Migration questions Lithuania

In Lithuania, there are two types of residence permits: temporary and permanent. They grant foreign citizens the right to legally reside in the country under certain conditions.

Temporary Residence Permit

A temporary residence permit allows a foreigner to live in Lithuania for a limited period, usually from one to two years, with the possibility of extension. The main grounds for obtaining it are:

Employment: You must first find an employer in Lithuania who will arrange a work permit. The employment application is considered within 2 months and is issued for a period not exceeding 2 years.

Business Activities: Registration of a company legally operating for more than 6 months and meeting additional conditions.

Education: Enrollment in an accredited Lithuanian educational institution.

Family Reunification: If your close family members reside in Lithuania, you may apply for a temporary residence permit to join them.

Documents required for obtaining a temporary residence permit:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport and its copies.

- Color photograph (40x60 mm).

- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses (bank statement, employment contract, etc.).

- Criminal record certificate.

- Proof of grounds for residence permit application (e.g., employment contract, marriage certificate).

- Documents for property in Lithuania for accommodation (rental or purchase agreement).

- Receipt of state duty payment.

Application processing times:

The processing time for a temporary residence permit application usually takes up to 2 months. In some cases, an expedited procedure is possible, whereby a decision is made within 45 calendar days.

Permanent Residence Permit

A permanent residence permit allows a foreigner to live indefinitely in Lithuania and confirms resident status. The main grounds for obtaining it are:

- Long-term residence: Living in Lithuania with a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years.

- Lithuanian origin: If you have Lithuanian ancestry.

- Family reunification: If you are moving to join a family member who is a Lithuanian citizen or has a permanent residence permit.

Documents required for obtaining a permanent residence permit:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport and its copies.

- Color photograph (40x60 mm).

- Proof of legal residence in Lithuania for the required period.

- Criminal record certificate.

- Proof of grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit (e.g., documents confirming Lithuanian origin or family ties).

- Receipt of state duty payment.

Application processing times:

The processing time for a permanent residence permit application is up to 3 months. In the case of an expedited procedure, up to 45 calendar days.

Main differences between temporary and permanent residence permits:

Validity: A temporary residence permit is issued for a limited period (usually 1-2 years) with the possibility of extension, whereas a permanent residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be extended.

Rights and responsibilities: Holders of a permanent residence permit have broader rights, including access to social benefits and the ability to work without additional permits.

Eligibility requirements: Obtaining a permanent residence permit requires longer residence in the country and fulfillment of additional conditions, such as knowledge of the Lithuanian language and basics of the Constitution.

It is important to note that having a temporary or permanent residence permit does not automatically grant the right to Lithuanian citizenship but creates prerequisites for obtaining it in the future.

For up-to-date information and consultations, it is recommended to contact the Lithuanian Migration Department or visit the official website: www.migracija.lt. 

To submit documents for obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania, you must follow a specific procedure, including preparing documents, filling out an application, and interacting with immigration authorities.

1. Determine the basis for obtaining a residence permit: Before starting the application process, determine the legal basis for obtaining a residence permit.

2. Prepare the necessary documents: Collect the standard package of documents, which includes:

3. Register in the MIGRIS system: The Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS) allows you to submit residence permit applications online. Register on the official website www.migracija.lt and create a personal account.

4. Fill out the electronic application: In your MIGRIS personal account, fill out the electronic application for a residence permit, upload scans of the necessary documents, and choose a convenient time for visiting the migration service to submit the original documents.

5. Pay the state fee: The size of the state fee depends on the type of residence permit and the urgency of the application review. Pay the fee via bank transfer or online payment, keeping the payment receipt.

6. Visit the migration service: At the appointed time, visit the selected branch of the Lithuanian Migration Department or the office of an external service provider (such as VFS Global) to provide the original documents and submit biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

7. Wait for the application review: The processing time for the application depends on the type of residence permit and may take from 2 to 4 months. In some cases, an expedited review procedure is possible.

8. Receive the decision and residence permit: After the application is approved, you will receive a temporary residence permit in the form of a plastic card. In case of refusal, you will be provided with a written explanation of the reasons.

For up-to-date information and consultations, it is recommended to contact the Lithuanian Migration Department or visit the official website: www.migracija.lt. 

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area, including Switzerland, have special rights when staying and working in Lithuania. These rights are based on the principles of free movement and employment enshrined in EU legislation.

Staying in Lithuania:

Short-term stay: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to stay in Lithuania for up to 90 days without the need for registration.

Long-term stay: If staying beyond 90 days is planned, it is necessary to register your residence in Lithuania. To do so, contact the local branch of the Migration Department and obtain a residence registration certificate. You must have a valid passport or national identity card.

Working in Lithuania:

Employment: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to work in Lithuania without the need for a special work permit. They can freely take up employment, register businesses, or engage in individual economic activity on the same terms as Lithuanian citizens.

Social guarantees: When employed, EU/EEA, and Swiss citizens gain access to social guarantees, including medical insurance and pension provision, on par with Lithuanian citizens.

Features:

Residence registration: When staying in Lithuania for more than 90 days, you must register your place of residence with local government authorities.

Family members: Family members of EU/EEA and Swiss citizens who are not citizens of these countries have the right to family reunification and can obtain the relevant residence permits in Lithuania.

For up-to-date information and consultations, it is recommended to contact the Lithuanian Migration Department or visit the official website: www.migracija.lt.

Citizens of countries not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area face certain requirements and procedures when planning to stay and work in Lithuania. Below are the key aspects to consider:

Visa requirements

Short-term stay: To visit Lithuania for tourism, business meetings, or family visits for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, citizens of most third countries need a Schengen visa. However, some countries have a visa-free regime with the EU; the list of such countries can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania.

Long-term stay: If planning to stay in Lithuania for more than 90 days, a national visa category D must be obtained. This visa is issued for specific purposes such as study, work, or family reunification.

Work Permit

Obtaining a permit: Citizens of third countries are required to obtain a work permit before starting employment in Lithuania. The employer must initiate the process by contacting the Lithuanian Employment Service with an application stating their intention to hire a foreign worker.

Exceptions: Certain categories of foreign citizens are exempt from the need to obtain a work permit, for example, highly qualified specialists holding an EU Blue Card or participants in exchange programs.

Residence Permit

Temporary residence permit: After obtaining a work permit and a category D national visa, a foreign citizen can apply for a temporary residence permit. This document allows legal residence and work in Lithuania for a specific term, usually up to two years, with the possibility of extension.

Permanent residence permit: After continuous residence in Lithuania with a temporary residence permit for five years, one can apply for a permanent residence permit, which provides broader rights and residential stability.

Social Guarantees and Taxation

Social insurance: Foreign workers are required to participate in Lithuania's social insurance system, which provides access to medical services, pension benefits, and other social guarantees.

Taxes: Income of foreign workers is subject to taxation according to Lithuanian law.

Features for Citizens of Certain Countries

Citizens of EAEU countries: Citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) have simplified employment conditions in Lithuania. They can work without the need to obtain a work permit, but must comply with certain registration and taxation procedures.

New Entry System

Entry/Exit System (EES): An automated entry and exit registration system for citizens of third countries crossing the Schengen area's external borders is planned to be introduced soon. The EES will record biometric data and border-crossing information, replacing passport stamping. This innovation aims to enhance compliance with stay durations and improve security.

Recommendations: Contact the Lithuanian consulate or specialized migration services to obtain up-to-date information and consultations on visa and migration procedures.

For detailed and current information, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Lithuanian Migration Department: www.migracija.lt. 

Extending a residence permit in Lithuania requires timely preparation and compliance with certain procedures.

Application submission deadlines

Temporary residence permit: Documents for extension must be submitted no earlier than 4 months and no later than 2 months before the current residence permit expires.

Permanent residence permit: The application is submitted through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS).

Preparation of necessary documents

- Completed application form as prescribed.

- Valid passport (original and copies of pages with records).

- Photograph size 40x60 mm, taken no earlier than 3 months before the application submission.

- Valid residence permit (original and copy).

- Documents proving the basis for extending the residence permit (such as a work contract, marriage certificate, study confirmation).

- Proof of sufficient funds for living in Lithuania.

- Health insurance valid in Lithuania.

- Certificate of no criminal record (if required).

Application submission

Through the MIGRIS system: Register in the MIGRIS system and complete the electronic application by uploading all necessary documents.

Personal visit: After submitting the application through MIGRIS, you must schedule an appointment at a local Migration Department office to provide original documents and submit biometric data.

Payment of State Fee

The fee amount depends on the type of residence permit and the urgency of the application review. Payment can be made via bank transfer or directly at the migration service office.

Application Review

The review period for a residence permit extension application is usually up to 2 months. For expedited processing, it is up to 1 month.

Obtaining a New Residence Permit

After the application is approved, you will be issued a new residence permit. Its validity depends on the basis for the extension.

Important Considerations

Timely submission of the application: Failing to meet submission deadlines may require leaving Lithuania and reapplying from abroad.

Document validity: All submitted documents must be valid and, if necessary, translated into Lithuanian and notarized.

Changes in Legislation: As of November 30, 2024, Lithuania has tightened the rules for submitting residence permit applications for foreigners using external service providers outside the country. Now such providers can only accept applications from citizens of the country in which they operate.

For current information and consultations, it is recommended to contact the Lithuanian Migration Department or visit the official website: www.migracija.lt. 

To obtain a residence permit in Lithuania, foreign citizens are required to have medical insurance that meets certain requirements.

Determine the Type of Insurance Needed

Private Medical Insurance: Required for obtaining a temporary residence permit. The policy should cover emergency medical care and inpatient treatment expenses.

Mandatory Health Insurance: Applies to individuals eligible for state health insurance in Lithuania, such as those officially employed or registered with the Employment Service. In such cases, a private policy may not be required.

Requirements for Private Medical Insurance Policy

Minimum Coverage Amount: At least 5,792 euros.

Validity Period: The policy must be valid for the entire intended stay in Lithuania. If the residence permit is issued for a longer period, it may be necessary to obtain several successive policies covering the entire period.

Policy Language: The insurance contract must be written in one of the following languages: Lithuanian, English, Russian, French, or German.

Choice of Insurance Company: Many insurance companies operate in Lithuania offering medical policies for foreigners, including BTA, Gjensidige, Seesam, Ergo, Lietuvos draudimas, and IF.

Specifics for Students:

Students arriving in Lithuania for studies must obtain a private medical insurance policy that meets the standard requirements set for insurance agreements for obtaining a residence permit.

Important Notes

Timely Arrangement: Ensure the policy is active at the time of submitting the residence permit application and covers the entire intended period of stay.

Policy Renewal: When extending a residence permit, a valid medical insurance policy for the new period of stay must be provided.

For additional information and consultations, it is recommended to contact the Lithuanian Migration Department or visit their official website: www.migracija.lt.

Obtaining citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania is regulated by the "Law on Citizenship" and can be achieved in several ways: by birth, through naturalization, in a simplified order, by restoring citizenship, and for special merits to the state.

Citizenship by Birth

A child automatically acquires Lithuanian citizenship if:

- Both parents are Lithuanian citizens.

- One parent is a Lithuanian citizen and the other is stateless or unknown.

- One parent is a Lithuanian citizen and the other is a citizen of a foreign state, provided the child was born on the territory of Lithuania.

If the child is born outside of Lithuania, and one parent is a Lithuanian citizen, the issue of citizenship is resolved depending on the circumstances.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Foreign citizens can obtain Lithuanian citizenship by meeting the following conditions:

- Continuous residence in Lithuania for at least 10 years.

- Possession of a permanent residence permit.

- Sufficient knowledge of the Lithuanian language.

- Knowledge of the basics of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania.

- A legal source of income.

- Renunciation of previous citizenship, except in cases provided by law.

Simplified Citizenship

Persons of Lithuanian descent, meaning those who have at least one parent or grandparent who was Lithuanian, have the right to simplified citizenship. In this case, long-term residence in Lithuania, language and Constitution exams are not required. However, it is necessary to renounce another citizenship unless otherwise provided by law.

Restoration of Citizenship

Persons who have lost Lithuanian citizenship can restore it by submitting the appropriate application and renouncing another citizenship, unless otherwise provided by law.

Citizenship for Special Merit

Foreign citizens who have special merits to Lithuania in the fields of culture, science, economy, or sports may obtain citizenship by decision of the President of the Republic of Lithuania.

Application Procedure

Applications for citizenship are submitted to the Lithuanian Migration Department. The necessary documents include:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport.

- Documents confirming the grounds for obtaining citizenship (e.g., birth certificates, residency documents, language proficiency certificates).

- Photographs of the established type.

- Receipt of payment of the state fee.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with the current requirements and procedure on the official website of the Lithuanian Migration Department: www.migracija.lt.

Features of Dual Citizenship

Lithuanian legislation limits the possibility of dual citizenship. However, in some cases, such as for persons of Lithuanian descent or when obtaining citizenship in a simplified manner, retaining another citizenship is allowed. Each case is considered individually, and the decision is made based on the current legislation. 

Holders of a temporary residence permit in Lithuania have the right to freely leave and return to the country. However, when planning trips, several important aspects should be considered:

Validity of the residence permit:

Period of validity: Ensure that your residence permit will be valid upon your return to Lithuania. If the document's validity expires while you are outside the country, it may cause difficulties when re-entering.

Travel within the Schengen Zone:

Freedom of movement: Lithuania is part of the Schengen Zone, so holders of a Lithuanian residence permit can freely travel to other Schengen Agreement countries without requiring additional visas.

Travel outside the Schengen Zone:

Visa requirements: When traveling to countries not part of the Schengen Zone, it is necessary to consider the visa requirements of these states. Having a Lithuanian residence permit does not exempt from needing a visa for such countries.

Entry into Lithuania:

Presentation of documents: Upon returning to Lithuania, you must present a valid passport and residence permit card.

For up-to-date information and consultations, it is recommended to contact the Lithuanian Migration Department or visit their official website: www.migracija.lt. 

Receiving a refusal to grant a residence permit in Lithuania can be caused by various reasons, such as an incomplete set of documents, non-compliance with requirements, or other circumstances. In the event of receiving a refusal, it is recommended to take the following steps:

Analyze the reason for refusal

Review the notice of refusal: The decision usually specifies specific reasons for refusal. Examine them carefully to understand which requirements were not met or which documents are missing.

Right to appeal

Appeal Deadlines: According to Lithuanian law, you have the right to appeal a denial decision within 14 days of receiving it.

Appeal Procedure: The appeal must be submitted in writing to the relevant administrative court. The complaint should include your details, the essence of the decision, the reasons you disagree with the denial, and attach supporting documents.

Preparation for Appeal

Collecting Additional Documents: If the reason for denial was the absence of certain documents or insufficient information, gather the missing materials.

Legal Consultation: It is recommended to seek assistance from a lawyer specializing in Lithuanian immigration law for professional help in preparing the appeal.

Filing the Appeal:

Place of Submission: The appeal is filed in the administrative court at the location of the authority that made the decision to deny.

Content of the Appeal: The appeal should clearly state the reasons for disagreeing with the decision, provide evidence, and justify your position.

Appeal Review

Review Deadlines: The court reviews the appeal within the time frame specified by law.

Court Decision: Based on the review, the court may reverse the decision to deny and require the immigration authorities to reconsider your application or leave the decision unchanged.

Further Actions:

If the appeal is granted: If the court rules in your favor, you will be able to proceed with the residence permit application process.

If the appeal is denied: If the court upholds the denial decision, you may submit a new residence permit application, correcting the previous deficiencies, or appeal the decision to a higher court.

For additional information and guidance, it is recommended to contact the Lithuanian Migration Department or visit their official website: www.migracija.lt.

Note that from July 1, 2024, changes to the legislation have come into effect in Lithuania: the decision to annul a residence permit is no longer suspended during a court appeal. This means that the residence permit will be invalidated regardless of the appeal submission, and the foreigner must leave the country within 14 days of the residence permit annulment.

Therefore, upon receiving a denial of a residence permit, it is crucial to act promptly, thoroughly prepare all necessary documents, and seek professional legal assistance if needed. 

During immigration procedures in Lithuania, foreign citizens may require the assistance of a translator, especially if the documents are in foreign languages or the applicant does not speak Lithuanian.

Finding a Qualified Translator

There are many translation agencies in Lithuania that provide document translation and certification services.

There are migration information centers in Lithuania, such as MiCenter.lt, which offer free consultations and services in Lithuanian, Russian, and English. They can assist with document translation and certification.

Thus, for successful completion of immigration procedures in Lithuania, it is important to ensure quality translation of documents into Lithuanian and, if necessary, their proper certification. Turning to professional translators or specialized agencies will help meet all requirements and expedite the processing.