Student Visa and Residence Permit for Kosovo: Documents and Steps

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Coming to study in Kosovo has up to two stages. First, depending on your citizenship, you may need an entry visa from a Kosovo diplomatic or consular mission. Second, if you stay for longer than 90 days, you apply for a temporary residence permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The legal basis is the Law on Foreigners, No. 04/L-219, as amended by Law No. 06/L-036. Rules and forms have been changing, so confirm the current list with the ministry.

Step 1: do you need an entry visa

Whether you need a visa before you travel depends on your passport. Kosovo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions abroad decide who needs a visa and issue it. We could not open an official list of visa-exempt countries, so check your citizenship with the nearest Kosovo mission before you buy tickets.

According to AAB College's visa guide and RIT Kosovo's study-abroad page, which both describe the consular procedure:

you apply in person at a Kosovo embassy or consulate, no more than three months before travel;
the fee is €40, with some exemptions;
you need proof of the purpose of the trip, accommodation, funds and medical insurance, and a letter of invitation from the university helps.

A visa-free entry covers short stays only. For study you still apply for a residence permit afterwards.

Step 2: the residence permit

The Ministry of Internal Affairs lists these documents for a residence permit for higher education:

a valid travel document, valid at least three months longer than the requested permit;
a certificate of enrolment at a higher-education institution accredited in Kosovo;
sufficient means of subsistence, shown by a bank statement or other notarised proof;
proof of accommodation, with your exact address;
a certificate that you are not under investigation, issued by your country of citizenship or last residence and translated into one of the official languages of Kosovo;
health insurance;
in cases of student exchange or an authorised internship, the exchange or agreement documents.

The ministry's list sets no amount for the means of subsistence. Ask the ministry or your university what balance is accepted.

Practical details from universities

RIT Kosovo describes the procedure for its study-abroad students, and universities may differ:

the permit is applied for after arrival, with university staff helping to register;
the police certificate is translated into Albanian by a notary in Kosovo, and an apostille is not required;
RIT quotes an application fee of €50, paid in cash, and about four to five weeks of processing before you receive a residence permit card.

RIT also advises staff to renew a permit at least one month before it expires. Ask your university for the current fee, because we could not confirm it on an official government page.

After you arrive

Keep your enrolment letter, rental contract and insurance with you, since you need them for the permit. For the rental contract see student housing in Kosovo. Ask the ministry or your university whether you must also register your address with the police. If you want to work, see scholarships and student jobs in Kosovo.

Where to look next

Official sources

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.