act.* Unless there are international agreements in force that provide for a different procedure, all documents issued in other countries have to be legalized. Legalisation – Certification of Document Authenticity. Certification of document authenticity (legalisation) means verification of signature and seal of a document. It is performed by a Consular Officer in order the documents drawn up in one country were in force in another one. Legalisation also implies confirmation of the legal status and authority of the signatory.Please find “more information on legalization” http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/service/legalisation/

Tax duty fee applies to submit a residence permit application, for more information please “click here”:http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/pricelist/