compass for living in latvia in english

8/4/2019 Compass for Living in Latvia in English

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Association Workshop of Solutions

Compass forLiving in Latvia

for Students Third-country Nationals


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Dear Students!This guide will be an assistant to you the students, who live outside the European Union and

plan to study in Latvia or have already arrived and need answers to the questions regarding

studies and living in Latvia.

Alongside the resources in English and Russian language, this guide includes also those in

Latvian (or example, links to the news portals), because many oreign students whom we met

here in Latvia expressed a wish to learn Latvian.

The current guide was prepared with assistance and support o oreign students who already

study in Latvia, the university sta, state institutions and representatives o non-governmental

institutions.

The preparation o this guide was supported by the European Union and the Republic o Latvia

within two projects Compass or Living in Latvia or Students Third-country Nationalsand

Compass or Living in Latvia or Students Third-country Nationals: Education and Integration,

and it was implemented by ourselves - the Association Workshop o Solutions.

Wishing you a wealth o experience and success in your studies in Latvia,

Yours,Workshop o Solutions

[email protected]

www.workshoposolutions.com

Authors:Ausma Pastore, Zinta Miezaine, Andra Damberga, Aija Karlsberga, Luze Pastore

Compassor Livingin Latvia sude thd-cuy nl

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What should I know about Latvia?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

What documents do I need to receive a residence permit? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Who submits the documents and where should they be submitted?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Residence permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Oce of Citizenship and Migration Aairs reminds! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Can my family visit me in Latvia? What about parents and friends? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Additional sources of information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6What do I have to know as a student? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 How can I change a university in Latvia if I have an agreement with my current university? . . . . . . . . 7

Is it possible to obtain a scholarship? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 How to nd out whether the university and the programme of my choice are accredited? . . . . . . . . . 8

Is there a risk that my diploma may not be recognised? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Where can I nd out about the procedure of the academic recognition in other countries? . . . . . . . . 8

How can I nd out about the recognition of the professional qualication I have receivedin Latvia by another member state of the EU? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Which higher education institutions have students from countries outside the EU? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

What to do i I all a victim o a crime? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

When do I need legal counsel?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

What rules o conduct must I ollow? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

What to do i I am not satised with the decision or actions o an ofcialand/or a public institution? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

May I work?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The right to become a paid employee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Labour market conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Concluding the employment contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Establishing an enterprise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Status of a self-employed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Where to live? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Where should I turn in case o emergency?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

What to do in a situation o crisis? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Where can I nd help in case o illness /injury? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Regulations of health insurance for foreign persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

How to call the ambulance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

How to get rom point A to point B in Riga? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

What sightseeing and travel opportunities do I have? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

How can I get involved in social activities?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Volunteer work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Erasmus Student Network in Latvia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Students organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Philanthropy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Associations of national cultures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Civic society organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Development cooperation organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Religious organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

How to establish an association or a foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Weather, holidays, recreation and shopping?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Multimedia portals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

The most popular communication portals and social networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The most popular Internet advertisement portals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

The most popular news portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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Latvia is located in the North East o Europe, on the coast o the Baltic Sea. It is one o the threeBaltic States and a member state o the European Union. The territory o Latvia is 64 589 km2 and it is inhabited by approximately 2 million people(59.2% Latvians and 40.8% - Russians, Belarussians, Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, Jews andother nationalities).

The history o independent Latvia began on November 18, 1918, ater the all o the RussianEmpire in the First World War. The independence o Latvia lasted only until the Second World

War, because in 1940 the country was occupied by the Soviet Army and in 1941 Latvia was an-nexed by the Soviet Union.

The people o Latvia have suered three mass deportations between the years 1941 and 1949.Only after 50 years of occupation, in 1991, Latvia along with other Baltic countries Estoniaand Lithuania regained independence. In 2004 Latvia acceded to the NATO and the EuropeanUnion.

Latvians mostly are somewhat cautious in their attitude to oreigners, because they still do notfeel like a condent majority in their own country. They are less open to multicultural contactsthan other nations. It can be explained with a sense o insecurity and the consequences o the

USSR migration policy in the ethnic composition o the Latvian society.

The ocial state language in Latvia is the L lue.Many people can also speak foreign languages mostly Russian, English, German.

Inormation about Latvia acts, photographs, travel inormation and a lot more can be oundat www.li.lv. Download video les and presentations, nd out the news and facts about theLatvian culture, history, society and nature.

The students rom countries outside the EU about Latvia:Small, proud, educated, perfect, a way, Baltic, warmhearted, friendly, beautiful, traditional,expensive, interesting, a new country, but with a good potential, peaceful, marvellous, cool, lovely,changes, Riga, other motherland, cold, fun, recreation, damp, small, party, Jurmala, bridge, rain.

Wh huld i kw bu L?

/tble ce/

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Wh dcue d i eed ecee edece e?

/tble ce/

5

The list of the documents can be conveniently obtained on the Oce of Citizenship andMigration Aairs (OCMA) website, use Entry and Residence Wizardhttp://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/pakalpojumi/iecelosana.htmlInormation is available in Latvian, English and Russian language.

Wh ub he dcue d whee huld hey be ubed?

According to the general practice, a person must submit the documents or obtaining the resi-dence permit at the Republic o Latvia consulate or embassy. I you require assistance withsubmission of documents to OCMA, ask the institution of higher education (accredited educa-tional institution), which has enrolled you as its student in Latvia.

redece e:

OCMA is obliged to respond to the residence permit application within 30 days rom the dayo submission.

The reusal to grant the residence permit may be contested by yoursel or the Latvian uni-versity of your choice, by ling a complaint to the Head of OCMA in 30 days counting from theday the reusal was issued. The reasons o reusal to grant you the residence permit must beclearly stated by OCMA for example, provision of untruthful information, insucient funds forsubsistence, insucient proof of your attachment to the country of your origin, etc. Negativereply to this complaint by the Head of OCMA can be further contested in court. OCMA drawsattention to the act that only the applications in Latvian language are accepted.

After receiving a positive decision regarding issue o temporary residence permit, the appli-cant must receive a single entry visa or entering Latvia in the diplomatic or consular mission.

Within 7 days after your arrival you must attend OCMA in person to receive the residencepermit. You will be then asked to show a valid health insurance policy covering health careexpenses in the Republic o Latvia.


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The residence permit for studies in an accredited higher education institution in Latvia is validor 1 year. I your studies are going to be longer, the residence permit will have to be obtainedrepeatedly beore the validity o the current permit has run out.

You should be aware that the issued residence permit may be revoked, i: you submitted alseinormation about yoursel, worked without a work permit, you have quit your studies (andthereby lost the status o a student, or which the permit was issued), tax debts, etc. Amongthe reasons or revoking the residence permit there is also a continuous stay outside Latvia ormore than 3 months.

the oce Czeh d m a ed:

Ifyou have decided to continue your studies in Latvia, the new residence permit must be ap-plied for in good time not later than 30 days before the expiry date of your current permit!Dont forget to check also the validity of your personal identication document, e.g. passport!

Do not forget to declare your address of residence! It can be done in any division of OCMA

by lling in a form (http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/pakalpojumi/dzivesvieta.html) and paying thestate tax of 3 LVL.

Ifany item o the personal inormation you submitted when applying or the residence permithas changed, please, inform OCMA no later than in 3 days time!

Ifyou plan to work, consult the specialists regarding the taxes that you will have to pay andremember that the main goal of your current residence in Latvia is studies!

C y ly e L? Wh bu e d ed?

I you have obtained a residence permit or the time o your studies in Latvia, your spouse,under-age children and people whose guardian you are, have a right to apply or a residencepermit or the same period o time.

Other amily members and riends can only visit you with a tourist visa, which they must obtainthemselves. The maximum period o their stay according to this visa may not exceed 90 dayswithin half a year, counting from the rst day of arrival.

addl uce :

Republic of Latvia Oce of Citizenship and Migration Aairs:http://www.pmlp.gov.lv (provides inormation also in Russian and English).Tel. (+371) 67588675, e-mail: [email protected]

Republic of Latvia State Border Guard:http://www.rs.gov.lv (inormation mostly in Latvian).Tel. (+371) 67075616, e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Republic o Latvia Ministry o Foreign Aairs:http://www.ma.gov.lv (inormation in English and Russian).Tel. (+371) 67016201, e-mail: [email protected]


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Wh d i he kw ude?

/tble ce/

Hw c i che uey L i he eee wh y cue uey?

All the responsibility or your stay in Latvia as a national o a country outside the EU, has beenassumed by your university. Ater you have concluded an agreement with your university andobtained the residence permit, the change o the university may be complicated. Your currentuniversity has invested resources and eorts to settle the ormalities o your studies; thereoreit counts on you remaining its student until the expiry o the agreement. Thereore your currentuniversity can be rather reluctant to support you in the ormalities connected with switching

to anoher university.Iyou terminate the study agreement, your university is obliged to inform the Oce of Citizen-ship and Migration Aairs in 3 days time. It will result in cancelling of your residence permit.

However, i you have ound a study programme, which is more compatible with your interestsand have rmly decided to change the university, you must:

1) Careully read the study agreement and act according to its terms regarding breach othe contract.

2) I the terms seem unair, you must lodge an objection with your current university. I thedisagreement cannot be solved by mutual negotiations, you can seek help at the Consumer

Rights Protection Centre (CRPC), where consultations can be obtained in Latvian, Russian andEnglish.http://www.ptac.gov.lv , tel.: +371 65452554, e-mail: [email protected] about unair contract terms: http://www.ptac.gov.lv/page/267

3) You must reach the agreement with the new university o your choice about the studiesand conclude the study agreement. Then you must apply or a new residence permit, based onthe new study agreement.

i ble b chlh?

The state o Latvia does not provide scholarships or oreign students. The only exception is thestudent exchange programmes between two universities (one o Latvia and another in yourcountry), which sometimes provide ull or partial coverage o study and/or residence costs.The inormation about the programmes available to you can be obtained in the Ministry o

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Education o your country. Students coming rom outside the EU can look or support at privatecharitable oundations.

Students from the former USSR countries have received support from the Open Society Insti-tute established by George Soros. The Institute has established separate foundations in numer-ous countries i your country has one, its sta will inorm you o the available scholarships. Forurther reerence, please, see www.soros.org

Universities also are striving to attract unds rom private oundations to support students romabroad. It may be useful to consult the website of your chosen university. You will nd the linksto the universities websites at www.aiknc.lv/en/list.php

Hw fd u whehe he uey d he e yu chce e cceded?

The inormation about the accreditation and / or licensing o the university and the studyprogramme of your choice can be obtained at Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre Ltd.(HEQEC), http://www.aiknc.lv (inormation in Latvian and English),e-mail: [email protected], tel: +371 67213870

i hee k h y dl y be eced?

In Latvia you may receive a diploma that is recognised by the state and/or your higher educationinstitution. Only those diplomas are internationally recognised that have been accepted by thestate. However, if your employer is a private company, it may employ a person whose diploma hasbeen recognised only by the university. I your diploma is recognised by the Republic o Latvia,you can receive a conrmation of its validity and translation of credits practically in any countryof the world. However, the institutions of your country may refuse to review the diploma thathas been recognised only by your higher education institution and not the Latvian state.

To receive a diploma recognised by the Republic o Latvia, both the institution o higher educa-tion and the study programme o your choice must be accredited.

You can receive a diploma acknowledged by the university o your choice, i this universityis accredited, but the study programme has been only licensed. Licensing is the rst step onthe programmes way to accreditation, - possibly by the time your studies are nished, theprogramme will be accredited.

Wh lcece? The licence is the right issued by the state to enroll and educate students.

Wh cced? Accreditation is the state guarantee conrming the quality of thestudies (rom this ollows the right o the university to issue diplomas recognised by the state).

I neither the university nor the study programme have been accredited, the diploma thereo isinvalid. I you study in an extension or a branch o a university, you must make sure that it, too,has been accredited.

The list o the accredited institutions o higher education, as well as accredited or licensed studyprogrammes is available at Hhe Educ Quly Elu Cee he e:www.aiknc.lv (inormation in Latvian and English).

Whee c i fd u bu he cedue cdec ec he cue?

Inormation about the academic recognition of a foreign countrys (including Latvia) educa-tion documents can be obtained in your national inormation centre or academic recognition(ENIC: European Network o Inormation Centres in the European Region / NARIC: National


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Academic Recognition Inormation Centres in the European Union) - www.enic-naric.net.Countries, which do not have such centres, usually provide this inormation through theirMinistries o Education. Beore you leave Latvia upon conclusion o your studies, please,check with the oreign aairs department o your university whether or the recognition o thediploma in your country you need to certiy its validity in Latvia.

The validity is certied by the Republic of Latvia Ministry of Foreign Aairs Consular

Department (Elizabetes iela 57, tel. 8000 5905, http://www.ma.gov.lv/en/service/), uponsubmission of a letter from Republic of Latvia Ministry of Science and Education, conrmingthat the university is accredited and icluding the name and surname o its rector.

Hw c i fd u bu he ec he el qulfc i heeceed L by he ebe e he EU?

You may obtain this recognition i the particular proession is regulated by the EU memberstate o your choice (it could be so even i that same proession is not regulated in Latvia). Thelist o proessions regulated by the European Commission can be ound at

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualications/regprof/index.cfm?newLang=enPlease contact also the inormation centre o that respective countryhttp://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualications/contactpoints/index.htm

Whch hhe educ u he ude cue ude he EU?

Usually the statistics about the students or each year is compiled and published on theMinistry o Education and Science website (in Latvian only):http://izm.izm.gov.lv/registri-statistika.html

Ju he de, he d he udy ye 2009/20010:

Uey L Sri Lanka 20, Georgia 17, Syria 12, Pakistan 7, Lebanon 6, Japan 3,Russia 2, India 2, Armenia 1, Mauritius 2, Thailand 1, Nepal 1, Morocco 1

r techcl Uey Uzbekistan 7, Syria 5, Nigeria 4, Kyrgyzstan 4, Turkey 3, Nepal 3,Israel 3, South Korea 3, Azerbaijan 3, Tajikistan 3, USA 2, Brazil 2, India 2, Lebanon 2, Pakistan 1,China 1, Armenia 1, Australia 1, Bangladesh 1, Russia 1.

r sd Uey Sri Lanka 22, Israel 4, USA 2, Canada 2, India 1, Russia 1, Nigeria 1.

r gdue schl Lw Georgia 8, Cosovo 2, Kyrgizstan 1, Russia 1, Albania 1,Uzbekistan 1, USA 1, Australia 1, Ukraine 1.

risEBa Russia 18, Ukraine 4, Belarus 2, Armenia 1, Georgia 1, Uzbekistan 1, Kyrgizstan 1.

Blc iel acdey Russia 86, Georgia 63, Belarus 20, Uzbekistan 18,Ukraine 18, Kazahstan 9, Azerbaijan 6, Israel 5, Moldova 3, Armenia 2, Turkmenistan 1.

gdue schl i sye mee Ukraine 187, Russia 28,Belarus 11, Bangladesh 5, Mongolia 3, Georgia 2, Uzbekistan 1, Cote dIvoire 1.

t d telecuc iue Russia 17, Belarus 7, Ukraine 3, Nigeria 2,Tajikistan 1, Uzbekistan 1

tub schl Bue ad Belarus 4, Bangladesh 2, Azerbaijan 1,Canada 1, Russia 1, China 1, Pakistan 1, Turkey 1.

r a iue Russia 179, Armenia 8, Georgia 6, Belarus 1


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I you have encountered raud, hooliganism, robbery or other crimes directed at yoursel, callthe police on tel. 112 or 02 as soon as possible.The home page o the State Police - www.vp.gov.lv (in Latvian and English).If a police ocial has treated you unfairly or transgressed police authority, you must report tothe Internal Security Bureau o State police.Contact inormation: www.vp.gov.lv/structure/view.php?id=57#&darb=32

I you have become a victim or a culprit, i you want to establish an enterprise, to settle a dis-pute with a third party or to solve other legal issues, you may require the services o a lawyer.A lawyer is best to be ound through recommendation, but i it is not possible, the list o lawyers/solicitors can be ound on the website o the Latvian Council o Sworn Advocates:

www.advokatura.lv (basic inormation in English available),Tel: (+371) 67358487, e-mail: [email protected], it is advisable to check the home pages of law rms, to clarify their specialisationand their ability to communicate in a oreign language.

Currently the oreigners with temporary residence opermit are not entitled to state-unded legalassistance provided in civil cases by Legal Aid Administration (www.jpa.gov.lv). I you are chargedwith a criminal oence, you, just like any person, are entitled to attorney counsel regardlesso your citizenship. I you cannot aord it, the state must provide this service ree o charge.

In Latvia legal assistance and representation in court (except the criminal cases) are also pro-

vided by other types of lawyers legal consultants, law rms, etc. However, you need to beparticularly careful when checking their qualications, reputation, education.

Wh d i ll c ce?

Whe d i eed lel cuel?

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Lw d ule h u be beed by ude:

Smoking is prohibited within 10 m rom the entrances o institutions o national and localgovernment, as well as in bars and caes, parks, at the public transport stops. Sale of alcoholic drinks is prohibited in all the territory of Latvia from 22:00 to 8:00 oclock. It is prohibited to be in the state of heavy intoxication in public places, carry open bottlesor cans o alcoholic drinks and drink them in public places. There is a penalty for relieving oneself in places not designated for this purpose! Drugs are legally prohibited in Latvia. Possessing, carrying and using the drugs can turnout to be a criminal oence

Every person has a right to appeal a decision or actions of an ocial or an institution at a higherinstance and, ultimately, the court o law. Since the documentation must be prepared in theocial language Latvian - most likely you will require the assistance of a lawyer, the Ombuds-man or, alternatively, an NGO specialised in protection of specic rights.

the obud is an ocial elected by the Parliament, independent in its actions and gov-erned only by law. Ombudsmans mission is encouragement of the protection of human rightsand promotion o a legal and expedient State authority observing the principle o good ad-ministration. Any person may submit a question, application or complaint to the Ombudsmanregarding these issues. The address: Bazncas iela 25, Riga, LV-1010, tel. 67686768,e-mail: [email protected], www.tiesibsargs.lv (information in Latvian, English and Russian).

L Cee Hu rh ((LCHR) is an independent non-governmental organisationspecialising in human rights education, research on human rights and inter-ethnic relations,promotion of the dialogue in society. One of the LCHR directions of work is ght against dis-

crimination.LCHR provides legal and other consultations and informative support in case of hate crimes, andaccepts reports on hate crime incidents. Tel. (+371) 67039290, e-mail: [email protected] (inormation in Latvian, English and Russian).

Wh ule cduc u i llw?

Wh d i fed wh he dec c cl d/ ublc u?


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the h bece d elyee

I a student has obtained a residence permit or studies at a Latvian university, he or she maywork 20 hours a week during the study period and 40 hours a week during the holidays (studybreaks), i a work permit has been obtained.

The Immigration Law stipulates that a oreigner needs a work permit i he or she wishes to enterinto work relations and concludes an employment contract or any other type o contract thatpresumes work (including that o a board member o a company or a member o an executive

institution), or becomes a sel-employed person. It is true also in case o the students who havereceived a residence permit.

The work permit to a ull-time student rom a country outside the EU is issued only i the em-ployment contract stipulates less than 20 hours of work per week (OCMA determines this by theemployment contract signed by the student), or i he or she is sel-employed and the plannedperiod o stay in Latvia is not shorter than one year.

The work permit is issued by OCMA (without conrming the work invitation by employer in abranch of OCMA) corresponding to the validity period of the residence permit. The holder ofthe work permit is entitled to work with any employer (the work permit is not limited to a par-ticular employer).

Lbu ke cd

Latvia currently has a high level o unemployment and it protects its labour market. Mostprofessions, especially those in the services sector, require the knowledge of the ocial statelanguage (Latvian).

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Cclud he elye cc

A wealth o inormation regarding employment contracts, documents and consultations isavailable at www.zinisavastiesibas.lv/ino_l03.htm (in Latvian).

Regarding the labour rights we recommend to consult the State Labour Inspectorate oLatvia, www.vdi.gov.lv/lv (in Latvian), Tel. (+371) 67186522, 67186523.Anonymous hotline (+371) 67312167, e-mail: [email protected]

Eblh eee

Citizens o oreign countries are permitted to establish enterprises in Latvia. Entrepreneurialactivities are regulated by the Republic o Latvia Law o Commerce.In Latvian: www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=5490In English: www.ur.gov.lv/eng/regulative-enactments.html

The steps o establishing an enterprise decision on choosing the type o entrepreneurialactivity oundation meeting registration o the enterprise (limited liability company) openingo a bank account registration at the State Revenue Service.

Foundation o an eterprise must be registered at the Register o Enterprises (RE). All the docu-ments or submission must be prepared in the Latvian language. Detailed inormation aboutestablishment o an enterprise is available on the website o RE:In Latvian: www.ur.gov.lv/registri.htmlIn Russian: www.ur.gov.lv/rus/komersanti.htmlIn English: www.ur.gov.lv/eng/registries.htmlTel: (+371) 67031703, E-mail: [email protected]

txe

I you are an employee, you must make sure that all the taxes are paid by your employer.A sel-employed person is individually responsible or paying taxes and must register with theState Revenue Service (SRS) www.vid.gov.lv/default.aspx?hl=2The inormative telephones o SRS: 1898 or 67001898, toll-ree hotline: 80009070.

su el-elyed

A sel-employed person is engaged in economic activity generating a turnover up to 10 000LVL per year. The economic activity of this scale is not registered in the Register of Enterprises,only with the State Revenue Service. It is registered with the SRS on the basis o an agree-ment with a customer/contracting authority on provision o a service. This agreement must beregistered with the SRS.www.vid.gov.lv (in Latvian, English and Russian).

The SRS accepts applications and reports only in the state language (Latvian). Registeredenterprises and sel-employed persons may declare their income and submit the reportselectronically. A sel-employed person may provide such services as translation, IT consulta-tions, etc, to a variety o clients, issuing invoices or the services provided.


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The saest option is at the outset to stay at the dormitories o your university or in the absenceo such - to ollow the recommendations o the university o your choice. I you wish to rent anapartment or a room, please read the recommendations rst:www.zinisavastiesibas.lv/ino_l02.htm

Some o the biggest and most trustworthy real estate companies are:

Latio http://www.latio.lv

Arco Real Estate www.arcoreal.lv

Rentinriga www.rentinriga.lv

Oberhaus www.ober-haus.lv

Balsts www.balsts.lvPlease remember, that you must declare your place of residence at the Oce of Citizenship andMigration Aairs (OCMA) no later than in 30 days after you move in your new home or changeto a new residence. Please read more at www.pmlp.gov.lv/en

Universities strongly recommend not changing your place of residence in the rst two weeksater your arrival just to avoid misunderstandings in communication with the university and

OCMA!

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Emergency telephone numbers:Rescue service - 112Fire ghers 01; 112Police 02; 112Ambulance 03; 112Failure in the gas supply system 04; 112Trac accidents 67086422

I you require more inormation, please seek assistance at your university. I you are in Latvia,you can call the public inquiry telephone numbers 1188 or 1189 (paid service).

Whee huld i u ce eeecy?

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I you require assistance o a psychologist or a consultation o a social worker, you can receivesupport at Family Crisis Centre Mlgrvis, Ezera iela 21, e-mail: [email protected]. (+371) 67012515, www.krize.lv (in Latvian and English).Crisis centre Skalbes support 24 hour crisis hotline: 67222922 (Lattelecom landline)and mobile tel. 27722292 (Bite).Address: Kungu iela 34, Riga, www.skalbes.lv (in Latvian, Russian and English).


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Whee c i fd hel ce lle / juy?

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Health care guaranteed by the state of Latvia is available only to the foreigners with a perma -nent residence permit in Latvia.

I you apply or a short-term visa or a long-term visa, you must submit a health insurancepolicy valid in the territory o Republic o Latvia and other countries, members o the SchengenAgreement. Your health insurance policy must cover health care expenses in the Republic oLatvia, including expenses o return o the policy holder to the home country in case o aserious illness

reul helh uce e e b he edece e

Your health insurance policy must cover the expenses at least of the following health care services:

emergency medical assistance; hospital treatment in case of a condition critical to life and health; transportation to the nearest medical institution; transportation to the home country in case of serious illness or death.

The minimum liability limit o the insurance indicated in the policy during the term o insurancemust not be lower than the limit set by the legislation 30 000 EUR in case o a short-term visa

or 30 000 LVL when applying for a long-term visa, the long-term visa valid also as a short-termvisa, or a residence permit.The validity term o the policy must not be shorter than the expected period o stay in theRepublic o Latvia or the Republic o Latvia and one or more other countries members o theSchengen Agreement.

Ater obtaining the residence permit, it is recommended to purchase an additional healthinsurance policy also to provide or illness, because medical services in Latvia are very expensive.Individual health insurance policies or one year to oreigners are oered by the companiesi - www.i.lv (in Latvian, Russian and English) ) and aon www.aonstudentinsurance.com.

The policy covers both outpatient and hospital health care services. The price o the policy isapproximately 130 LVL (185 EUR) or more, depending on the services it covers.

ae! Cy yu helh uce lcy wh yu ll e!


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Hw cll he bulce?

The emergency ambulance must be called in case o sudden illness or injury, i the situation islie-threatening. Call 03 or 112. To ensure timely and adequate assistance, you must give veryprecise and detailed answers to the operators questions. Depending on your information, theoperator will send a medical team to treat the patient or instruct you what to do if the doctorsassistance is not necessary.Assistance in Russian and English is provided by the ollowing private medical institutions:

medc bedb ars Skolas iela 5, tel. (+371) 67201006; (+371) 67201007; (+371)67201003 (home visits), www.ars-med.lv

veelb ce 4 Kr.Barona iela 117, tel. (+371) 67847120, www.vc4.lv

I you can speak Russian, most likely you will be able to talk with medical personal in statemedical institutions and private practices, as well.


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Hw e a B r?

Wh hee d el ued i he?

Public transport services in Riga are provided by r ke it oers tram, trolleybusand bus services. Choose the mode of transportation and nd the routes on the website:www.rigassatiksme.lv (in Latvian, English and Russian).

Full-time students in Riga can apply or a 50% discount on the public transport ares.The inormation about applying or the discount can be obtained at your university or bycalling Rgas satiksme enquiries, tel. 8000 1919.

Transport tickets are sold in press kiosks Narvessen and Plus Punkts, and ticket machines. You

can also buy the ticket rom the driver o the public transport vehicle, but it will cost more.

There are private services o minibus and taxi companies available

During vacations explore Latvia its bigger cities (Daugavpils, Liepja, Jelgava, Ventspils), theseaside resort Jrmala or charming small towns (Csis, Sigulda, Talsi, Kuldga), walk along theBaltic Sea coast, spend some time by Latgale regions countless lakes, roam the nature trails orvisit old manors or castles (www.pilis.lv). Use the Tourist information oces or the Internet tochoose the most attractive and aordable vacation in Latvia.

The places where to stay in countryside can be ound in www.laukucelotajs.lv

We particularly recommend www.anothertravelguide.com - here you will nd some less usualdestinations in Riga, Liepja, and the rest o Latvia.Check also www.citariga.lv

Travelling in Latvia is most convenient by bus, because the bus route network covers most oLatvias territory for routes and fares see www.autoosta.lv (telephone inquiry No 90000009 paid service). Alternately, take a train www.ldz.lv (telephone inquiry No 1181 paid service).

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I you have a Schengen visa, you can spend a longer holiday in Europe Chech reublc,E, Lhu, ml, Huy, pld, sle, slk, au, Belu,Dek, ce, geece, ily, iceld, Luxebu, neheld, nwy, pul,ld, s, swzeld, gey d swede.

However, the Schengen visa does not include the United Kingdom and Ireland i you comerom a country outside the EU, separate visas or these countries will be necessary.

International bus services rom Riga to many East and West European countries are provided byprivate companies, such as Ecolines, Eurolines and Nordeka.

Check the routes and schedules at www.autoosta.lv (or telephone inquiries 90000009 paidservice 0.25 LVL a minute). For ticket reservation call 90001111 (0.36 LVL/min),or send e-mail: [email protected].

The inormation can also be obtained on the websites o the bus companies: www.ecolines.lv,www.eurolines.lv, www.nordeka.lv

Additional useul travel inormation can be ound at:

www.liveriga.comwww.riga-airport.com

www.icelo.lv

www.tours.lv

www.celotajs.lv

www.travellatvia.lv


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vluee wk

Latvia has several organisations, which welcome help o the volunteers and provide supportnecessary for work. By volunteering you will gain experience, nd new contacts, test yourstrength in the spheres o interest to you, make riends and spend time useully.

The Internet portal or volunteer work www.brivpratigais.lv (in Latvian) oers the inormationon employers NGOs, organisers of cultural and sports events, health care institutions. Thereyou also can enter the inormation on the work you would like to do in your spare time.

EU e Yuh ac

The programme established within European Union Youth in Action oers the volunteer workopportunities to students rom the ollowing regions outside EU: Southeast Europe, East Europeand Caucasus, Mediterranean and other countries, that have entered into cooperation agree-ments with the EU countries in such spheres as youth, participation in youth projects, includingopportunities or voluntary work. www.jaunatne.gov.lv (in Latvian, English and Russian).

Erasmus Student Network L

Erasmus Student Network is an organisation of the European students. It works for the beneto students, organises intercultural cooperation. ESN is a volunteer organisation based on theprinciple student-to-student. ESN-Rga is a branch o this network in Latvia, and it is lookingor the opportunities to involve in its social activities also the students that come rom thecountries outside the EU. Contacts: [email protected] , www.esn.lv (ESN Riga website providing alsothe inormation on the events organised by ESN).

sude o

Each university in Latvia has a sude sel-gee Studentu paprvalde - (the big-ger universities may even have separate organisations at each aculty), which accepts studentsregardless of their nationality. The aims of the Students Self-Governments may slightly varyrom one university to another, but usually they are: to protect and represent the interests o all

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students in academic, material, cultural and social matters at the university as well as at otherinstitutions. This organisation is also an intermediary between the student and the universityadministration. You can nd the Students Self-Government of your university through the ad-ministration. The inormation is also provided by the Student Union o Latvia:www.lsa.lv/studejoso-pasparvaldes.html

Student unions delegate their representatives to hesude U L - Ljsudeu eb www.lsa.lv (in Latvian),http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_Union_o_Latvia which protects the interests o students(including solutions of international students problems) at the level of government.

Contacts: the sude U LAddress: Dzirnavu iela 42-11, Rga, LV-1010, Tel: +371 67216061, e-mail: [email protected]

phlhy

There are oundations and associations in Latvia that promote philanthropy, help the socially

disadvantaged people. The bigger hospitals also have established oundations to gather re-sources for improvement of services and help the patients who need specic support. The mostpopular philanthropical oundation in Latvia is Zed.l (www.ziedot.lv). On the website of theoundation you can choose the project you wish to support, and the oundation will provide itsdonors with the reports on development o the project and on other supporters.

You are welcome to the charity shop o el Second Breath, where you can donate theclothes, books and other things that you do not use anymore. Browse the bookshel o the shop there are books in dierent languages!Address: Marijas iela 13, 2nd foor, Tel. (+371) 67287172, www.otraelpa.lv

ac nl Culue

There are numerous associations whose goal is to preserve and oster the cultural heritage oethnic minorities living in Latvia

They are united in i Kzk L ac nl Culue ac. The main goals are preservation and strengthening o the ancestral heritage; buildingharmonious intercultural relationship; promotion o dialogue, integration and tolerance ideas;recognition and development o national identity, consolidion o people.

The ollowing associations are members o this organisation: Belarusian, Ukrainian, Russian,

Armenian, Tartar, Bashkir, Moldavian, Azerbaijanian, Uzbek, Lebanese, Jewish and Georgian.Tel.: (+371) 26848862, (+371) 27024786, e-mail: [email protected]://lnkba.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/itas-kozakevicas-latvijas-nacionalo-kulturas-biedri-bu-asociacija/

AfroLatvian Association (AfroLat)

An NGO actively promoting tolerance, opposing racism and advocating the interculturaldialogue.Tel.: (+371) 29243992 ; e-mail: [email protected], www.arolat.lv

Arabic Culture Center

The association has been established to promote social integration o Arabs in Latvia and theEuropean Union, as well as to strengthen social and cultural ties o Latvian and Arab people.In Latvian: http://bakc.lv/lat/parmums.php, in English: http://bakc.lv/en/aboutus.phpTel. (+371 67213693), (+371) 26588961, email: [email protected]


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Cc cey

Overall there are 10 000 associations and oundations representing almost every sphere o lie philanthropy, youth, social assistance, human rights, etc. Almost 100 o these organisations,which ocus on promotion o public interests, are represented by the association Cc allce L (Latvijas Pilsonisk alianse - eLPA). It is also an NGO resource centre for NGOs in Riga.On eLPA website you can nd a database of NGOs (in Latvian), as well as news about the NGOsector (in Russian and English).Tel.: (+371) 67846464, e-mail: [email protected] (in Latvian, English and Russian).

In the sphere of ghting the corruption the most recognised is the Transparency InternationalLatvian chapter Society or openness Del.www.delna.lv (in Latvian, English and Russian).

Deele ce

Numerous Latvian organisations implement projects abroad and help to share Latvias experi-ence with countries outside the EU. These organisations can be ound in L pl Deele Ce (Latvijas Platform attstbas sadarbbai - LAPAS). Here you cannd information about NGOs cooperating with such countries as Moldova, Georgia, Belarus,India, Arican countries etc.www.lapas.lv (in Latvian, English and Russian).Tel.: (+371) 67846469, e-mail: [email protected]

relu

Latvia is a ulcel country. Reormation in the territory o Latvia and Riga beganalready in 1521, and beore World War 2 the Protestant Lutheran church was seen as a dominantchurch in this country. However, throughout its history, Latvia has been an attractive destina-tion for various rulers and political regimes. One part of Latvia has for a long period been underthe rule o Poland, another o Sweden, it has also belonged to the Russian Empire, and untilthe 20th century it was also ruled by the Germans. Historically, hee le Ch ce- he bee eblhed L: Luhe, r Chlc d ru ohdxchuche. There are also Old Believer communities, mostly in the East of Latvia.

Approximately 100 years ago B introduced their aith in the Latvian society.There are a ew mul and severalJewh congregations.There are also a number oEe el represented in Latvia as well as Asian culturalcentres and societies, as well as numerous religious movements and organisations.

Information about the ohdx ce:www.pravoslavie.lv (in Latvian and Russian).

Information about the Eelcl Luhe Chuch L www.lelb.lv/enand its congregations: www.lelb.lv (in Latvian and English)

Information about the r Chlc Chuch and its congregations (interactive map):www.katolis.lv


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Information about the B congregations www2.lbds.lv (only in Latvian).

Information about theJewh religious congregations and their activities can be ound in theCouncil o Jewish Community in Latvia (in Riga, Skolas iela 6), www.jews.lv

The mul congregations in Latvia have been registered in Riga and Ventspils. The Muslim

community has a Sunday school, it organises religious estivals and prayers.There are two largest congregations in Riga:

Riga City Muslim Congregation IMAN, Brvbas iela 104, Tel.: (+371) 26883284.

Riga City Muslim Congregation, Lielvrdes iela 103, Tel.: (+371) 29139400.

There is an alc congregation and a church with services in English. Angliku 2,LV-1050. More information www.anglicanriga.lv (in Latvian and English).

Hw eblh c ud?

Citizens o oreign countries are allowed to establish their own associations and oundations.This process is regulated by the Law on Associations and FoundationsIn Latvian: www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=81050In English: www.ur.gov.lv/eng/regulativeenactments.htmlThe main steps o establishing the oundation: general meeting, registration at the Register oEnterprises, opening o a bank account, registration at the State Revenue Service.Detailed inormation is provided on the Register o Enterprises website.In Latvian: www.ur.gov.lv/biedribas.html

In Russian: www.ur.gov.lv/rus/organizaciji.htmlIn English: www.ur.gov.lv/eng/organizations.html

The association is allowed to carry out economic activities (to provide services, products) inorder to support the association, and to have employees, icluding oreign students who havereceived work permits, i they do not work more than 20 hours per week.Associations may express the ocial opinion regarding the draft laws that are being preparedin the ministries and the parliament o Latvia.


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Wehe, hldy, ece d h

Weather conditions in Latvia are rather inconsistent, a rain or snow may interrupt your outdoorrecreation plans.

geel :Latvian summers are sunny and warm, average temperature is +190 C, the hottest summermonths are July and August. On a very hot day temperature can reach +300 C.Spring and autumn weather may be rather capricious. It may be rather cool, average tempera-ture about +100 C in the daytime.

In winter there is usually snow rom December until March, the average temperature -60 Cbelow 0. The coolest month o winter is January. Temperatures in winter can sometimes all to-200 C below 0

o l hldy d el entire Latvia is celebrating.

Old traditional estivals are related to the cycle o the sun through the year: or example, theMidsummer Night the evening o June 23 and the ollowing night is celebrated in the coun-tryside with bonres, singing, dancing, local cheese and beer.Easter, like Christmas, is a Christian estivity, but it is also celebrated by painting eggs, havingegg ghts and swinging in swings to avoid gnat bites in summer.

More inormation about the holiday events: www.kultura.lv

nl hldy: January 1 New Year; March/April (according to the Church calendar) Easter; May 1 Labour Day; May 4 a Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia; June 23-24 Lgo evening and Ji (Midsummer); November 18 The Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia; December 23-26 Christmas; December 31 New Years Eve

I you wish to see the current culul ee r and nd opportunities for recreation, visitwww.rigathisweek.lv and www.liveriga.com

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reu, ce d b are usually open rom 10:00 to 22:00 rom Sunday to Thursday,but on Fridays and Saturdays they stay open until 24:00 or through the night.

the e ude eced:he club d b edle ee:

Studio 69, Trbatas 73, http://ino.studio69.lv/

Godvil, Brvbas 214 b, www.godvil.lv Colonnade, Dzirnavu 57, www.colonnade.lv

Essential, Skolas 2, www.essential.lv

Crystal Club, Lpla 52/54, www.crystalclub.lv

brs Cuba Cafe, Jauniela 15, www.cubacae.lv

La Belle Epoque (more known as the French Bar, a place for foreign students), Maz Montu

iela (Old Town)

Amber Night, Elizabetes 55

Brasilian bar Caipirinha Bar, Jauniela19 (Old Town)

Pulkvedim neviens neraksta (for short: Pulkvedis), Peldu iela 26/28 (Old Town), www.pulkvedis.lv

Paldies Dievam piektdiena ir klt, 11.Novembra krastmala 9 (Old Town), www.piektdiena.lv

...d he edle c:

Mojo Cafe, Pils iel 7 (Old Town)

Riga Technical University Cafe, Kau iela 1 (Old Town)

Double Coee, www.doublecoee.lv

Costa Coee, www.coeenation.lv

d deley ece:

www.indexcae.lv

www.e-pica.lv

In rainy or snowy weather it is nice to seek shelter in e hee or ueu.More inormation:

www.orumcinemas.lv

www.cinamonkino.lv

www.multikino.lv

www.muzeji.lv, tel.: (+371) 26029527, e-mail: [email protected]

sueke d le h cee usually work rom 8:00 to 22:00 without holidays.The most popular shopping centres:

Spice www.spice.lv

Stockmann www.stockmann.lv

Origo www.origo.lv

Galerija Centrs www.galerijacentrs.lv

Olympia www.olympia.lv

Domina Shopping www.domina-shopping.lv

Mols www.mols.lv

Sky and more www.skyandmore.lv

Alfa www.alaparks.lv Riga Plaza www.rigaplaza.lv


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muled l

the ul cuc l d cl ewk:

scl ewk www.acebook.comThis network is very popular in Latvia and it is used by more than 80 million people worldwidebeing available in many languages. The portal contains a group named CompassLV a placewhere to share experience and make riends.http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140630259339738#!/CompassLV

Cuc l www.draugiem.lvThis social network was started in 2004 in Latvia. The meaning o its name is For Friends. Itis the rst and most popular of social networks in Latvia. Registration by invitation only. Theportal is available in Latvian, Russian, English, German, etc.

scl ewk www.one.lvThe largest online social network or the Russian speaking people o Latvia. Available in Latvianand Russian.

alee cuc l www.orb.lvInternet radio, le exchange, photo/video galleries, discussions, blogs, chat, email all in one.Registration by invitation only. Available in Latvian and Russian.

the ul iee deee l:

Clfed www.ss.lvHere you can enter or nd advertisments of many types, for example, job vacancies, aparta-ments or rent, selling and buying o household appliances, clothes, etc. Available in Latvianand Russian.

adeee d clfed www.reklama.lv

Advertisements o various types, including cars, real estate, etc. Free private and commercialadvertisements. Available in Latvian and Russian.

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rel ee deee www.city24.lvA place or private or commercial ads or rent, sale or purchase o houses, fats, etc. Available inLatvian, Russian and English.

Jb ccy l www.cv.lvVacancies, courses, studies, internships, CV database, etc. Available in Latvian, Russian and English.

oue eh d cce www.prakse.lvWork and internship vacancies, study opportunities, career tips. This is a popular portal amongyoung people in Latvia who want to gain an insight into the job market. Available in Latvian.

the ul ew l:

ie l www.tvnet.lvLatvian and world news, picture galleries, video and audio recordings, discussions. Available inLatvian and Russian.

new l www.apollo.lvLatvian and world news economics, sports, politics, entertainment, liestyle ashion, rela-tionships, etc. Available in Latvian.

new l www.novonews.lvThe latest news in Russian.

new lwww.del.lvThe most popular news portal in Latvia. Topical daily news, inormation about entertainmentand events, etc. Available in Latvian and Russian.

iquy ece www.1188.lvInformation service of Latvia - information on transportation, internet map, TV programs,weather orecast, entertainment, etc. Available in Latvian, Russian and English.

ohe:

Bue l www.db.lvBusiness journal. News and archives are grouped by business spheres, a tool o news search.Available in Latvian and Russian.

ce lwww.nancenet.lvNews, comments, opinions, nancial market surveys. Available in Latvian.

publc lcy l www.politika.lvInormation and analysis to promote deeper understanding o Latvian political processes and aorum or discussions, publications o research. A useul academic resource. Available in Latvianand English.

tlece l www.dialogi.lvPublications about NGO, students and specialists activities related to integration and intercul-tural relations. A library on resources related to tolerance and intercultural dialogue. Availablein Latvian and Russian.

Leue d culue l www.orbita.lvAvailable in Russian.


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pl L culue www.kultura.lvMusic, art, theatre, dance, lms, books, concerts, plays, exhibitions, events, news, majorpersonalities in culture, and projects. Available in Latvian, Russian and English.

gude:

r th Weekwww.rigathisweek.lvRiga city guide. Sightseeing, dining, lodging and the calendar o events in Riga. Available inEnglish.

i Yu pcke www.inyourpocket.comRiga city guide in English culture events, hotels, nightclubs, tourism inormation about othercities o Latvia.

r ou thee www.rigaoutthere.comA tourism portal and city guide in English.

r tu he e http://www.liveriga.comRiga City Council tourist inormation in Latvian, English, Russian and other languages.

aheelude www.anothertravelguide.comAn Internet magazine or independent travellers. Destinations all over the world, but, choos-ing Latvia from the menu, you will nd unusual routes to enjoy and surprise you in Riga andLatvia. Available in Latvian, Russian and English.

ohe r - C r www.citariga.lvA tourist inormation portal, which introduces the authentic Riga, its districts, suburbs andhistory. Available in Latvian, Russian, English and German.

compass for living in latvia in english

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