Work Permit/Visa in Lithuania

Since 1 July 2024, third-country nationals intending to take up ordinary employment in Lithuania generally must obtain a Lithuanian temporary residence permit authorising the relevant employment, unless a statutory exception applies. A separate work permit is required only for specific categories of employment, such as certain seasonal workers. Work permits, where applicable, are issued by the Lithuanian Employment Service (Užimtumo tarnyba), while temporary residence permits are issued by the Migration Department. The former Lithuanian Labour Exchange should no longer be identified as the competent authority.

A work permit is issued to foreigners in cases when it is not possible to find a suitable specialist with the necessary qualifications in Lithuania. The validity period of such a permit is limited to two years, the document specifies the employee’s speciality and the name of the organisation where he/she plans to work.

Seasonal employment of third-country nationals in Lithuania is subject to specific rules concerning work permits, the duration of employment and the relevant immigration documents. A seasonal work permit may generally be issued for up to six months within a 12-month period, subject to the applicable statutory requirements. Depending on the duration of employment and the applicant’s nationality, a Schengen visa, national visa or another legally recognised basis for entry and stay may also be required.

Foreign trainees and interns may be granted work permits for up to one year, allowing them to gain professional experience in Lithuania.

Foreign nationals are exempted from the need to obtain a work permit in Lithuania if the following conditions are fulfilled:

• A foreign national who establishes or acquires a Lithuanian company does not automatically obtain the right to reside or work in Lithuania. Non-EU nationals intending to manage or work in their Lithuanian company must satisfy the applicable immigration requirements. A temporary residence permit based on lawful business activities may be available under Article 45 of the Lithuanian Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, provided that the company meets the statutory requirements concerning genuine business activity, operational history, capital, employment and the applicant’s ownership or management position.
• Appointment as the director of a Lithuanian company with authorised share capital of EUR 28,000 does not automatically exempt a third-country national from immigration requirements or grant the right to work in Lithuania. Under the standard business residence permit route, the company must generally demonstrate equity capital of at least EUR 28,000, the required genuine business activity in Lithuania for at least six months and qualifying employment arrangements. Where the applicant relies on shareholder status, a personal investment of at least EUR 14,000 and the applicable ownership requirements must also be satisfied.
• A foreign national stays in Lithuania for up to three months per year to participate in negotiations necessary for the conclusion and fulfilment of contracts.
• An alien works for a foreign legal entity from a World Trade Organisation member country and is transferred to Lithuania to work in a subsidiary, branch or representative office.

Requirements for foreigners intending to work in Lithuania:

• At least one year of work experience under an employment contract in a legal institution.
• The position held must be a management position or the specialist must have specific knowledge required for the company’s operations.
• The duration of employment of a foreigner in Lithuania is limited to three years, but this restriction does not apply to company executives.

A work permit may be cancelled in the following cases:

• Obtaining a permit by deception.
• Termination of employment contract.
• Cancellation of residence permit.

All labour relations are regulated by the Labour Code, laws of the Republic of Lithuania and European Union regulations.

Temporary residence permit in Lithuania

 A Lithuanian temporary residence permit is generally issued for the period established by the relevant immigration category. Employment-based residence permits are commonly issued for up to two years, while EU Blue Cards and other categories may have different validity periods. A temporary residence permit and a national visa are separate immigration documents. A national visa is not automatically issued on the basis of a temporary residence permit, and it does not generally replace the residence permit required for ordinary employment in Lithuania. The peculiarities of the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit are as follows:

• Since 1 July 2024, third-country nationals intending to work in Lithuania under the ordinary employment route generally require a Lithuanian temporary residence permit authorising employment. A work permit issued by the Employment Service does not independently grant the right to reside and work in Lithuania. Specific exceptions apply to certain categories, including eligible seasonal workers and other persons expressly exempted under Lithuanian legislation.
• A foreigner does not need to declare residence or wait for a decision on the issuance of a temporary residence permit, which is a faster option for processing documents.
• It is important to obtain a work permit before coming to Lithuania. Otherwise, the Lithuanian Labour Exchange may refuse to issue it.
• Applications for Lithuanian national visas are subject to the processing periods established by the applicable immigration legislation. A decision is generally made within 15 calendar days after receipt of an admissible application, although the period may be extended where additional examination or supporting documentation is required. A national visa is available only for the purposes expressly permitted by law and should not be presented as the standard immigration route for ordinary employment in Lithuania.

These conditions help to simplify and speed up the procedure of entry and stay in Lithuania for foreign nationals planning to work or stay in the country for a long period of time.

Procedure for issuing a work permit in Lithuania

The procedure for issuing a work permit in Lithuania includes the following steps:

1. Employer’s application: The employer must submit an application to the local branch of the labour exchange and register the vacancy. The open vacancy must be advertised for at least 14 calendar days to allow local candidates to respond to the job offer.
2. Labour exchange check: After receiving all the necessary documents from the employer, the labour exchange carries out a check to ensure that the employer meets all the requirements, including the legality of the employer’s activities, the absence of information about bankruptcy and other relevant aspects. This verification is necessary to confirm the reliability and legality of the business.
3. Decision-making: Territorial units of the Lithuanian Labour Exchange examine the application and attached documents within one month from the date of submission of the application. Depending on the results of the check and the availability of suitable candidates among the local population, the labour exchange makes a decision to issue or refuse to issue a work permit to a foreign citizen.

This procedure ensures transparency and compliance with the rules for hiring foreign specialists, facilitating compliance with Lithuanian labour legislation.

No need to assess labour market needs

In the context of Lithuanian migration policy, there are simplifications for foreign specialists whose professions are on the list of in-demand professions. These simplifications significantly facilitate the process of employment and residence in Lithuania:

1. Since 2025, Lithuania has applied a unified annual quota to temporary residence permits issued under the ordinary employment route, rather than separate quotas for different economic sectors or general shortage occupations. Third-country nationals cannot ordinarily begin employment in Lithuania solely on the basis of a national visa because their occupation is in demand. They must obtain the appropriate residence authorisation unless a statutory exception applies. The 2026 employment quota of 24,706 was exhausted on 7 September 2026. Following exhaustion of the quota, ordinary employment-based residence permits are generally available only where the applicable higher salary requirements or other statutory exceptions are satisfied.
2. Paying a salary above the national average:
   • A Lithuanian EU Blue Card may be issued to an eligible highly qualified third-country national who meets the applicable professional qualification, employment contract and remuneration requirements. The minimum remuneration threshold is generally 1.5 times the relevant national average monthly gross wage, or 1.2 times that wage for qualifying high-value-added shortage occupations. A salary equal to three average monthly wages is not a general requirement for obtaining an EU Blue Card. Applicants must submit the required documentation through MIGRIS and satisfy the applicable immigration conditions.
   • A residence permit in such cases is issued in one month in general or 15 days in urgent cases.
3. Highly trained professionals:
   • Highly qualified foreigners who are promised a salary of at least 1.5 times the gross national average monthly salary are also eligible for a temporary residence permit.
   • Applications for such authorisation shall be processed within two months under the general procedure or one month under the urgent procedure.

These provisions make it possible to attract qualified foreign specialists to the Lithuanian labour market by simplifying visa and residence permit procedures, which facilitates the integration of foreigners into the country’s economy.

Procedure for issuing a work permit in Lithuania

The process of issuing a work permit in Lithuania is structured to ensure compliance with the legislative and economic interests of the country and to attract qualified foreign specialists. Here is a detailed description of the issuance procedure:

1. Application and registration of the vacancy: The employer must apply to the local labour exchange and register the vacant job. The vacancy must be publicly advertised for at least 14 calendar days to ensure that the information is available to potential candidates.
2. Verification of documents and compliance with requirements: Before issuing a permit, the Labour Exchange carries out a thorough check of the documents provided by the employer and the compliance of its activities with Lithuanian legislation. This includes checking for bankruptcy and other aspects of the legality of the activity.
3. Issuance of the work permit: After checking and confirming that all requirements are met, the labour exchange and its regional offices issue the work permit. This process usually takes no more than one month.

No need for labour market needs assessment:

• Foreign citizens who have a temporary residence permit and whose profession is on the list of in-demand professions are exempted from the requirement to assess labour market needs.
• The same exemption is granted to foreigners who have graduated from higher or vocational education institutions in Lithuania, which facilitates their integration into the local labour market.

These measures are aimed at facilitating the recruitment of foreign specialists in sectors where there is a shortage of qualified personnel and encouraging foreign students to stay and work in Lithuania after graduation.

Who does not need to obtain a work permit in Lithuania?

There are certain categories of foreign nationals in Lithuania who do not need to obtain a work permit. This simplifies the process of their employment and integration into Lithuanian society. Such categories include:

1. Family members of Lithuanian and European Union citizens:
   • Third-country nationals who are family members of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and who have obtained a temporary residence permit or a residence permit within the framework of family reunification.
   • Citizens who have received a family member card of a European Union citizen, confirming the right to temporary or permanent residence.
2. Citizens of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA):
   • These citizens are free to work in Lithuania without the need to obtain additional authorisations.
3. Highly trained professionals:
   • Aliens working in professions included in the list of professions in demand in the Republic of Lithuania.
   • Highly qualified foreign professionals may qualify for an EU Blue Card where they meet the applicable qualification, employment and salary requirements. Depending on the occupation, the minimum salary is generally 1.2 or 1.5 times the relevant national average monthly gross wage. The stated amount of EUR 2,629.20 is outdated and does not represent three average monthly salaries. The applicable salary threshold must be calculated using the official wage indicator relevant to the application.
   • Aliens who have worked in Lithuania for two years as a highly qualified specialist and apply for the extension of a temporary residence permit.
4. Graduates of Lithuanian educational institutions:
   • Foreigners who have graduated from a higher or vocational education institution in Lithuania and intend to work in accordance with the obtained qualification. They need to submit a diploma or other document confirming the qualification.
5. Specialists in certain fields:
   • Lithuania’s employment-based immigration system changed substantially in 2025. A unified annual quota now applies to ordinary employment-based temporary residence permits across economic sectors, replacing the previous sector-specific quota arrangements. For 2026, the quota was set at 24,706 and was exhausted on 7 September 2026. Following exhaustion of the quota, a temporary residence permit under the relevant employment route may generally be issued where the employer undertakes to pay at least 1.2 times the latest published national average monthly gross wage, or at least the national average monthly gross wage for occupations included in the qualifying high-value-added shortage occupation list. Separate statutory exemptions may apply.

These measures are aimed at stimulating the inflow of skilled foreign workers, as well as simplifying procedures for their entry and stay in the country.

Work in Lithuania

In recent years Lithuania has been attracting more and more foreign specialists due to its economic growth and open labour market. The employment process in this country differs significantly for EU citizens and third-country nationals.

For EU citizens: Citizens of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) do not need a work permit to work in Lithuania. This is ensured due to the rules of free movement of labour within the EU, which makes the recruitment process easier and faster.

For third-country nationals: For citizens from countries outside the European Union, the employment process in Lithuania requires more thorough preparation. As a rule, it is necessary to obtain one of the following authorisations:

1. Work permit: This is a document issued by the labour exchange or other authorised body that confirms the right of a foreigner to take up a certain job in Lithuania. Obtaining a permit is often connected with checking that there are no suitable candidates from among Lithuanian or other EU citizens on the local labour market.
2. Decision on the relevance of the foreign job to the needs of the labour market: This is especially important for highly qualified specialists whose professions are on the list of in-demand professions. In such cases, the authorities assess whether the proposed work meets the current needs of the Lithuanian economy.

In addition, a temporary residence permit or a residence permit is required for long-term stay and work, which allows foreigners to stay and work legally in the country. Obtaining these documents also requires proof of a legal source of income sufficient for living in Lithuania and the absence of a criminal record.

These procedures ensure the legal and controlled stay of foreign workers, contributing to the sustainable development of the economy and the supply of labour for important sectors.

A work permit and a decision on the suitability of the foreign job to the needs of the Lithuanian labour market?

 The differences between a work permit and a decision on the suitability of a foreign job for the needs of the Lithuanian labour market lie in the purpose of these documents, their validity periods and procedures for obtaining them.

Work Permit:

• Purpose: This document allows foreigners to work in Lithuania and is the basis for obtaining a national work visa.
• Validity Period: Usually issued for one year.
• Application: The work permit allows you to apply for a national work visa, which is required for business travellers, seasonal workers and ship crew members.
• Conditions of stay: A Schengen visa or visa-free entry does not generally authorise a third-country national to take up employment in Lithuania. Since 1 July 2024, ordinary employment generally requires a Lithuanian temporary residence permit authorising the relevant work, unless a specific statutory exception applies. Possession of a work permit does not automatically override these requirements.

Decision on the relevance of the foreign job to the needs of the labour market:

• Purpose: This document confirms that the work to be performed by the alien corresponds to the economic needs of Lithuania and cannot be performed by local resources.
• Term of validity: Issued for a period of up to two years.
• Application: On the basis of this document, the foreigner can apply for a residence permit, which is necessary to start working.
• Working conditions: A foreigner can start working only after obtaining a residence permit.

Special conditions for highly qualified specialists:

• Highly skilled professionals applying for an EU Blue Card do not need a decision on the suitability of the job for the labour market. The EU Blue Card is a residence and work authorisation for eligible highly qualified third-country nationals under Directive (EU) 2021/1883. A Lithuanian EU Blue Card permits the holder to reside and work in Lithuania under the applicable conditions. It does not automatically confer an unrestricted right to work in every EU Member State. Mobility to another participating Member State is subject to the conditions and procedures established by the EU Blue Card Directive and the relevant national legislation. Ireland and Denmark do not participate in the EU Blue Card framework.

These differences highlight the different role of each document in regulating labour migration and integration of foreign workers into the Lithuanian economy.

Qualification requirements for aliens in Lithuania

In order to obtain a work permit or a decision to meet the needs of the Lithuanian labour market in Lithuania, aliens must meet one of the following qualification requirements:

1. Relevant qualifications: The foreigner must have professional or academic qualifications that are relevant to the requirements of the job to be performed. This means that the level of education and specialisation must be suitable for the tasks and duties to be performed.
2. Work experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience in the last three years is required. This shows that the candidate has relevant knowledge and skills that can be applied in a new job in Lithuania.
3. Salary level: The foreigner is expected to be paid at least the latest published average monthly gross salary in the national economy. This indicator reflects the general economic situation in the country and ensures that the foreign worker receives a decent wage comparable to that of local professionals.

These requirements help to ensure that foreigners invited to work in Lithuania make a positive contribution to the country’s economy and that they have the necessary knowledge and skills for their positions. They also contribute to fair working conditions and competition in the labour market.

The process of issuing a work permit or eligibility decision

The process of issuing a work permit or deciding whether to meet the needs of the Lithuanian labour market is a key element in the regulation of labour migration in Lithuania. Here are the steps to be taken by the employer and the foreign worker:

For the employer:

1. Registering a vacancy: An employer must register a vacant workplace with the Lithuanian Employment Service. This is the first step to start the process of searching for candidates both among locals and foreign workers.
2. Priority to local candidates: When registering a vacancy, priority is given to Lithuanian citizens, other EU citizens, as well as foreigners with a permanent residence permit in Lithuania. If no suitable local candidates are found, the employer may proceed to the next step.
3. Applying for a permit: The employer completes and submits an application to the Labour Office for the issuance of a work permit or a decision on eligibility for a specific foreign worker.
4. Consideration of the application: The TE Office considers the application and makes a decision within seven working days.

For the foreign worker:

1. Obtaining a permit: An alien must obtain a work permit before starting work or concluding an employment contract in Lithuania. This ensures that all procedural requirements are met and the alien’s work in Lithuania is legal.
2. Having permits at the same time: It is important to note that a foreigner can only have one valid work permit at a time.

This process helps to ensure compliance with Lithuanian and European laws on the employment of foreigners, promotes the protection of workers’ rights and maintains a balance in the labour market by preventing uncontrolled influx of foreign workers.

In Lithuania, there are certain cases when foreign nationals are not required to obtain a work permit or a decision on the suitability of the foreign job to the needs of the labour market. Here are the main categories that do not require it:

1. EU and EFTA citizens: Due to the European Union’s rules on freedom of movement, EU and EFTA citizens can work in Lithuania without additional permits.
2. Foreigners with permanent residence permit: These persons have already undergone the procedure of integration into Lithuanian society and economy, which entitles them to work without special permits.
3. Family members of Lithuanian citizens: If a foreigner is a family member of a Lithuanian citizen and has obtained a residence permit on the basis of family reunification, he/she does not need a separate work permit.
4. Students: Foreigners who have obtained a residence permit on the basis of their studies in Lithuania may work without authorisation within certain limits.
5. Specialists in scarce professions: If the alien’s profession is included in the list of professions for which there is a shortage of qualified workers in Lithuania and if the quota has not been exhausted, such an alien does not need a work permit.
6. Highly paid professionals: If the foreigner’s salary is at least three average monthly salaries before taxes.
7. Trainees: Foreigners who have come to Lithuania for an internship.
8. Remote employment does not automatically exempt a third-country national from Lithuanian immigration or work authorisation requirements. The applicable rules depend on where the employee physically performs their duties, their nationality, immigration status and the legal basis of employment. Working remotely for a Lithuanian company from another country does not automatically create a right to reside or work in Lithuania.
9. Candidates for the Blue Card: This document allows highly qualified specialists to work in Lithuania without a separate work permit.

Additional steps after obtaining authorisation

After obtaining the work permit or the relevant decision, the employer must enter the data into the MIGRIS system via an intermediary letter, which is the basis for the foreigner to apply for a national visa or residence permit. If the foreigner has several employers, the first employer submits the intermediary letter, but all employers must fulfil the conditions for granting a temporary residence permit.

National visa (D) in Lithuania

The national visa type D in Lithuania provides foreigners with the possibility to enter and stay in the country with certain restrictions and conditions. Here are the main aspects concerning this visa:

1. Validity Period: The visa is issued for a maximum period of one year. It allows foreigners to stay in Lithuania for a longer period of time for study, work or other reasons.
2. Stay in the Schengen area: The holder of a national D visa may stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This allows some freedom of movement within Europe, but with a limit on the length of stay.
3. Identification number: Aliens staying in Lithuania on a national visa D are not issued a personal identification number, which limits access to some public and commercial services.
4. Gyvenamosios vietos registracija: Holders of this visa cannot declare their place of residence in Lithuania, which may be a significant restriction for those planning a long-term stay.
5. Sveikatos draudimas: Foreigners on a national D visa are not insured under the Lithuanian compulsory health insurance (CMI) system, which requires them to purchase private health insurance to cover possible medical expenses.
6. Self-employment: The National D visa does not grant the right to self-employment, limiting business opportunities.
7. Change of employer: Foreigners staying in Lithuania on a national visa D cannot change employers. This makes their situation dependent on one employer, which may limit their flexibility in the labour market.

These conditions make the national D visa a suitable choice for those who plan temporary but not permanent residence in Lithuania, while visa holders should be prepared for certain restrictions on their rights and opportunities in the country.

Leidimas gyventi Lietuvoje

A residence permit in Lithuania is an important document that allows foreigners to legally reside and work in the country for a long period of time. Here are the key aspects related to obtaining and operating a residence permit:

Key Features:

1. Trukmė: A residence permit can be granted for a period of one to three years and depends on the reason for granting it, such as employment.
2. Place of application: An application for obtaining or cancelling a residence permit can be submitted either abroad through an external service provider or at a branch of the Migration Department in Lithuania.
3. Rights and obligations: A residence permit grants the right to reside permanently in Lithuania for the duration of its validity, including the right to work and the possibility to declare residence. In addition, the holder of a residence permit receives a personal identification number, which facilitates access to various public and commercial services.
4. Stay in the Schengen area: As with a national visa, the holder of a residence permit may stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in each 180-day period.
5. Additional requirements: A residence permit requires the submission of additional documents, such as a criminal record certificate and an obligation to declare residence in Lithuania.
6. Extension possibility: A residence permit may be extended after its expiry, provided that the foreigner complies with the law and there are grounds for extension.
7. Insurance and self-employment: Holding a Lithuanian temporary residence permit does not automatically provide compulsory health insurance coverage or an unrestricted right to undertake self-employment. Eligibility for compulsory health insurance depends on the individual’s employment, social insurance status and other statutory conditions. The right to work or conduct business also depends on the legal grounds on which the residence permit was issued. Foreign nationals must ensure that their intended activities are permitted under their immigration status.

Special Conditions:

If the residence permit is issued on the basis of employment, the employer is obliged to notify the Migration Department of the termination of the employment relationship with the alien within seven working days. In case of termination of the employment relationship, the residence permit may be cancelled and the alien will have to leave Lithuania, unless he/she finds another reason to extend his/her status.

If a foreigner is in Lithuania on a national visa type D issued on the basis of employment and plans to continue his/her activity in the country after the visa expires, he/she needs to apply for a residence permit in advance. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Application deadlines: The application for a residence permit should be submitted to the Lithuanian Migration Department 2-4 months before the expiry of the national visa. This is necessary to ensure continuity of the right to reside and work in Lithuania, taking into account the time required to process the application.
2. Required Documents: A number of documents will be required to apply, including but not limited to:
   • A valid passport and copies of its pages.
   • Proof of employment, including a contract of employment.
   • Certificate of absence of a criminal record.
   • Confirmation of financial solvency.
   • Documents proving the place of residence in Lithuania.
   • Health Insurance.
3. Application process: The application can be submitted in person at the Migration Department office or through accredited intermediaries. It is important to ensure that all documents are fully compliant to avoid delays or refusal of the residence permit.
4. Transition from visa to residence permit: National visa D allows preparing the basis for further obtaining a residence permit, which will provide greater rights and opportunities for long-term stay in Lithuania.

These steps will help a foreigner to smoothly transition from temporary visa to long-term residence on the basis of employment in Lithuania, ensuring compliance with all migration requirements and legislation of the country.

Company in Lithuania UAB offers comprehensive legal services for foreigners facing various migration situations in Lithuania. Here are the main areas of the company’s work:

1. Support for immigration to Lithuania:
   • Assistance in obtaining a national D visa, which is intended for long-term stay in the country for the purpose of work, study or family reunification.
   • Obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit, which entitles you to long-term residence and access to the labour market.
   • Preparation and submission of documents for obtaining a work permit, which is necessary to legalise the employment of foreigners in Lithuania.
2. Legal aid for illegal immigrants:
   • Representing aliens staying in Lithuania illegally in cases where a decision to return has been taken against them. This may include appealing against such decisions, assisting in drawing up documents for legalisation of status or resolving problems with entry bans.
   • Assistance with the paperwork and procedures that may enable irregular migrants to legalise their stay in the country.
3. Assistance to asylum seekers:
   • Legal support of the asylum request process, including preparation of necessary documents and representation of interests in migration services.

Company in Lithuania UAB aims to provide legal support at all stages of the immigration process, from initial counselling to obtaining all necessary permits and formalising the relevant status in Lithuania. This includes both support for those who are planning their stay in the country and those who have encountered migration challenges and difficulties already on the territory of Lithuania.

If you are planning to come to Lithuania or are already here legally and want to stay for more than 90 days within 180 days, you need to apply for one of the following documents:

1. A Lithuanian national visa (D) is available for specific purposes expressly permitted under Lithuanian immigration legislation. Since 1 July 2024, ordinary employment with a Lithuanian employer generally requires a temporary residence permit rather than a national visa. Family reunification, business management, studies and research activities are subject to their respective immigration rules, and a national visa is not universally available for each of these purposes. Applicants must determine the correct immigration category before submitting an application through MIGRIS.
2. Temporary residence permit (TRP): This status allows long-term residence and work in Lithuania and can be issued on the basis of:
   • Verslas: for example, if you are a manager or shareholder of a company.
   • Employment: including highly skilled professionals who may be issued a Blue Card.
   • Education: for learners and researchers.
   • The HUD is issued for a period of up to 2 years with the possibility of extension.
3. Work permit: Issued by the Employment Service and required for the employment of foreigners who do not fall under the category exempted from the obligation to obtain this permit.

Papildomos paslaugos:

• Counselling on migration issues: Especially relevant for citizens of Ukraine and other countries who need to prepare and submit documents for obtaining a HLP or national visa.
• Assistance in preparing documents for obtaining or extending a HUD residence permit: This includes gathering necessary documents such as proof of sufficient income, housing, health insurance and other required paperwork.

If you are interested in legalising your status in Lithuania or need assistance in employing foreign specialists, professional legal services can significantly facilitate this process and speed up obtaining the necessary permits.

Requirements for obtaining residence permit in Lithuania on the basis of employment

In order to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania on the basis of work, the following requirements must be met and a certain process must be followed:

Applicant Requirements:

1. Availability of a job offer from a Lithuanian employer: It is necessary to have a confirmation that there is an employer in Lithuania who is ready to employ you.
2. Qualifications and work experience: Proof of professional qualifications (diploma, certificate) and at least one year of work experience in the last three years. Alternatively, a salary of at least a certain amount is required (e.g. € 2014 gross in 2024, the amount may change annually).
3. Criminal record certificate: This document must be provided in the original and is valid for six months from the date of issue.

Apostilisation and legalisation of documents:

• Documents issued by state institutions must be apostilled or legalised, except for documents issued in Ukraine and Moldova.

The process of applying for a residence permit:

• Dokumentų rengimas: Takes one to three weeks.
• Consideration of documents: The Migration Department reviews documents within 1.5 or 3 months.

Practical Aspects:

• Submission of documents: Applications for Lithuanian temporary residence permits are submitted electronically through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS). Applicants must attend an appointment for identity verification, biometric data collection and presentation of original documents where required. Depending on the applicant’s nationality, location and eligibility, the appointment may take place at a Migration Department office in Lithuania or an authorised external service provider abroad. Physical travel to Lithuania is not mandatory for every applicant. Once the documents are submitted, the presence of the alien in Lithuania is not required and the final document can be received by the alien in person or through a proxy, e.g. an employer.
• Preparation of documents: It is required to obtain the employer’s contacts, electronic copies of all necessary documents and information from the foreigner.
• Process supervision: Includes registration of documents in electronic systems, registration of visits for document submission and card receipt, as well as correspondence with the Migration Department in case of questions arising in the course of document processing.

This process requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure that all requirements are met and that the process goes smoothly. Contacting professionals who specialise in migration issues can make this task much easier.

Employment of foreigners in Lithuania

Since 1 July 2024, the standard procedure for employing third-country nationals in Lithuania generally requires obtaining a temporary residence permit based on employment. The employer must submit the required mediation letter through MIGRIS and satisfy the applicable employment and immigration conditions. The Lithuanian Employment Service issues work permits only in specific cases where such permits remain legally required. A work permit is not a universal prerequisite for every foreign employee. This process involves several steps and requirements aimed at convincing that a foreigner is actually needed to perform a job for which there are no qualified local or EU candidates.

Steps for obtaining a work permit in Lithuania:

1. Registering a job vacancy: The employer must register the job vacancy with the local labour exchange. This is the first step to enable local or EU citizens to respond to the job offer.
2. Applying: If local candidates do not respond, the employer may apply for a work permit for a foreigner. The application must include:
   • A copy of the foreigner’s arrival document.
   • A copy of a diploma or other document confirming qualification.
   • A copy of a document of professional experience.
   • For regulated occupations, a copy of the authorisation to recognise professional qualifications.
3. Documents from the employer:
   • Confirmation of the need to use a foreign worker.
   • List of dismissed employees for the last three months with reasons for dismissal.
   • Certificate of employment of foreigners in the enterprise, indicating the functions, wages and taxes paid.
4. Consideration of the application: The territorial labour exchange analyses the labour market and, on the basis of the data obtained, decides whether to issue a work permit.

Permit validity period:

A work permit in Lithuania is issued for a period of up to 2 years and may be extended if the employment relationship between the employee and the employer continues.

This process ensures that foreign workers are recruited legally and that candidates from Lithuania and the EU are favoured whenever possible.

What professions are lacking in Lithuania in 2024?

The Employment Service of the Republic of Lithuania provides accurate information on the lack of occupations in Lithuania every six months.

According to the data of the first half of 2024, the following specialists were most lacking in Lithuania: 

• Computer scientist
• Cook
• Farm operator
• Builder of buildings (using traditional materials)
• A property developer with a broad profile
• Concrete Worker
• Concrete Worker
• Installer of prefabricated building structures
• Road repairman
• Ship’s plumber
• Installer of technological pipelines and devices
• Plumber
• Ventilation pipe fitter
• Plumber
• Ship’s hull painter
• Metalwork painter
• Spot welder
• Manual electric welder
• Gas welder
• Electric welder
• Gas electric welder
• Welder
• Metal ship hull assembler
• Metalworker for assembling metal structures
• Metalwork erector [erector]
• Locksmith
• Automatic line operator
• General machinist
• Metalworking machine operator
• Metal grinder
• Metal polisher
• Automotive fitter
• Repair mechanic, repair mechanic, repair mechanic
• Electrical fitter
• Blacksmith-welder
• Sorter of products, semi-finished products and materials
• Building electrician
• Electrician
• Electrician
• Electronic equipment installer
• Installer of electronic devices for signalling systems
• Meat slicer
• butcher
• Preparer of fish semi-finished products
• Pastry chef
• Baker
• Pastry chef
• Packer {food industry}
• Preparer of semi-finished products
• Manufacturer of dairy products
• Food sorter
• Tailor
• Tailor
• Hairdresser
• Shearer
• Tailor (sew the individual parts together)
• Shearer
• Upholsterer of upholstered furniture
• Machine operator for the production of plastic products
• Machine operator for the production of plastic products
• Operator of a polythene bag making machine
• Carpet cleaning equipment operator
• Meat processing plant operator
• Food production line operator
• Paper production shop operator
• Paper sorter
• Hot spot operator
• Filling and packing machine operator
• Packer operator
• Packaging equipment operator
• Electronic component assembler
• Bus driver
• Trolleybus driver
• Driver of an international freight transport vehicle
• Mechaniser
• Lorry driver