Immigration Law in Lithuania

AT A GLANCE

  1. Lithuanian immigration law governs the right of non-EU nationals to enter, reside, and work in Lithuania. The primary statute is the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (Įstatymas dėl užsieniečių teisinės padėties — ULSA), which transposes the relevant EU immigration directives into Lithuanian law.
  2. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have freedom of movement and do not require immigration permits to live and work in Lithuania — they may register their residence as an administrative matter through the Migration Department (Migracijos departamentas).
  3. Third-country nationals intending to work in Lithuania generally require a temporary residence permit authorising employment, unless an applicable statutory exemption applies. Since 1 July 2024, a separate work permit has not been the standard requirement for ordinary employment. Work permits issued by the Lithuanian Employment Service (Užimtumo tarnyba) remain relevant for certain specific categories, including seasonal employment. Other immigration pathways include the EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment, residence permits for innovative startup founders and permits based on qualifying business activities.
  4. Immigration applications for work permits and residence permits are managed by two separate authorities — the Labour Exchange (work permits) and the Migration Department (residence permits) — and must typically be coordinated in parallel to avoid gaps in legal status.
  5. We manage the complete immigration process: route selection, document preparation, employer compliance, Labour Exchange submissions, and Migration Department liaison through to permit issuance.
Short answer
Immigration law services in Lithuania cover the legal process of obtaining the right for a non-EU national to live and work in Lithuania — from selecting the correct immigration route based on the individual’s qualifications, salary, and business situation, to preparing the complete document package, managing the Labour Exchange work permit application, and coordinating the Migration Department residence permit process. All routes are governed by the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (ULSA), implementing EU immigration directives. We advise employers on their obligations when hiring non-EU nationals and manage individual applications through to permit issuance.

The Lithuanian Immigration Law Framework

The Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (ULSA)

The Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (Lietuvos Respublikos įstatymas dėl užsieniečių teisinės padėties — ULSA) is the primary statute governing immigration to Lithuania. It regulates the entry, residence, work, and departure of foreign nationals — both EU and non-EU. The current ULSA consolidates the transposition of the principal EU immigration directives, including the Long-Term Residents Directive (2003/109/EC), the EU Blue Card Directive (2009/50/EC as replaced by 2021/1883/EU), the Single Permit Directive (2011/98/EU), the Intra-Corporate Transferees Directive (2014/66/EU), and the Seasonal Workers Directive (2014/36/EU).

The two-authority system — Labour Exchange and Migration Department

Lithuanian immigration for employment purposes operates through a two-authority system. The Lithuanian Labour Exchange (Užimtumo tarnyba, subordinate to the Ministry of Social Security and Labour) issues work permits — the authorisation for the employer to employ a specific non-EU national in a specific role. The Migration Department (Migracijos departamentas, subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior) issues residence permits — the authorisation for the individual to reside in Lithuania for the permit period. For ordinary employment-based immigration, the employer generally submits the required mediation letter through MIGRIS, while the third-country national applies for a temporary residence permit authorising employment. A separate Employment Service work permit is not universally required. The relevant residence and employment authorisation requirements depend on the applicant’s immigration category and any applicable exemptions. The Lithuanian Migration Department is responsible for residence permit decisions, while the Employment Service performs specific functions prescribed by employment and immigration legislation.

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 work in Lithuania. They may register their residence with the Migration Department for administrative purposes (required after 3 months of residence), but this is not a condition of working. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can begin working in Lithuania immediately without any prior authorisation. Non-EU family members of EU citizens who have exercised their right of free movement in Lithuania have derivative rights under Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive), implemented in ULSA.

Visa requirements — entry before the permit

The appropriate entry document for a third-country national depends on their nationality, purpose of travel and intended period of residence. A Lithuanian national long-stay visa (type D) is available for specific statutory purposes and is not a universal prerequisite for obtaining a temporary residence permit. National visas may generally authorise stays exceeding 90 days, up to the applicable maximum period. Temporary residence permit applications are submitted through MIGRIS and, where permitted, may be completed through authorised external service providers abroad or the Migration Department in Lithuania. Possession of a Schengen visa or visa-free entry permission does not generally authorise ordinary employment in Lithuania. For nationals of visa-free countries (such as the US, Canada, Japan, and certain others), entry on the Schengen visa-free regime is possible but the 90-day stay limitation applies.

Immigration Routes for Non-EU Nationals

Lithuania offers several distinct immigration routes for non-EU nationals, each with different eligibility conditions, processing timelines, and ongoing obligations. Choosing the correct route at the outset prevents delays and reduces the risk of application refusal.

Employment-Based Temporary Residence Permit

Legal basis: Article 44 of the Lithuanian Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners and applicable implementing legislation.

For: Eligible third-country nationals intending to work for a Lithuanian employer who do not qualify for the EU Blue Card or another specialised immigration category. The standard route generally involves employer documentation and a mediation letter submitted through MIGRIS, followed by a temporary residence permit application. Separate work permits are required only where specifically prescribed by Lithuanian law. Employment quotas, salary requirements, employer eligibility criteria and statutory exemptions must be assessed for each application.

Key conditions: Valid employment contract with a Lithuanian employer; the employer must have no grounds for refusal (no open violations, no outstanding tax debts); the role may be subject to a labour market test confirming no suitable Lithuanian candidate is available.

Typical timeline: Work permit: 4–8 weeks. D visa: 2–4 weeks at consulate. Residence permit: 1–2 months after arrival. Total: approximately 3–5 months.

EU Blue Card

Legal basis: Directive (EU) 2021/1883 and Article 44¹ of the Lithuanian Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners.

For: Third-country nationals intending to perform highly qualified employment in Lithuania and meeting the applicable professional qualification, employment and salary requirements.

Key conditions: A qualifying employment agreement or binding job offer for at least six months, appropriate higher education qualifications or legally recognised professional experience, and a salary meeting the applicable EU Blue Card threshold. In 2026, the general threshold is 1.5 times the relevant average gross monthly salary, or 1.2 times for qualifying high-value-added shortage occupations. Based on the thresholds applicable from 12 May 2026, these amounts are EUR 3,617.10 and EUR 2,893.68 gross per month, respectively.

Process: The employer submits the required documentation through MIGRIS, and the applicant applies for a temporary residence permit under the EU Blue Card framework. A separate work permit and national D visa are not universal prerequisites. Under Directive (EU) 2021/1883, qualifying long-term mobility to another participating EU Member State is generally available after 12 months of lawful residence as an EU Blue Card holder, subject to the destination country's requirements.

Startup Visa

Legal basis: Article 44(1)(15) ULSA; Startup Lithuania programme

For: Non-EU entrepreneurs seeking to establish or develop an innovative, scalable startup in Lithuania. The programme is administered in partnership with Startup Lithuania, which evaluates the business concept.

Key conditions: Business concept submitted to Startup Lithuania for qualitative assessment; innovative and scalable business model; Startup Lithuania letter of recommendation required before visa application.

Typical timeline: Startup Lithuania assessment: 4–6 weeks. D visa + residence permit: 4–8 weeks after recommendation. Total: approximately 3–4 months.

Temporary Residence Permit Based on Lawful Business Activities

Legal basis: Article 45 of the Lithuanian Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners.

For: Eligible third-country nationals who genuinely operate or participate in a Lithuanian company and satisfy the applicable statutory business, investment and immigration requirements.

Key conditions: The company must generally have conducted genuine business activities in Lithuania for at least six months, maintain equity capital of at least EUR 28,000 and satisfy the applicable employment requirements. Where the applicant relies on shareholder status, the relevant personal investment is generally at least EUR 14,000, together with the prescribed ownership criteria. Additional requirements and alternative eligibility categories may apply.

Lithuania does not provide a general residence-by-investment programme granting a residence permit solely because a foreign national purchases real estate of a specified value or deposits EUR 1 million in a Lithuanian bank.

Typical timeline: Investment documentation and application: 2–4 months at Migration Department.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT)

Legal basis: Directive 2014/66/EU; Article 44(1)(7) ULSA

For: Managers, specialists, and trainee employees being transferred from a non-EU entity of a multinational group to a Lithuanian entity of the same group. No labour market test required.

Key conditions: Prior employment with the same multinational group for at least 3 months (managers/specialists) or 6 months (trainees); temporary assignment of maximum 3 years (managers/specialists) or 1 year (trainees); salary equivalent to Lithuanian employees in comparable roles.

Typical timeline: ICT permit: 4–6 weeks. D visa: 2–4 weeks. Total: approximately 2–3 months.

Family Reunification

Legal basis: Directive 2003/86/EC; Article 43(1)(3) ULSA

For: Spouses, registered partners, and dependent children of non-EU nationals legally residing in Lithuania on a valid temporary or permanent residence permit.

Key conditions: Sponsor must hold a valid Lithuanian temporary residence permit (minimum 1 year remaining); proof of family relationship; adequate accommodation and sufficient income to support the family member.

Typical timeline: Residence permit application: 2–3 months at Migration Department.

Permanent residence permit — the 5-year milestone
A third-country national who has completed five years of qualifying legal and continuous residence in Lithuania may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under Article 53 of the Lithuanian Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, subject to the applicable statutory requirements. Certain residence categories and periods of absence may affect the calculation of qualifying residence. Applicants must also satisfy relevant requirements concerning financial resources, health insurance, public order and, where applicable, Lithuanian language proficiency and knowledge of the Lithuanian Constitution. Five years of residence does not automatically guarantee permanent resident status. The continuous residence requirement means no more than 10 months of total absence from Lithuania during the 5-year period and no more than 6 consecutive months absent in any single year. A permanent residence permit has no expiry date (it is renewed every 5 years as an administrative formality) and gives the holder the right to work for any employer without a work permit. We manage permanent residence permit applications at the 5-year milestone for all clients whose temporary permits we have managed.

Employer Obligations When Hiring Non-EU Nationals

Employers who hire non-EU nationals in Lithuania have specific legal obligations under the ULSA and the Law on Employment. Failure to comply exposes the employer to significant administrative fines and, in serious cases, criminal liability.

Work permit application — the employer’s responsibility

The work permit application is made by the employer to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange — not by the employee. The employer submits the application, provides the required documentation (including the employment contract or a binding job offer), confirms that the employer has no grounds for refusal, and pays the state fee. The Labour Exchange assesses whether the employer meets the eligibility requirements and, where a labour market test applies, whether a suitable Lithuanian candidate was genuinely unavailable. Work permits are tied to the specific employer and the specific role described in the application — the employee cannot freely change employers or positions under the same permit.

Labour market test — when it applies

For most national work permit applications, the employer must demonstrate that no suitable candidate from Lithuania (or the EU/EEA) was available for the position. This is demonstrated by: advertising the vacancy with the Lithuanian Labour Exchange for at least 10 days prior to the work permit application; being unable to fill the position with a suitable Lithuanian or EU/EEA candidate; and documenting this process. The labour market test does not apply to EU Blue Card applications (which have a salary-based eligibility mechanism instead), to ICT applications (which concern intra-group transfers), or to positions on the list of occupations in shortage (deficit profesijų sąrašas) published by the Lithuanian Labour Exchange. We confirm whether a labour market test applies for each specific role before the employer begins the advertising process.

Employer notification obligations

Under Article 111 ULSA, employers are required to notify the Migration Department of changes in the employment relationship with non-EU nationals: the commencement of employment (within 5 business days); the termination of employment (within 5 business days); and any material change in the terms of employment (change of position, significant salary change, change of workplace). Failure to notify is an administrative violation with fines of €300–€3,000 for responsible officials and €500–€6,000 for the company.

Prohibition on employing without a valid permit

An employer who employs a non-EU national without a valid work permit and residence permit commits a serious violation under Article 124 ULSA. Penalties include: fines of €1,000–€30,000 per illegally employed worker; prohibition from receiving EU structural funds for up to 5 years; and in cases of repeated violation or exploitation, criminal liability for responsible directors. These sanctions apply regardless of whether the employer was aware of the immigration status issue — the obligation to verify the employee’s legal right to work rests with the employer.

The Immigration Application Process

We manage the complete immigration process for both employers and individual applicants. The process varies by immigration route — the steps below describe the national work permit route, which is the most common.

1
Route assessment and eligibility confirmation
We assess the individual’s qualifications, salary level, and employment situation to confirm the most appropriate immigration route. For Blue Card eligibility, we confirm whether the salary threshold and qualification requirements are met. For ICT applications, we confirm the intra-group transfer eligibility. For investors, we confirm whether the proposed investment meets the qualifying thresholds under Article 43(1)(9) ULSA.
2
Employer eligibility and compliance check
We confirm that the employer meets the eligibility requirements for submitting a work permit application — including no outstanding VMI tax debts, no labour law violations within the previous 12 months, and SoDra employer registration. An employer with unresolved compliance issues cannot obtain a work permit for a non-EU national.
3
Labour market test (where applicable)
Where a labour market test is required, we advise the employer on the Labour Exchange advertising requirement: posting the vacancy with the Užimtumo tarnyba for the required period, documenting the candidates interviewed, and confirming that no suitable Lithuanian or EU/EEA candidate was available. We prepare the documentation of this process for inclusion in the work permit application.
4
Work permit application to the Labour Exchange
We prepare and submit the complete work permit application to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange: employer details, employment contract or binding job offer, job description confirming the role and salary, employer eligibility declarations, labour market test documentation (where applicable), and the applicant’s qualifications documentation. The Labour Exchange has a statutory processing time of 30 business days.
5
D visa application at the Lithuanian consulate
Once the work permit is issued, the individual applies for a Lithuanian national long-stay D visa at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. We prepare the visa application document set and advise on the consulate appointment process for the specific country. D visas are typically issued within 2–4 weeks of a complete application.
6
Residence permit application at the Migration Department
After arriving in Lithuania on the D visa, the individual applies for a temporary residence permit at the Migration Department. We submit the complete application: work permit, employment contract, D visa, passport, proof of accommodation in Lithuania, and health insurance. The Migration Department processes residence permit applications within 2 months of submission.
7
Biometric data and permit collection
The Migration Department notifies the applicant when the permit is ready for collection. The applicant attends the Migration Department office to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and receives the physical residence permit card. We accompany the applicant to this appointment and confirm that all permit details are correct.
8
Ongoing compliance — renewals and notifications
A temporary residence permit is typically issued for 1–2 years and must be renewed before expiry. We track permit expiry dates and initiate renewal applications 2–3 months before the expiry date. We also manage the employer’s Article 111 ULSA notification obligations throughout the employment relationship.

Immigration Routes Comparison

Route Salary / Investment Requirement Employment Authorisation EU Mobility Permit Duration
Employment-Based Temporary Residence Permit Applicable salary, qualification and employer eligibility requirements; 2026 employment quotas may apply Employment authorised under the applicable residence permit, subject to statutory conditions No automatic right to work in another EU country Generally up to 2 years, subject to eligibility
EU Blue Card Generally at least EUR 3,617.10 gross/month, or EUR 2,893.68 for qualifying shortage occupations, based on the thresholds applicable from 12 May 2026 Highly qualified employment under the EU Blue Card framework Qualifying long-term mobility after 12 months, subject to the destination country’s requirements Determined by applicable Blue Card legislation and employment arrangements
Startup Residence Permit Innovative business assessment and applicable statutory eligibility requirements Depends on the residence permit category No automatic EU-wide employment rights Subject to the applicable statutory conditions
Residence Permit Based on Lawful Business Activities Generally EUR 28,000 company equity capital, including at least EUR 14,000 invested by the applicant, together with operational and employment requirements Activities permitted under the relevant residence status No automatic EU-wide employment rights Subject to the applicable statutory conditions
ICT Permit Comparable to Lithuanian employees No EU ICT mobility Up to 3 years (managers/specialists)
Family Reunification Sponsor’s income sufficiency No Follows sponsor Same as primary holder
Permanent Residence 5 years legal residence N/A — no work permit Long-term resident status No expiry (renewed every 5 years)

Standard Document Requirements

For the employer (work permit application to Labour Exchange)

  • Completed Labour Exchange application form
  • Certificate confirming no outstanding VMI tax debts (issued within 3 months)
  • Copy of the company’s JAR registration extract
  • Employment contract or binding job offer — signed by the employer; specifying role, salary, workplace, and start date
  • Job description — confirming the duties and qualifications required for the role
  • Documents evidencing the labour market test (where applicable) — Labour Exchange vacancy registration, candidate evaluation records
  • State fee payment confirmation

For the individual (residence permit application to Migration Department)

  • Valid passport (minimum 3 months’ validity beyond the intended stay)
  • Passport-size photographs (in accordance with Migration Department specifications)
  • Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and from any country where the applicant has resided for 12+ months in the past 5 years — apostilled and certified Lithuanian translation
  • Valid work permit issued by the Labour Exchange
  • Employment contract — signed by both parties
  • Proof of accommodation in Lithuania — lease agreement, hotel booking, or employer-provided accommodation confirmation
  • Health insurance — covering the application period until state health insurance (privalomasis sveikatos draudimas — PSD) activation through SoDra
  • Educational qualifications (for Blue Card applications) — degree certificate with apostille and certified Lithuanian translation
  • Application form and state fee payment confirmation
Translation and apostille — planning ahead
Foreign documents submitted in Lithuanian immigration procedures must comply with the authentication and translation requirements applicable to the document, issuing country and immigration procedure. An apostille may be required for public documents issued by countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention, while documents from other countries may require consular legalisation. Certain documents are exempt from apostille or legalisation under EU legislation or applicable international agreements. Where a Lithuanian translation is required, it must be certified in the manner accepted by the receiving authority. There is no universal requirement for every translation to be prepared by a sworn translator registered with a Lithuanian government authority. Processing times vary by country and document type. Documents that were not planned for early in the process — particularly criminal record certificates, which have a short validity period (typically 3–6 months) — frequently cause application delays. We provide a complete document checklist at the start of every engagement and coordinate translations through our network of VVKT-registered sworn translators.

Immigration Law Services Pricing

Our immigration services are priced at fixed fees per application. Government fees payable to the Labour Exchange, Migration Department, and consulates are separate and quoted in the engagement proposal.

Service Price
Immigration route assessment
Written assessment of applicable routes; document checklist; realistic timeline; total government fee estimate
€1,000
National work permit — employer application (Labour Exchange)
Complete application preparation, Labour Exchange submission, and correspondence through to permit issuance
€2,000
National D visa application support
Document preparation, translation coordination, and consulate appointment guidance
€2,000
Temporary residence permit application
Full application preparation, Migration Department submission, appointment attendance, and permit collection
€3,000
Full national work permit package (work permit + visa + residence permit)
All three stages coordinated as a single engagement; most cost-efficient option for the complete process
€5,000
Startup Visa — Startup Lithuania concept submission
Business concept structuring, application preparation, and Startup Lithuania liaison
€2,000
Startup Visa — 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
€3,000
Permanent residence permit application
At 5-year milestone; full application preparation, 5-year residence evidence, Migration Department submission
€3,000
Permit renewal (work permit or residence permit)
Renewal application preparation and submission; initiated 2–3 months before expiry
€1,500
Document apostille and translation coordination (per document)
Coordinating apostille through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and certified Lithuanian translation
€80–€150
Government fees — not included above
Lithuanian immigration applications are subject to government fees determined by the relevant procedure and applicant category. In 2026, the standard state fee for examining and issuing a temporary residence permit is EUR 160, while urgent processing costs EUR 320, subject to applicable exemptions. The processing time depends on the legal basis of the application; urgent processing should not be described as a universal five-business-day procedure. Employment Service work permit fees apply only where a separate work permit is legally required. Additional fees may apply for national visas, external service providers, document authentication and translation. We provide an itemised estimate of the applicable government fees before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to start your Lithuanian immigration process?

Contact us to discuss the specific situation — whether it is a new hire for your Lithuanian company, an intra-corporate transfer, or a personal immigration matter. We will confirm the applicable route, assess eligibility, and provide a fixed-fee quote for the complete process. For time-sensitive situations, we can submit a Labour Exchange application within 48 hours of receiving the required documentation.

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