According to “The Law on Residential Tenancy” any natural person who permanently resides in Latvia or has received a residence permit in accordance with the procedures specified by law may be a tenant or a sub-tenant. Official residential space (space in an official accommodation facility or official apartment) shall be transferred for use on the basis of a tenancy agreement of official residential space only because of employment relations or for a course of studies.
Depending on the length of your stay different alternatives can be considered. In any case, you should know that prices in Latvia are at the Scandinavian level; especially in the centre of the capital city a dwelling place will cost a packet. The same can be said about hotels. Hotels and hostels in Latvia are available in wide price range, and in most cases you will be surprised that the service and quality is even higher than the stars show.
For a longer stay you can consider renting or even buying a flat or house. There are lots of real estate agencies, but you can also explore newspaper advertisements, real estate web sites in the Internet, but first – ask your Latvian colleagues or friends – they will give you the local information – for example, about student dormitories at the universities or renting possibilities nearby.
Some universities have its own facilities to assist accommodation of foreign students, visiting lecturers and researchers. Please to consult with your provisional employer in Latvia.