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Guide to Obtaining a Work Visa in Lithuania

If you’re an EU/EEA citizen, you have the freedom to work in Lithuania without a visa, although you must register your stay after three months. However, for non-EU/EEA citizens, a work visa, work permit, or residence permit is mandatory to work in Lithuania.

Types of Lithuania Work Permits

  1. EU Blue Card in Lithuania: If you’re a highly skilled worker with a higher education and at least five years of professional experience equivalent to higher education, you might be eligible for the EU Blue Card. To qualify, your profession should be on the list of professions lacking skilled workers in Lithuania, and your employer must pay you at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary. The EU Blue Card grants you a temporary residence permit valid for two years, and you can apply through MIGRIS, the Lithuanian Migration Information System.
  2. Intra-company Transfer Work Visa: This type of visa is for employees being sent to work in a branch or subsidiary of their company in Lithuania. Eligible roles include managers, specialists, employees, trainees, or students on internships. Upon arrival, you must apply for a residence permit via MIGRIS.
  3. Work Permit in Lithuania: This is the most common work visa for those who have secured employment in Lithuania. Your employer may need to apply for a work permit from the Labor Services in Lithuania on your behalf. Once you receive a work permit, you must apply for a national D visa to enter Lithuania, which allows you to stay for up to a year. Note that work permit holders usually don’t receive residence permits.
  4. Seasonal Work Permit: This permit is only issued if there are no suitable Lithuanian candidates for the seasonal work position, you have a place of residence in Lithuania, and the job is on the approved list of seasonal work.

Applying for a Lithuania Work Visa

To apply for a Lithuania work visa, follow these steps:

  1. Obtain the Work Permit: Your employer needs to apply for a work permit on your behalf through the Lithuania Labour Exchange. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of work visa.
  2. Locate the Nearest Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate: Before applying for a temporary residence permit, visit the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for a work visa.
  3. Fill out the Application Form: The Migration Department’s website provides an online application form where you specify the type of visa you’re applying for.
  4. Collect Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, photographs, and valid health insurance, as specified by the requirements.
  5. Attend an Appointment: Submit your documents during your embassy or consulate appointment.
  6. Wait for a Response: Processing times typically take around two weeks, so be patient while awaiting a decision.

After You Enter Lithuania

Upon arrival in Lithuania, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit, but only if your work visa leads to a residence permit. Contact the Lithuanian Migration Department for further guidance.

You will need to complete the application for a temporary residence permit via MIGRIS and register your residence at the Migration Office. If your residence is under someone else’s name, you must submit a permit signed by the owner.

Lithuania Work Visa Processing Time

The standard processing time for a Lithuania work visa is approximately two weeks. To expedite your application, start the process up to six months before your planned trip to Lithuania. The sooner you apply, the quicker you’ll receive a decision.

In conclusion, Lithuania offers a range of work visas to suit different employment situations. By understanding the requirements and following the application process diligently, you can unlock the opportunities that await you in this beautiful Baltic nation.