Immigration Services for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Lithuania

AT A GLANCE

EU citizens have freedom of movement and do not require work or residence permits in Lithuania — this page is for non-EU nationals who want to live and work in Lithuania as entrepreneurs, investors, or employees of their Lithuanian company.
Lithuania offers five immigration pathways for non-EU entrepreneurs: the EU Blue Card, the national work permit, the Startup Visa, the investor residence permit, and family reunification for permit holders’ dependents.
Immigration and company registration are parallel processes — we coordinate both simultaneously so the company is ready when the permit is granted and the permit application uses the company as its legal anchor.
We manage the complete immigration process: permit route selection, document preparation, translation coordination, application submission, and Migration Department liaison through to permit issuance.
Processing times range from 4 weeks (national work permit, standard) to 4–6 months (residence permit via investment) — we advise on realistic timelines for each route before the application begins.

Immigration services for foreign entrepreneurs in Lithuania cover the complete process of obtaining the right to live and work in Lithuania legally as a non-EU national — from selecting the correct permit route based on the entrepreneur’s circumstances, preparing and translating the required documents, submitting the application to the Migration Department, and managing the correspondence through to permit issuance. We also handle family reunification permits for spouses and dependent children who will relocate with the entrepreneur. The immigration process is coordinated with the company registration and accounting setup so all three workstreams advance in parallel.

Who Needs a Work or Residence Permit in Lithuania

Not every foreigner who wants to be connected to a Lithuanian company needs a Lithuanian immigration permit. The right to live and work in Lithuania depends on nationality and on the nature of the intended activity.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens — no permit required

Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Switzerland have freedom of movement within the EU and do not require a work permit or residence permit to live and work in Lithuania. They may register their residence with the Migration Department as an administrative matter, but this is not a condition of working. If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you do not need immigration services — you can work for your Lithuanian company freely.

Non-EU nationals — permit required

Citizens of all other countries — including the UK (post-Brexit), UAE, Israel, the US, India, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, and all other non-EU states — require either a work permit, a residence permit, or both to legally work in Lithuania. Working without the required permit is a serious violation — it exposes the individual to deportation and the employing company to significant administrative fines. Even a company director who is also the sole shareholder of a Lithuanian company cannot legally perform work functions in Lithuania without the correct permit if they are a non-EU national.

Remote owners vs. physically present entrepreneurs

Many non-EU nationals own Lithuanian companies remotely — they operate the company from their home country and never live or work in Lithuania. These investors do not need Lithuanian immigration permits, because they are not physically present in Lithuania and are not performing work there. A permit is only needed when the entrepreneur or investor wants to be physically based in Lithuania — to manage the company in person, to build a local team, to access EU infrastructure directly, or to relocate for personal reasons. We clarify this at the initial consultation so entrepreneurs do not invest in an immigration process they do not need.

UK nationals post-BrexitSince 31 December 2020, UK nationals are no longer EU citizens and do not have the right to live and work in Lithuania without a permit. UK nationals who were resident in Lithuania before the Brexit deadline may have protected status under the Withdrawal Agreement — but new arrivals after that date require a work permit or residence permit on the same basis as any other non-EU national. We manage immigration applications for UK nationals and advise on the most appropriate route for their specific situation.

Immigration Routes for Non-EU Entrepreneurs

Lithuania offers five primary immigration routes for non-EU entrepreneurs and investors. The right route depends on the nature of the activity, the entrepreneur's qualifications and salary level, the type of investment being made, and how quickly legal status is needed.

EU Blue Card · Highly qualified employees

For whom: Non-EU nationals employed by a Lithuanian company in a highly qualified role — typically engineers, senior managers, compliance specialists, or other professionals with specialist qualifications.

Key requirements: Valid employment contract with a Lithuanian employer; higher education qualification (or ≥5 years professional experience in the relevant field); gross salary of at least 1.5× the Lithuanian average gross monthly salary (currently approximately €2,850 gross/month as at 2025).

Process: Employer applies for Blue Card approval through the Lithuanian Labour Exchange; once approved, individual applies for the Blue Card visa and then the residence permit at the Migration Department. Employer registration for social insurance required before application.

Typical duration: 6–10 weeks from complete application to permit issuance

National Work Permit · Standard employment route

For whom: Non-EU nationals employed by a Lithuanian company who do not meet the EU Blue Card qualifications or salary threshold — including junior staff, operational employees, and professionals in roles that do not require a degree.

Key requirements: Valid employment contract with a Lithuanian employer registered with SoDra; labour market test may apply (confirming no suitable Lithuanian candidate exists); salary must meet the applicable minimum for the role category.

Process: Employer applies for work permit from the Lithuanian Labour Exchange; once issued, employee applies for National D visa at a Lithuanian consulate in their country, then applies for a temporary residence permit after arrival in Lithuania.

Typical duration: 4–8 weeks (work permit) + 2–4 weeks (visa) + 1–2 months (residence permit) — parallel where possible

Startup Visa · Innovative entrepreneurs

For whom: Non-EU entrepreneurs with an innovative, scalable business concept who want to establish or develop a startup in Lithuania. The programme is coordinated through Startup Lithuania and targets founders with technology, digital, or other innovation-driven business models.

Key requirements: Innovative business concept assessed and approved by Startup Lithuania; business plan demonstrating the concept's innovation and scalability; no minimum investment or salary requirement — the assessment is qualitative.

Process: Submit business concept to Startup Lithuania for assessment (online application); if approved, receive a letter of recommendation; use the recommendation letter to apply for a national D visa and then a temporary residence permit at the Migration Department.

Typical duration: 4–6 weeks (Startup Lithuania assessment) + 4–8 weeks (visa and permit)

What Startup Lithuania assesses

Startup Lithuania evaluates applications on the following criteria: the innovativeness of the business concept (does it solve a genuine problem in a novel way?); the scalability of the model (can it grow beyond Lithuania?); the founder's relevant background and ability to execute; and the fit with Lithuania's startup ecosystem priorities. The assessment is not purely about technology — innovative approaches in logistics, sustainability, healthcare, or professional services are also considered. We advise on how to present the business concept effectively before the Startup Lithuania application is submitted.

Investor Residence Permit · Investment-based residence

For whom: Non-EU nationals making a qualifying investment in Lithuania — either investing in a Lithuanian company, purchasing qualifying real estate, or making a qualifying bank deposit — who wish to live in Lithuania on the basis of that investment rather than as an employee.

Key requirements: One of: (a) invest ≥€14,000 in a Lithuanian company employing ≥3 people with activities beneficial to the Lithuanian economy; (b) purchase real estate worth ≥€250,000 in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai or Panevėžys (≥€100,000 in other regions); or (c) deposit ≥€1,000,000 in a Lithuanian bank.

Process: Register the qualifying investment (company, property, or bank deposit); apply for temporary residence permit at the Migration Department with evidence of the investment; interview may be required for company investment route.

Typical duration: 2–4 months from complete application to permit issuance

How the Immigration Application Process Works

Every immigration application follows a defined sequence — from route selection through document preparation, submission, and permit issuance. Understanding the sequence prevents the most common delays: missing documents discovered at the submission stage, translation errors that require resubmission, and applications submitted before the underlying company or employment structure is in place.

Route assessment and selection
We assess the entrepreneur’s circumstances — nationality, qualifications, intended activity in Lithuania, salary expectations, family situation, and urgency — and recommend the most appropriate permit route. For entrepreneurs who qualify for multiple routes (for example, both the EU Blue Card and the national work permit), we explain the differences in processing time, conditions, and ongoing obligations to help make the right choice.

Company and employment structure setup
Most permit routes require a Lithuanian legal entity as the anchor. For the work permit and Blue Card routes, the Lithuanian company must be registered and the employment contract signed before the permit application begins. We coordinate the company registration (or confirm the existing company’s status) and prepare the employment contract or director service agreement before the immigration application is submitted. For the investor residence permit, the qualifying investment must be made or contracted before the application.

Document preparation and translation
Each permit route has a defined document checklist. Standard documents include: valid passport; passport-sized photographs; criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country (and from any country where they have lived for more than 12 months in the past 5 years); educational certificates (for Blue Card applications); employment contract or director service agreement; company registration documents; proof of address in Lithuania or a contract for accommodation; and health insurance. Documents in non-Lithuanian languages must be translated into Lithuanian by a certified translator. We prepare the checklist, coordinate the translations, and review all documents for completeness before submission.

Labour Exchange application (work permit and Blue Card routes)
For the national work permit and EU Blue Card routes, the employer must first obtain approval from the Lithuanian Labour Exchange (Užimtumo tarnyba) before the individual can apply for their visa and residence permit. The Labour Exchange application confirms that the employment conditions meet the statutory requirements and — for the national work permit — that a labour market test has been completed where required. We prepare and submit the Labour Exchange application on behalf of the employer.

Visa application at the Lithuanian consulate
Once the Labour Exchange approval is received (for work permit routes) or the Startup Lithuania recommendation is obtained (for the Startup Visa), the individual applies for a long-stay national D visa at the Lithuanian consulate or embassy in their country of residence. The D visa allows entry to Lithuania for the purpose of applying for the residence permit. We prepare the visa application documents and advise on the consulate appointment process in the applicant’s country.

Residence permit application in Lithuania
After arrival in Lithuania on the D visa, the applicant applies for a temporary residence permit at the Migration Department of Lithuania. The permit is typically issued within 2 months of the application submission. We submit the residence permit application, attend the Migration Department appointment with the applicant, and manage all correspondence during the processing period.

Biometrics and permit collection
The Migration Department notifies the applicant when the permit is ready. The applicant attends to provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) and collects the physical residence permit card. We accompany the applicant to this appointment and confirm that all details on the permit are correct.

Post-permit obligations and renewal
A temporary residence permit must be renewed before expiry — typically 1–2 months before the expiry date. We track permit expiry dates and initiate renewal processes proactively. Changes in circumstances (change of employer, change of address, change of family status) may require notifications to the Migration Department, which we manage as part of the ongoing immigration advisory.

What Each Immigration Permit Enables

The type of permit determines what the holder is legally permitted to do in Lithuania and what rights they have within the EU. Understanding these differences matters for entrepreneurs planning their business activities and longer-term EU presence.

Permit Type	Right to Work	Right to Travel EU	Path to Permanent Residence	Bring Family
EU Blue Card	For the issuing employer only; can change employer after 2 years	Short-term stays; accelerated EU-wide Blue Card mobility after 18 months	After 5 years combined EU Blue Card residence (can count other EU Blue Cards)	Yes — family reunification permitted; family members can work
National Work Permit	For the issuing employer only; tied to specific role	Short-term Schengen travel; no right to work in other EU states	After 5 years continuous temporary residence in Lithuania	Yes — family reunification permitted
Startup Visa	For the startup activity only; developing the approved concept	Short-term Schengen travel	After 5 years continuous temporary residence; subject to review	Yes — family reunification permitted
Investor Residence Permit	May not work for an employer; can manage the investment	Short-term Schengen travel	After 5 years continuous temporary residence; investment must be maintained	Yes — family reunification permitted
Permanent Residence Permit	Unrestricted right to work for any employer in Lithuania	Long-term resident status — right to reside in another EU state after 5 years	Already permanent	Yes — simplified family reunification

Path to permanent residence

Every temporary residence permit holder who resides continuously in Lithuania for 5 years becomes eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit — provided they have not been absent from Lithuania for more than 10 months in total during those 5 years, and no more than 6 consecutive months in any single year. The permanent residence permit has no expiry date (it is renewed every 5 years as an administrative formality) and gives the holder an unrestricted right to work for any employer in Lithuania. We manage the permanent residence permit application at the 5-year milestone for all clients whose temporary permits we have managed.

Practical Aspects of Relocating to Lithuania

Beyond the immigration permit, relocating to Lithuania involves a set of practical steps that foreign entrepreneurs often underestimate. We advise on all of these as part of our immigration service.

Registration of residence

All residents of Lithuania — including foreign nationals with valid permits — must register their address with the local municipality within 7 days of arriving at a new address. Registration is done through the Residents’ Register Service (GYVREG). We assist with the registration process and advise on the documentation required.

Health insurance

A valid health insurance policy is required for most permit applications — it must cover the duration of the permit and provide a minimum coverage level. Once the individual is employed by a Lithuanian company and registered with SoDra, they are covered by Lithuania’s state health insurance system (Privalomasis sveikatos draudimas) and the private policy is no longer required. We advise on appropriate health insurance options for the period before state coverage is active.

Lithuanian personal identification number (asmens kodas)

Every foreign national who registers residence in Lithuania receives a Lithuanian personal identification number (asmens kodas) — equivalent to a national identification number. The asmens kodas is required for opening bank accounts, registering with SoDra, entering employment contracts, and most official interactions with Lithuanian authorities. It is issued automatically as part of the residence permit process.

Banking

Opening a Lithuanian bank account is easier with a residence permit but is not always possible immediately on arrival. Several Lithuanian banks and EMIs have streamlined their onboarding for foreign nationals. We advise on the most accessible banking options for newly arrived entrepreneurs and coordinate introductions to banking providers where the standard onboarding process presents difficulties.

Driving licence

Non-EU driving licences are recognised in Lithuania for a period after arrival, but must be exchanged for a Lithuanian licence within a specified timeframe for permanent residents. EU driving licences remain valid indefinitely. We advise on the exchange process and timeline for each nationality.

Immigration Services Pricing

Immigration services are priced at fixed fees per application. Government fees (Migration Department application fees, Labour Exchange fees, consular visa fees) are separate and payable to the relevant authority — they are not included in our service fee. We provide a complete cost estimate including both service fees and government fees before any application begins.

Service	Price
Immigration route assessment and planning Written recommendation of the most appropriate route; document checklist; realistic timeline; total cost estimate	€600
National work permit — employer application (Labour Exchange) Full application preparation, Labour Exchange submission, and correspondence through to permit issuance	€900
National D visa application support Document preparation, translation coordination, and consular appointment guidance	€700
Temporary residence permit application (work permit basis) Full application preparation, Migration Department submission, appointment attendance, and permit collection	€1,200
EU Blue Card — Labour Exchange application Full application including qualification verification, salary threshold check, and employer documentation	€900
EU Blue Card — residence permit application Full Migration Department application; appointment attendance; permit collection	€900
Startup Visa — Startup Lithuania concept submission Business concept structuring, application preparation, and Startup Lithuania liaison through to recommendation	€2,000
Startup Visa — national D visa and residence permit Full visa and permit application based on Startup Lithuania recommendation	€2,000
Investor residence permit — full application Investment documentation, Migration Department application, interview preparation, and permit collection	€2,500
Investor residence permit — company investment route advisory Confirming qualifying investment structure; coordinating proof of investment documentation	€1,500
Employer immigration compliance check Reviewing the company’s obligations for employing non-EU nationals; notification requirements	€700
Permanent residence permit application At 5-year milestone; full application preparation and Migration Department submission	€1,500
Document legalisation and apostille coordination Coordinating notarisation, apostille, and certified translation for immigration documents	€150 per document

Government fees — not included in the above

Lithuanian immigration applications involve separate government fees payable directly to the authorities. The Migration Department temporary residence permit fee is €120 for standard processing (10 business days) or €240 for expedited processing (5 business days). The Labour Exchange work permit application fee is €30. Consular D visa fees vary by nationality. We include all government fees in the initial cost estimate so there are no surprises during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total timeline from starting the process to holding a valid residence permit depends on the route. For the national work permit route: the Labour Exchange application takes 4–8 weeks; the D visa takes 2–4 weeks at the consulate; and the residence permit application takes 1–2 months after arrival. Running the Labour Exchange application and visa concurrently where possible, the realistic total is 2–3 months from application start to permit in hand. The EU Blue Card follows a similar timeline. The Startup Visa adds the Startup Lithuania assessment phase (4–6 weeks) before the permit process begins. The investor residence permit takes 2–4 months from the qualifying investment being made. We provide a specific timeline estimate at the route assessment stage based on the applicant’s circumstances and current Migration Department processing times.

Yes — a non-EU national who owns and manages their Lithuanian company can work for it on either a national work permit or an EU Blue Card, provided they have a valid employment contract (or director service agreement) with the company and the company pays them at the required salary level. The company employing them must be properly registered with SoDra and the employment relationship must be legally structured before the permit application. The fact that the applicant is also the shareholder of the company does not prevent them from being an employee or director — the two roles are separate under Lithuanian law. We structure both the employment documentation and the immigration application for founder-directors of Lithuanian companies.

A Lithuanian temporary residence permit does not give the holder the right to live or work in other EU member states — it only authorises residence and work in Lithuania. However, holders of a Lithuanian temporary residence permit can travel within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) without requiring a separate Schengen visa. For the right to live and work in another EU member state, a separate work permit or right of residence in that country is required. The EU Blue Card has a specific intra-EU mobility provision: after 18 months of employment in Lithuania under a Blue Card, the holder can move to another EU member state under an accelerated Blue Card procedure.

The EU Blue Card salary threshold is set at 1.5 times the Lithuanian average gross monthly salary, which is published annually by the Department of Statistics (Statistics Lithuania). For 2025, the average gross monthly salary is approximately €1,900 — making the Blue Card salary threshold approximately €2,850 gross per month. This threshold applies to the salary the Lithuanian employer pays the employee. The salary must be stated in the employment contract and must be paid by the Lithuanian company from its own funds — not reimbursed from a foreign parent. We confirm the current threshold at the start of every Blue Card application.

Yes. A spouse or registered partner who enters Lithuania on a family reunification permit is entitled to work for any employer in Lithuania — they are not restricted to working for the same employer as the primary permit holder or to any specific type of work. The family member’s right to work arises from the family reunification permit itself, not from a separate work permit. This is a significant practical advantage: a spouse can take up independent employment or establish their own business in Lithuania without a separate immigration application.

If the employing Lithuanian company is dissolved or the employment ends, the work permit and the associated temporary residence permit are typically linked to the employment relationship — termination of employment triggers an obligation to notify the Migration Department and may require the permit holder to leave Lithuania or change their immigration status within a specified grace period. For Blue Card holders, there is a 3-month period during which they can seek new employment in Lithuania without losing their status. For national work permit holders, the grace period is shorter and the position is more precarious. We advise on the correct procedure when employment ends and on the options available to maintain legal status in Lithuania.

Documents issued in foreign languages must be accompanied by certified Lithuanian translations for submission to the Lithuanian Migration Department or Labour Exchange. The certified translation must be prepared by a sworn translator — a translator officially certified by the Lithuanian Ministry of Justice — not a general translator. Standard documents requiring translation include: criminal record certificates, educational diplomas, marriage and birth certificates, and any foreign legal documents. Passports issued in multiple languages including Lithuanian do not need translation. We coordinate certified translations through our network of sworn translators as part of the application preparation.

Ready to start your Lithuanian immigration process?

Contact us to book an immigration route assessment. We will review your nationality, qualifications, intended activity, and family situation, and provide a written recommendation of the most appropriate route with a realistic timeline and total cost estimate. We coordinate the immigration process with company registration and accounting setup so all three workstreams advance simultaneously.