Lithuania

Third-country nationals generally require two documents to work in Lithuania: a work permit and a visa to enter and remain in the country.

To be employed in Lithuania, the worker needs one of the following (these are the most common permits/visas):

• A work permit
• A ‘Decision on the Compliance of Foreign Work with Labour Market Needs’ permit
• EU Blue Card
• Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Card

The employer applies on the employee’s behalf for each type of permit.

In most cases, after obtaining a work permit, the worker still needs to apply for a long-term National Type D visa to legally stay in Lithuania (if not working on a three-month Schengen visa).

Together, these documents enable foreign workers to engage in legal employment within Lithuania.

Third-country nationals who don’t have permanent residency in Lithuania, need to obtain a work permit to be legally employed in the country.

However, there are several exceptions:

• Citizens of EU/EEA member states, citizens of Switzerland, and their families.
• Third-country nationals holding a permanent residence permit.
• Third-country nationals who are family members of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and have a residence permit issued for family reunification.
• Third-country nationals who have obtained residence permits to study.
• Third-country nationals whose profession is included in the list of professions for which there is a shortage of workers.
• Third-country nationals who intend to work as a trainee or an intern.
• Third-country nationals who work remotely in Lithuania under an employment contract with a company that operates in Lithuania.
• Those applying for a Blue Card.

A visa (to live in Lithuania) or residence permit is also required.

When you send an offer letter to a new hire in Lithuania, it should include a clause about the offer being contingent on their eligibility to legally work in Lithuania.

Employers should be aware of the processing times for various documents. A work permit usually takes two weeks. National Visas (D) are processed in 15 to 30 days and a temporary residence permit can take two to four months.

There are several types of work permits and work visas in Lithuania. These vary by the nationality of the employee, the length of employment, and the type of employment. These are the most common:

Work Permit/Visa:

A work permit allows a foreigner to work in Lithuania for up to one year and apply for a National Visa (D). A work permit also allows a third-country national to be employed for a maximum duration of three months under a Schengen visa or visa waiver.

A ‘Decision on the Compliance of Foreign Work with Lithuanian Labour Market Needs’ Permit:

This is used for the hiring of workers in underserved labor categories and is valid for up to two years. With this document, a third-country national can apply for a residence permit in Lithuania. The foreigner can only start working after obtaining a residence permit.

The Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Card:

This is a work-residence permit that is valid across all European Union countries. Qualified third-country nationals may obtain it in any EU member country. It permits workers of companies operating in both the EU and a third country to temporarily relocate workers to an EU country—in this case Lithuania—for work. The ICT Mobility Card allows ICT transferees to move between EU countries for the same purpose.

Seasonal Work Permit:

This permit is for temporary seasonal workers and allows them to work for six months per year in Lithuania. Workers will also need to obtain a Schengen Visa (short-term EU visa) for work contracts of less than 90 days. For periods of more than 90 days, a National Visa (D) is required.

EU Blue Card:

The EU Blue Card is granted to highly qualified non-EU workers, allowing them to live and work in an EU country. Eligibility requires professional qualifications and an employment contract or firm job offer with a duration of at least one year. Lithuania applies a Labour Market Test (LMT) that ensures third-country nationals are only admitted after employers have unsuccessfully searched for national workers, EU/EEA citizens, or legally residing third-country nationals with access to the labor market according to national legislation. There is also a salary threshold of 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Lithuania.

National Type D Visa:

Third-country nationals who possess a National Type D visa can enter Lithuania and remain in the country for a duration specified in the visa, up to 12 months. Typically, the National Type D visa is issued to individuals who come to Lithuania for purposes such as work, study, or scientific research.

To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Lithuania, you need to meet the following requirements to be considered a highly skilled worker:

• You have a higher education.
• You have at least five years of professional experience equivalent to higher education.
• You have an employer in Lithuania who needs to hire you for your skills.
• You will be paid at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Lithuania.
• Your profession is listed in the list of professions that require a high skilled qualification which is lacking in Lithuania.

If you qualify for an EU Blue Card, you will receive a temporary residence permit, usually valid for two years— you will be required to apply via MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System). In addition, your employer may be required to apply to the Employment Service’s territorial division to make sure your employment meets the requirements of the Labor Divison.

Remember that residents of the EU are not covered by these permits as they automatically have authorization to work in Lithuania and other EU states.

These are the steps required to obtain the most common work permits and work visas in Lithuania:

Work Permit and ‘Decision on the Compliance of Foreign Work with Lithuanian Labour Market Needs’:

• The employer collects the necessary documents from the foreign worker to file the application. This includes a copy of a passport, personal information, proof that the work is required in the Lithuanian labor market, and other relevant documentation (see below).
• The employer files the application with the Lithuanian Labour Exchange.
• A decision is usually made within seven business days.
• Upon approval, the Labour Exchange issues the work permit.
• The employer fills out a mediation letter in the MIGRIS system. This means workers can apply for a National Visa (D) and a residence permit.
• The employment contract is finalized.
• The employee applies for a National Visa (D) at the diplomatic mission in their country.
• Once the employee has a National Visa (D) and a residence permit, they can enter the country and start working.

Blue Card

• The employee must have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment lasting at least one year and meet the salary threshold.
• The employer files an application at the Labour Exchange for a Labour Market Test (LMT) to ensure that no residents, EU nationals, or other authorized workers are available for the position.
• The employee applies online using the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS).
• The employee books an appointment to submit biometric data and documents. This can be done in person at a Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate or online.
• Allow 30 to 90 days for processing.
• The employee picks up the card at the Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate.

National Visa (D)

• The worker makes an appointment at a Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate.
• The worker files an application online.
• The worker gathers the required documents.
• The worker submits the documentation to the Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate. At the same time, they pay the fee and include proof of payment with the other documents.
• Upon approval, the applicant can pick up the visa at the Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate. The process takes 15-30 days.

When applying for a Lithuanian work permit on behalf of a worker, the employer will need:

• An application form
• Proof of fee payment
• Copy of the worker’s valid passport or travel document
• Photograph
• Proof of the worker’s qualifications
• Copy of the document entitling the third-country national to stay in Lithuania (if available)
• Employer information
• Copy of the employment contract
• Other documents as required

When applying for a Lithuanian work visa (Type D), the applicant will need:

• Visa application form
• Passport or travel document
• Photograph
• Proof of financial resources/income needed to support staying in Lithuania
• Proof of health insurance
• A valid work permit
• Copy of the work contract
• Additional documents as required

When applying for an EU Blue Card the applicant will need:

• Blue Card application form
• Proof of fee payment
• Passport (must be valid for 15 months after departure from the EU and contain at least two blank pages)
• Copies of the passport’s information page
• Expired passports, if available
• Photographs
• Proof of medical insurance
• Employment contract with an EU employer
• Letter from employer explaining the reason for the hire and the benefits
• Salary details
• Proof of qualifications and higher education
• Resume/work experience
• Additional documents as required