Key Takeaways:
- EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Lithuania; non-EU/EEA need work or residence permits.
- Lithuania offers multiple types of work permits: EU Blue Card, intra-company transfer, general permit, seasonal work.
- Essential documents include a completed visa form, valid passport, work permit, financial proof, health insurance, and criminal record.
Who Needs a Lithuania Work Visa?
If you are planning to work in Lithuania, it is essential to understand whether or not you need a work visa. Citizens from the EU/EEA can freely work in Lithuania but must register their stay after three months. However, non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for either a Lithuania work visa, a work permit, or a residence permit. Knowing the type of immigration documentation you will need is crucial before planning your move.
Types of Lithuania Work Permits
There are several types of Lithuania work permits, which are issued based on your employment type:
- Work Visa for Highly Skilled Workers (EU Blue Card)
- Work Visa for Intra-Company Transfers
- Work Permit for General Employment
- Seasonal Work Visa
Each type of visa has different requirements and is suitable for various professional needs.
EU Blue Card in Lithuania
The EU Blue Card is intended for highly skilled workers. You qualify for an EU Blue Card if you meet the following conditions:
- Higher education or at least five years of professional experience equivalent to higher education.
- Employment offer from a Lithuanian employer for your specific skills.
- A salary at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Lithuania.
- Your profession is listed as a high-demand, skill-shortage occupation in Lithuania.
According to VisaVerge.com, if you meet these criteria, your employer may need to apply to the Employment Service’s territorial division to ensure you meet the requirements. You will receive a temporary residence permit, usually valid for two years, which can be processed via the MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System).
Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa
This visa is for employees being transferred to a Lithuanian branch of their company. Eligible candidates include managers, specialists, or trainees. You must apply for a residence permit immediately upon entering Lithuania through MIGRIS. Ensure your employer supports you with the necessary documentation for this transfer.
General Work Permit in Lithuania
A general work permit allows you to work in Lithuania if you have secured employment. Your employer needs to apply for this permit from the Labor Services in Lithuania. Once granted, you must apply for a national D visa to enter the country. Holders of work permits usually aren’t given residence permits but can stay for up to a year with a national D visa.
Seasonal Work Permit
A seasonal work permit is for workers interested in short-term employment in Lithuania. Requirements include:
- No suitable Lithuanian employee for the seasonal work available.
- An existing employment contract.
- Proof of residence in Lithuania.
- Inclusion in the Seasonal Work list approved by the Minister of Social Security and Labor.
How to Apply for a Lithuania Work Visa?
A step-by-step guide to applying for a Lithuania work visa:
- Obtain the Work Permit
Your employer applies for this permit through the Lithuania Labour Exchange. Provide your employer with the necessary documents to facilitate this process. -
Locate the Nearest Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate
To apply for a temporary residence permit, first apply for a work visa at your nearest embassy/consulate. -
Fill Out the Application Form
The national visa application form is available online via the Migration Department’s website. -
Collect Required Documents
Necessary documents include:- A completed visa application form.
- A mediation (invitation) letter.
- A valid passport with two blank pages.
- Work permit from the Lithuanian Labour Exchange.
- Proof of sufficient means, such as a bank statement.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of no criminal record (not older than three months).
- Proof of professional qualifications.
Ensure all documents are legalized and translated into Lithuanian where required.
-
Attend the Appointment
Submit your documents at the embassy or consulate. -
Wait for an Answer
The processing time typically takes around 14 days.
For detailed information on Lithuania work visa forms, visit the Migration Department’s official website.
What Happens After You Enter Lithuania?
After you enter Lithuania, apply for a temporary residence permit if your work visa entails getting one. Complete this process via MIGRIS. You must also register your residence at the local Migration Office, which forwards the information to the Centre of Registers. If staying at someone else’s property, a signed permit from the owner is required.
Lithuania Work Visa Processing Time
The standard processing time for a Lithuania work visa is about two weeks. It is beneficial to start the application process as early as six months before your planned trip. Prompt applications increase the likelihood of a timely response.
Lithuania Work Visa Requirements
Here are the core documents required for a Lithuania work visa:
- Long-stay visa application form.
- Mediation (invitation) letter with employer details.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages.
- Work permit from the Lithuanian Labour Exchange.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of no criminal record.
- Proof of professional qualifications.
All documents should be legalized and translated into Lithuanian.
Lithuania Work Visa Fees
Applying for a Lithuania work visa costs €120. Although the application is online, the fee should be paid at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate, where you’ll receive a payment confirmation document to include in your application.
Duration of a Lithuania Work Visa
A long-stay visa allows you to stay for up to one year. Extensions are possible via a temporary residence permit, and you can renew it annually. After five years, you may qualify for permanent residence and possibly Lithuanian citizenship.
Extending a Lithuania Work Visa
To extend your stay, your employer must apply for a work permit extension at least a month before expiration. If you plan to stay beyond one year, apply for a temporary residence permit via MIGRIS.
Bringing Family Members
If you hold a valid work and temporary residence permit, your family can join you under a family reunification visa. This allows them to stay as long as your work permit remains valid.
Important Points to Know About Working in Lithuania
- Health Insurance is mandatory. Residents must enroll in the national compulsory health insurance system (privalomasis sveikatos draudimas – PSD).
- Living Costs and Average Salary: Lithuania offers affordable living, with costs ranging from €800 to €1400 monthly. The average monthly salary is approximately €1400, making it financially attractive for many expatriates.
External Resource
For official information and forms, visit the Migration Department of Lithuania’s website.
Was this information helpful?
Engaging in the process of obtaining a Lithuania work visa can be straightforward if the required steps and criteria are well understood. Adhering to guidelines ensures a smoother transition into Lithuanian work life.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Terms
- EU/EEA: Refers to the European Union and the European Economic Area. Citizens from these regions do not need a work visa to work in Lithuania but must register their stay after three months.
- EU Blue Card: A work permit for highly skilled workers from non-EU/EEA countries. It requires higher education or substantial professional experience, an employment offer, and a salary significantly above the average in Lithuania.
- MIGRIS: The Lithuanian Migration Information System used for processing applications such as work visas, residence permits, and other immigration-related matters.
- National D Visa: A long-stay visa that permits non-EU/EEA citizens to remain in Lithuania for extended periods, typically tied to employment or study, and is valid for up to a year.
- Work Permit: Official authorization allowing non-EU/EEA citizens to take employment in Lithuania. Different types exist depending on the nature of employment, such as general work permits, intra-company transfer permits, and seasonal work permits.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Non-EU/EEA citizens planning to work in Lithuania need a work visa or permit. EU/EEA nationals don’t need a visa but must register their stay after three months. Understanding visa types ensures a smooth relocation process. Start early to meet all requirements promptly.
— By VisaVerge.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.
