- EU Membership Benefits: Lithuania is a member of the European Union, granting its citizens and permanent residents all the advantages of this association, including the right to free employment.
- Cost of Living and Tax Benefits: Lithuania offers affordable prices on real estate, food, and services, coupled with low taxes, making it a desired destination to live and work for many.
- High Quality of Life: Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to good healthcare, education, and public services.
- Growing Economy: Lithuania’s economy has been steadily growing, creating new opportunities for employment and business.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Lithuania boasts a rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Weak Labour Market & Low Wages: Lithuania’s labour market is weak and generally low wages.
- Potential Language Barrier: The Lithuanian language is considered very difficult to learn.
- Unpredictable Weather: The weather in Lithuania can be volatile and unpredictable.
- Emigration of the Younger Generation: The younger generation continues to leave Lithuania in search of better opportunities abroad.
EU citizens can easily move to Lithuania, benefiting from the right to free movement within the EU. Non-EU individuals can relocate by obtaining the necessary visas or residence permits.
There are several types of work permits issued in Lithuania, but they usually include:
Work visa for highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card)
Work visa for intra-company transfers
Work permit for employment in Lithuania
Seasonal work visa
Lithuania offers two main pathways for securing temporary residency permits.
The first option is the start-up visa, designed for non-EU entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in fields like nanotechnology, electronics, and biotechnology. To be eligible, investors must have a stake in the company and sufficient financial resources to support their business for the first year. This visa grants a temporary residency permit, renewable for up to three years if requirements are met. Investors can extend their stay by an additional two years by submitting a detailed report on the start-up’s progress and future plans. After five years of temporary residency, investors can apply for permanent residency.
The second pathway is the business visa, which requires a minimum investment of USD $31,000. To qualify, businesses must operate in Lithuania for at least six months and employ local residents before they can apply for a residence permit.
Criteria for
Lithuania Work
Permit
● EU Blue Card
To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Lithuania, you must have a higher education or equivalent professional experience, a job offer in a high-demand profession, and a salary at least 1.5 times the average in Lithuania.
● Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa
To qualify for the Intra-company Transfer Work Visa, your company must transfer you to work at a branch or within the same company group in Lithuania. This visa applies to managers, specialists, or employees, including trainees and students starting an internship. Upon arrival in Lithuania, you must apply for a residence permit through the MIGRIS system to legally stay there.
● Work Permit
To qualify for a Work Permit in Lithuania, you must secure a job offer from a Lithuanian employer who may first need to obtain a work permit from the Labour Services. Once the permit is granted, you must apply for a national D visa to enter Lithuania. While this permit does not typically grant residency, it allows you to stay in the country for up to a year with a D visa.
● Seasonal Work Permit
To qualify for a Seasonal Work Permit in Lithuania, you must secure a job in a sector listed under the approved seasonal work categories. The permit is only granted if no suitable Lithuanian worker is available for the job. Additionally, you must have an employment contract and a place of residence in Lithuania.
When hiring remote employees in foreign countries like Lithuania or relocating staff there, companies must adhere to local tax and labour laws. This applies to both Lithuanian citizens and foreign nationals, regardless of their stay duration. Failure to obtain proper work permits or visas can lead to penalties for both the employee and employer. Employers should verify employees’ right-to-work status and ensure they have the required documentation.
When applying for a Lithuania visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Visa Application Form:
Complete the form online, available on the Migration Department’s website.
Provide one recent passport-format photo that meets the Schengen visa photo requirements.
Valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid and contain at least two blank pages.
Submit proof of health insurance covering your entire stay in Lithuania, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergencies.
Flight Itinerary:
Provide a detailed trip itinerary, including proof of purchased flight tickets.
If visiting a family member or friend in Lithuania, include an invitation letter in your application.
Write a cover letter that details your personal information and the reasons for your visit to Lithuania.
Include evidence of your accommodation arrangements for the duration of your stay.
Submit documents proving your financial ability to support yourself during your stay in Lithuania.
- Capital investment from 14 000 Euro
- Proof of funds
- N
- Clean criminal record
- N
- Health insurance
- N
- Proof of having a place of residence in Lithuania
(rent agreement)
Step 1: Document Collection: The employer gathers the required documents from the foreign worker, including a copy of the passport, personal information, and proof of labor market need.
Step 2: Application Submission: The employer applies to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange.
Step 3: Decision: Typically issued within seven business days.
Step 4: Permit Issuance: The Labour Exchange issues the work permit upon approval.
Step 5: Mediation and Visa Application: The employer completes a mediation letter in the MIGRIS system, enabling the worker to apply for a National Visa (D) and residence permit.
Final Steps: The employee finalises the employment contract, applies for the National Visa (D) at the Lithuanian Embassy, and begins work upon visa and permit approval.
Step 1: Job Offer: Secure a valid work contract or job offer for highly qualified employment that meets the salary threshold.
Step 2: Labour Market Test: The employer applies to the Labour Exchange to confirm no local or EU workers are available.
Step 3: Application: The employee applies online through the MIGRIS system and schedules an appointment for biometric data submission.
Step 4: Processing: Allow up to 60 days for processing.
Step 5: Card Pickup: Collect the Blue Card from the Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate.
Step 5: Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate.
Step 4: Application: Apply online and gather required documents.
Step 3: Submission: Submit documents, pay the fee, and include proof of payment at the embassy.
Step 4: Processing: The visa is typically ready in 15-30 days for pickup at the Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate.
The work visa costs €120. While the application can be submitted online, it is recommended that you pay the fee at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate. After payment, you will receive a receipt, which you must include with your visa application.