Where Sri Lankan students apply
Sri Lankan students apply for a Latvian long-stay (type D) student visa through the Embassy of Latvia in India, but you hand in your application at VFS Global in Sri Lanka, so there is no trip to New Delhi. After you arrive in Latvia, you apply for your residence permit for studies there.
The Embassy of Latvia in India publishes a page just for Sri Lankan nationals. It says Sri Lankan students apply for a long-stay visa with the embassy, and that appointments are booked through VFS Global Sri Lanka. VFS Global’s Latvia page for Sri Lanka lists the student long-stay visa and asks bachelor’s students to book online before visiting the centre.
Sources: Embassy of Latvia in India – Sri Lankan nationals (page dated 25 March 2025) · VFS Global – Latvia, Sri Lanka
The route in brief
It happens in three stages: your Latvian university sends an invitation to the migration office, you apply for the long-stay (type D) visa at VFS in Sri Lanka, and after you arrive you apply for your residence permit in Latvia.
The embassy asks for papers about your identity, your study place, your education (usually your G.C.E. A/L and O/L results), your finances and your arrival. Exactly which papers you need, and how each must be prepared, depends on your course and your sponsor — small mistakes here are the most common reason for delays.
Get your personal checklist. Register for a free consultation and we prepare the document list, the timing and the funds plan for your exact case.
Visa fee and processing time
The Latvian state visa fee is €90, and VFS adds its own service charges. The embassy says a decision usually takes about 15 days once your documents reach it, and longer if it needs more checks.
Source: Embassy of Latvia in India – Sri Lankan nationals (page dated 25 March 2025).
For tuition by country, see the cost of studying in Europe from Sri Lanka.
Working while you study in Latvia
Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs says a student residing in Latvia may work without a separate employment permit as long as the work does not exceed 20 hours a week.
Source: OCMA (PMLP) – right to employment, read 19 October 2026.
Partner universities in Latvia
Ahasa works directly with five Latvian institutions. See every option in our guide to studying in Latvia from Sri Lanka, or start with these profiles:
Missed September? See the universities with a February intake in Europe.
Latvia student visa: common questions
Do Sri Lankan students have to go to New Delhi for a Latvian visa?
No. The Embassy of Latvia in India handles the decision, but you submit your application at VFS Global in Sri Lanka.
What type of visa do I need to study in Latvia?
A long-stay (type D) national visa, valid for 90 days. After you arrive, you apply for a residence permit for studies with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
How long does a Latvian student visa take?
The embassy says about 15 days once your documents reach it, and longer if it needs more checks.
How much is the Latvian student visa fee?
The state visa fee is €90, plus VFS service charges. We confirm the full amount for your case in a free consultation.
Can I work while studying in Latvia?
Yes. Students may work up to 20 hours a week without a separate employment permit, according to Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
Plan your Latvian student visa with us
Bring your results and your questions to a free 30-minute consultation, or meet Latvian admissions teams live at Spotlight Europe, every Thursday at 19:00 Sri Lanka time.
