A big bonus of studying in the Baltic States is obtaining a residence permit, which entitles you to stay in the country during the whole period of your study.
Residence Permit in Latvia:
- You can enter the country together with your spouse and your minor child or child under care.
- You have the right to invite also other family members: parents, siblings, and, of course, friends. They need to obtain a tourist visa. The maximum period of stay in the country is up to 90 days.
- You can travel to other Schengen countries without a visa.
- You have the right to stay in other Schengen countries without a visa for 90 days within six months.
- You have the right to work in Latvia for not more than 20 hours a week.
- You have an opportunity to get a driver’s license (possibly in Russian) valid in all EU countries.
- You can buy and register a car in Latvia.
- You are eligible for a permanent residence permit in Latvia after 5 years of residence in the country on a temporary residence permit basis.
Residence Permit in Lithuania:
- Initially, you get a national visa; a residence permit is issued on arrival in the country.
- You can travel to other Schengen countries without a visa.
- Your relatives (minor children, a spouse, etc.) are not allowed to come with you.
- You have the right to work in Lithuania, starting from the second year of study.
- After graduation you are eligible to apply for the extension of residence permit up to 6 months for job search.
Residence Permit in Estonia:
- You can travel to other Schengen countries without a visa.
- If you study in a master’s degree or doctoral degree programme, then you can enter the country together with your spouse and your minor child or child under care.
- You can work in Estonia without any special permission, provided that your job does not interfere with your studies.
- After graduation you are eligible to apply for the extension of residence permit up to 6 months for job search.
