Latvia offers a highly accessible route into the European Union, combining low living costs with a student visa (long-stay Type D) that prioritizes career integration. As an international student in Latvia, you are legally permitted to work 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during official breaks. This is particularly beneficial for students in Riga’s growing tech and logistics hubs, where many companies operate in English. The visa process is notably efficient, and because Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, your student permit doubles as a travel document for exploring most of Europe without additional paperwork.
The long-term value of a Latvian education is found in its generous “stay-back” provisions. Upon graduation, Bachelor’s students receive an automatic 4-month extension, while Master’s and PhD graduates can apply for a 9-month temporary residence permit specifically to seek employment or launch a startup. Once you secure a job related to your field, transitioning to a full work permit is straightforward. Furthermore, if you choose to settle permanently, half of your study time counts toward the five-year residency requirement for EU Long-Term Resident status, making it a stable and affordable path to a life in Europe.
