Residency permits & Visas

WORK

BUSINESS (LEGAL ACTIVITY)

In Lithuania, a temporary residence permit can be issued based on several main purposes. Each purpose has its specific requirements and procedures. Below are the key purposes under which a temporary residence permit can be issued in Lithuania:

Employment under an Employment Contract

Requirements:

• Employment Contract: The foreign national must have a valid employment contract with a Lithuanian employer, which is concluded according to Lithuanian labor law. The employment contract must clearly outline the working conditions, salary, and other job responsibilities.

• Work Permit from Employment Service (Užimtumo Tarnyba): To obtain a residence permit based on employment, it is usually necessary to provide a decision from the Employment Service regarding the work permit. This institution assesses whether the foreign national meets the needs of the Lithuanian labor market

  • Exceptions: In some cases, a decision from the Employment Service may not be required, for example, if the job belongs to a specific profession where there is a shortage of local workforce.

• Salary and Working Conditions: The employment contract must meet the requirements for minimum wages and working conditions established in Lithuania.
  

Employment in High-Skill Sector

Lithuania also has simplified procedures for high-skilled professionals (e.g., scientists, engineers, IT specialists) who come to work in Lithuania under an employment contract or individual activities.

Requirements:

• Higher Education: The foreign national must have relevant education or work experience that justifies a high-skilled job.

• Job Offer: The foreign national must have a valid job offer from a Lithuanian company or organization.

Residence Permit Based on Employment

A residence permit based on employment is usually issued for a period of 1 to 3 years and can be extended. After a certain period of working in Lithuania, the individual may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit if they continue to work in Lithuania, meet the requirements, and wish to settle in the country for a longer period.

Company Requirements:

• Business Plan and Activities: The company must have been actively operating in Lithuania for at least 6 months prior to the application. Activities must align with the company's founding documents and business plan.

• Employment of Local Workforce: The company must employ full-time:

  • Citizens of Lithuania,

  • Citizens of another EU or EFTA Member State, or

  • Foreign nationals with permanent residency in Lithuania. The total monthly wages paid to these employees must be at least twice the average monthly gross wage in Lithuania as published by the Lithuanian Department of Statistics for the previous calendar year.

• Equity Value: The company must have equity (or assets for certain legal forms) valued at no less than 28,000 EUR.

  • At least 14,000 EUR of this equity must consist of the applicant's own monetary investment or other assets contributed to the company.

Applicant Requirements:

• Company Role: The applicant must be either:

  • A manager of the company, or

  • A shareholder of an AB (joint-stock company) or UAB (limited liability company) owning at least 1/3 of the company’s authorized capital.

• Minimum Investment: For AB or UAB shareholders, the nominal value of shares owned by the applicant must be at least 14,000 EUR. For other types of businesses (e.g., IĮ, MB, TŪB), the applicant must contribute at least 14,000 EUR in monetary funds or other assets.

Residence Permit Based on Legal Activity

This residence permit is typically issued for 1 to 3 years, depending on the company's performance and compliance with the outlined requirements. The permit can be extended if the company continues to meet the criteria and the applicant maintains their role and investment in the business. After a specified period of residence and successful business operation, the applicant may be eligible for a permanent residence permit, enabling long-term settlement in Lithuania.

FAMILY

STUDIES/SCIENCE

Eligibility Requirements

A foreign national may apply for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania based on family reunification under the following circumstances:

1. Parents Residing in Lithuania

   • The applicant’s parents are Lithuanian citizens or hold valid residence permits and live in Lithuania.

   • The applicant may apply as their dependent to receive or renew a residence permit.

2. Minor Child

   • The applicant is a minor, and their parents, or one of their parents’ spouses who is either a Lithuanian citizen or a resident holding a valid residence permit, resides in Lithuania.

3. Child Residing in Lithuania

   • The applicant’s child is a citizen of Lithuania and lives in Lithuania.

   • The applicant’s child has been granted asylum in Lithuania.

4. Spouse or Registered Partner

   • The applicant’s spouse or registered partner is a Lithuanian citizen or holds a permanent residence permit in Lithuania.

   • The applicant’s spouse or registered partner holds a temporary residence permit in Lithuania.

5. Dependence on Family Members

   • The applicant is dependent on their child who resides in Lithuania and holds a valid residence permit.

   • The applicant’s parents are of advanced age, have a permanent residence permit, and live in Lithuania.

Residence Permit Based on Family Reunification

This permit is typically issued for 1 to 3 years, depending on the family relationship and the duration of the sponsor’s residence in Lithuania. It allows family members to live together and integrate into Lithuanian society. The permit can be renewed as long as the family circumstances remain valid.

After meeting the legal residence requirements, family members may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit, provided they maintain their family relationship and fulfill any additional criteria set by Lithuanian law.

Eligibility Requirements

A foreign national may apply for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania based on studies or scientific activities under the following circumstances:

1. Higher Education Studies

   • The applicant is enrolled in a university or college in Lithuania as part of a formal degree or exchange program.

   • The institution must be recognized in Lithuania, and the applicant must provide proof of admission and enrollment.

2. Vocational or General Education

   • The applicant is pursuing studies at a general or vocational school in Lithuania as part of a formal vocational training program.

3. Traineeship

   • The applicant has a valid traineeship agreement with a Lithuanian institution, organization, or company.

   • The traineeship must be an integral part of the applicant’s education or professional development.

4. Qualification Improvement in Science and Studies

   • The applicant has been invited by a recognized Lithuanian scientific or educational institution to improve their qualifications or conduct research.

   • The invitation must specify the purpose, duration, and details of the program or research activity.

Residence Permit Based on Studies or Science

The residence permit is usually granted for the duration of the study or scientific program, typically 1 to 2 years, and can be extended if the program continues or if the applicant transitions to further studies or research.

This permit allows the applicant to reside in Lithuania and engage in their academic or scientific activities. In some cases, students and researchers may also be permitted to work part-time, provided they comply with the legal requirements for employment in Lithuania.

Upon completing their studies or research, individuals may be eligible to transition to other residence permits, such as those based on employment, entrepreneurship, or long-term residence, depending on their future plans and qualifications.

Other grounds for a visa/residence permit in Lithuania

• Right to reinstate the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania

• Lithuanian descent

• EU Citizenship

• Long-term residency in another EU country