How to study in Latvia
Compare each route by stay and permit, work rights, cost and who it suits. Sources are under each row.
How do you get there?
Choose a different route, and the permit you need changes.
Live in Latvia on a working holiday
- Long-term visa under the Working Holiday Scheme
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and experience Latvian life and culture.
- Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year · once
You must be between 18 and 30 (both inclusive) when you apply. The long-term visa lets you stay for up to one year from the date of entry. People who have previously been issued a Latvian working holiday long-term visa are not eligible, so you can take part once.
- Can you work?
Work without restriction (holiday must be the main purpose)
You may work without restriction. The main purpose of the stay must be a holiday, and work is an incidental activity to supplement your travel funds. No work permit is needed for salaried employment.
- Cost
Long-term visa is free of charge
According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, the long-term visa is issued free of charge.
Live in Latvia on a working holiday
- Long-term visa under the Working Holiday Scheme
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and experience Latvian life and culture.
Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year · once
You must be between 18 and 30 (both inclusive) when you apply. The long-term visa lets you stay for up to one year from the date of entry. People who have previously been issued a Latvian working holiday long-term visa are not eligible, so you can take part once.
Can you work?
Work without restriction (holiday must be the main purpose)
You may work without restriction. The main purpose of the stay must be a holiday, and work is an incidental activity to supplement your travel funds. No work permit is needed for salaried employment.
Cost
Long-term visa is free of charge
According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, the long-term visa is issued free of charge.
For Japanese citizens. Official names checked on government websites on October 31, 2026.
Sources (official government pages)
Live in Latvia on a working holiday・Source: Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia: information for young citizens of Japan (working holiday)Embassy of Latvia in Japan: Working Holiday visa (Wayback copy 2026-04-14)Agreement between Japan and Latvia regarding a working holiday scheme (published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan) (Wayback copy 2023-08-02)Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Working Holiday programmes (partner countries, annual quotas and number of participations) (Wayback copy 2026-10-03)
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