How to register for the Latvian language exam
Four steps, one fee and one deadline that people miss. Dates and addresses are not duplicated here on purpose — they change between sessions, and a stale date on our page would be worse than no date at all.
The four steps
1. Decide which level you need
Check the required level for your residence status or profession before registering. For naturalisation, consult PMLP separately: its tests have a different procedure.
2. Apply through the official channel
The exam is organised by VISC; the application form and the schedule currently live on the VIAA website. Choose the city and the date there — the city is not tied to your declared address.
3. Pay the state fee — or confirm your exemption
€52, paid no later than seven working days before the exam date (clause 28.4). If you are exempt, you bring the document that proves it instead.
4. Come with an ID
Identity is checked at the exam. If your exemption is based on status, bring the document that confirms that status.
Application and schedule — official site. Check there before applying.
Before you take a date
You need at least 60% in each of the four parts — reading, listening, writing and speaking. One weak part fails the whole exam, and the fee is not refunded. A free 10-minute test shows which part would fail you today, before you pay and book.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for the Latvian language exam?
The exam — valsts valodas prasmes pārbaude — is organised by the National Centre for Education (VISC). The application form and the schedule for each city are published on the VIAA website; links from the old visc.gov.lv pages redirect there.
How much is the state fee?
€52 (Noteikumi Nr. 157, clause 28.3). It must be paid no later than seven working days before the exam date (clause 28.4).
Who does not pay the fee?
Latvian citizens and non-citizens, citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland, and people with low-income status are exempt (clause 28.1). People with Ukrainian civilian status under the Ukrainian Civilian Support Law are also exempt (clause 61.2), including for retakes — the status is confirmed with a document when you come to the exam.
Do I get the money back if I cannot come?
No. The fee is not refunded if you fail, if you do not show up, or if your attempt is annulled for breaking the exam rules (clauses 28.7–28.9).
In which cities is the exam held?
Five: Rīga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Rēzekne and Ventspils. Each has its own schedule. Rīga is the busiest — in 2022 it took 3,857 of 5,315 candidates, about 73% — so dates there fill up faster.
Can I skip the exam entirely?
Yes, if you completed basic, secondary or higher education in an accredited programme taught in Latvian. That is proven with a diploma, a school certificate or a statement from the institution — no exam is required.
How long before the exam should I register?
There is no single answer: it depends on the city and the session, and the only hard rule is the payment deadline of seven working days before the date. Check the current schedule before planning — dates and addresses change between sessions.
Sources
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