Work visas in Lithuania: An employer’s guide

Lithuania is an increasingly attractive destination for businesses and skilled workers. As an EU member state with a growing economy, the country welcomes foreign professionals, but navigating the work visa and work permit process is essential for compliance.

Whether you are an employer relocating talent or an individual seeking opportunities in Lithuania, this guide explains the main types of authorization, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Who needs a work visa or permit in Lithuania?

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are free to live and work in Lithuania without a visa or permit.
• Non-EU citizens or non-EEA citizens require a work permit and usually a temporary residence permit to work legally.
• Highly skilled professionals may qualify for the EU Blue Card, a streamlined residence permit for top talent.

What are the types of work authorization in Lithuania?

National long-term visa

If your profession is on Lithuania’s shortage occupation list, or if your employer has secured a work permit for you, you may apply for a national long-term visa at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate.

• Processing time: about 15 days.
• Validity: up to 1 year (not renewable).
• During the visa’s validity, you can apply for a temporary residence permit from within Lithuania.

Temporary residence permit

If your profession is on the shortage list or your employer receives a decision from the Employment Service confirming that your role meets labor market needs, you can apply for a temporary residence permit.

• Apply at the Lithuanian embassy/consulate in your country or, if already in Lithuania legally, through the Migration Department.
• Since September 2019, all temporary residence permit applications must go through the Migration Department.
• Processing time: up to 4 months (or 2 months with an additional fee). While waiting, you may be issued a national long-term visa for up to 5 months to remain in Lithuania.
• Validity: up to 2 years, tied to your work permit or employment contract.

Work permit or labour market decision

In some cases, a foreign worker needs either a work permit or a decision confirming that their job meets Lithuanian labour market needs.

• Employer must first register the vacancy with the Employment Service.
• Within 1 month, the employer may apply for a work permit or decision.
• Processing time: usually within 7 working days.

What are the documents required to apply for a long-term visa and permit in Lithuania?

For a national long-term visa:

• Completed electronic visa application.
• Valid passport and photo.
• Mediation letter submitted by the employer.
• Work permit.
• Proof of financial resources.
• Health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000).

For a temporary residence permit:

• Completed residence permit application form
• Valid passport.
• Mediation letter submitted by the employer.
• Work permit or Employment Service decision (can be submitted later if pending).
• Proof of funds and/or income.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Health insurance (minimum coverage €6,000).
• Criminal record certificates from countries lived in during the past 2 years (for first-time applicants).
• List of foreign travel and stays.
• Biometric data (fingerprints and face photo).

Duration and renewal of visas and permits

Work permits – Up to 2 years. May be extended, but total validity cannot exceed 2 years.
Temporary residence permits – Up to 2 years, renewable if employment continues.

• National long-term visa – Up to 1 year, not renewable.

Renewal process:

• Apply at least 2 months before expiry (but no earlier than 4 months).
• Decisions within 2 months, or within 1 month for an additional fee.
• If you fail to renew before expiry, you must leave Lithuania and apply from abroad.

What are employer obligations while hiring foreigners in Lithuania?

Employers hiring non-EU/EEA citizens must:

• Register vacancies with the Employment Service.
• Ensure compliance with Lithuanian employment laws.
• Register employees with social security for healthcare and pension contributions.
• Track and manage work/residence permit validity.

Practical tips for employers and employees

• Start early: Residence permit applications can take months.
• Check shortage lists: If your role is on the shortage occupation list, applications are faster.
• Prepare documents carefully: Translations and formatting errors are a common cause of delays.
  Use MIGRIS system: Lithuania’s online Migration Information System streamlines applications.

How Remote makes compliance in Lithuania  easier

Hiring employees in Lithuania or relocating existing employees to the country can be extremely complicated without the proper localized guidance. Apart from navigating the Lithuanian immigration system, you’ll have to continually ensure you’re complying with the country’s employment and tax laws.

An effective way to simplify this process is by working with Remote’s Employer of Record (EOR) service. Remote helps businesses handle every aspect of international employment — from taxes and payroll to benefits to relocation.

To learn more, download Remote’s Relocation Guide or contact the Remote Mobility team.