Lithuania Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Lithuania?

In Lithuania, non-EU/EEA nationals generally require a work permit to be employed legally. However, certain exemptions exist, including:

• EU/EEA Citizens: Individuals from EU/EEA member states and Switzerland, along with their family members, do not need a work permit to work in Lithuania.
• Permanent Residents: Third-country nationals holding permanent residence permits are exempt from obtaining a work permit.
• Family Members: Non-EU nationals who are family members of Lithuanian citizens and possess residence permits issued for family reunification purposes are also exempt.

Employers should assess each candidate's specific circumstances to determine the necessity of a work permit.

Types of Work Visas in Lithuania

Lithuania offers various work visas tailored to different employment scenarios. Understanding these options is crucial for employers to select the appropriate visa type for their international hires.

Work Permit Application Process in Lithuania (Step-by-step)

In Lithuania, most non-EU/EEA nationals need both a basis for employment (such as a decision from the Employment Service) and a corresponding visa or temporary residence permit. The process typically involves coordinated actions by the employer in Lithuania and the employee abroad.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that it meets Lithuanian labor law standards, including salary, working hours, and job description. In many cases, the employer must first advertise the role locally and demonstrate that no suitable Lithuanian or EU/EEA candidate was available, unless an exemption applies (for example, for shortage occupations or EU Blue Card roles).
• Step 2: The employer checks which route applies, such as a Temporary Residence Permit for Employment, an EU Blue Card, or an intra-corporate transferee permit. This step includes verifying qualification requirements, salary thresholds, and whether the position is on Lithuania’s list of high-demand professions.
• Step 3: The employer gathers company documentation, such as registration certificates, tax clearance confirmations, and evidence of active business operations. These documents help the authorities confirm that the company is legitimate, compliant, and able to meet its obligations to the foreign employee.
• Step 4: The employer or, in some cases, the employee applies to the Employment Service of Lithuania for a decision on the right of the foreigner to work, if required. This decision often serves as the basis for the subsequent visa or residence permit application and may involve a labor market test.
• Step 5: Once the employment basis is approved, the employee submits a visa or temporary residence permit application at a Lithuanian embassy, consulate, or at the Migration Department in Lithuania, depending on their location and status. The employee must provide personal documents, proof of qualifications, employment contract or job offer, and proof of accommodation and health insurance.
• Step 6: The authorities review the application, may request additional documents, and conduct security and background checks. During this time, the employer should be ready to respond to queries and provide clarifications or updated documents if requested.
• Step 7: If the application is approved, the employee receives a national D visa (if applicable) or a temporary residence permit card and can travel to and start work in Lithuania in line with the permit conditions. The employer must then ensure proper onboarding, registration with tax and social insurance authorities, and ongoing compliance with immigration and labor rules.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for work-based residence in Lithuania depends on the type of permit, the employee’s qualifications, and the employer’s compliance record. Authorities focus on protecting the local labor market while allowing genuine skills-based migration.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid employment offer and contract: The foreign national must have a signed job offer or employment contract with a Lithuanian employer that specifies duties, salary, and working conditions. This allows authorities to verify that the role is genuine and meets Lithuanian labor standards.
• Appropriate qualifications and experience: For many permits, especially the EU Blue Card and highly skilled roles, the employee must show relevant higher education or professional experience. This ensures that the foreign hire is suitably qualified for the position and justifies hiring from abroad.
• Minimum salary thresholds: Certain permits, such as the EU Blue Card, require the salary to meet or exceed a set multiple of the average Lithuanian wage. Salary thresholds help prevent undercutting of local wages and confirm that the role is genuinely skilled.
• Labor market test or exemption: In many cases, the Employment Service must confirm that no suitable local or EU/EEA candidate is available, unless the role is on a shortage list or benefits from a specific exemption. This protects opportunities for local workers while still allowing employers to fill critical gaps.
• Clean criminal record and good character: Applicants are often required to provide a criminal record certificate from their home country or recent country of residence. This supports public safety and allows Lithuanian authorities to assess any security risks.
• Health insurance and accommodation: The employee typically must show proof of health insurance valid in Lithuania and evidence of suitable accommodation. These requirements help ensure that the foreign worker will not become a burden on public services and has a stable living situation.
• Employer compliance and good standing: The sponsoring company must be properly registered, tax-compliant, and not subject to sanctions or serious violations of labor law. Authorities may scrutinize employers with a history of non-compliance more closely or refuse sponsorship in serious cases.

Work Permit Processing Time in Lithuania

Processing times for Lithuanian work permits and related visas can vary depending on the permit type, the applicant’s nationality, and how busy the authorities are. Fast-track options may be available for certain highly skilled roles or where all documents are complete and clearly presented.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Lithuania can vary depending on whether a labor market test is required, the specific permit route (for example, EU Blue Card versus standard employment), and whether the application is filed in Lithuania or abroad. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often processed in about 1 to 3 months after all documents are submitted and any Employment Service decisions are in place, though complex cases can take longer.
• Permanent Residence: Frequently takes around 4 to 12 months or longer, reflecting more extensive background checks, residence history verification, and review of integration and income criteria.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically processed in about 2 to 4 weeks once a complete application is lodged, especially for business meetings, short assignments, or initial entry before a residence permit is issued.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is unique, you can roughly map out the process week by week to manage expectations between your company and the candidate.

• Week 1: Employer finalizes the job offer, confirms the appropriate permit route, and starts gathering company documents and role details.
• Week 2: Employer submits any required request to the Employment Service for a decision on the right of the foreigner to work, while the employee collects personal documents, diplomas, and police clearances.
• Week 3–4: Employment Service reviews the request, may conduct a labor market test, and issues its decision; the employer and employee respond to any document requests.
• Week 5–6: Employee files the visa or temporary residence permit application at the embassy, consulate, or Migration Department, and biometric data is collected.
• Week 7–10: Authorities process the application, perform security checks, and may ask for clarifications; employer and employee monitor status and prepare for relocation.
• Week 11–12: Decision is issued; if approved, the employee receives the visa or residence permit card (or entry visa) and arranges travel to Lithuania.

Who Does What During Lithuania Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, confirming the appropriate permit type, initiating any Employment Service procedures, and preparing and submitting employer-side documentation. They must also ensure compliance with labor, tax, and immigration rules, pay applicable fees, and monitor permit expiry dates and renewal windows.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, such as passports, qualifications, and criminal record certificates. They must attend any required appointments, maintain valid health insurance and accommodation, and comply with the specific terms of their visa or residence permit, including employer, role, and duration.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Lithuania

Work-based temporary residence permits in Lithuania are typically granted for up to 1 or 2 years at a time, depending on the permit type and the employment contract, and can be renewed if the employment relationship continues and all conditions remain satisfied. Employers and employees should usually start the renewal process several months before the current permit expires to avoid gaps in status or the need to stop working.

Renewal applications often require updated employment contracts, proof of continued salary at or above any required thresholds, and confirmation that the employer remains compliant and active. Because practice may vary and rules can change, it is important to check current guidance from the Lithuanian Migration Department and the Employment Service, or to consult local immigration counsel, before each renewal cycle.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Lithuania?

Employers and employees should be aware of the associated costs when applying for work permits and visas in Lithuania.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Lithuania

As of now, Lithuania does not offer a specific visa tailored for digital nomads. However, individuals can apply for a National Visa (D), which allows stays in Lithuania for up to one year. This visa is suitable for those who wish to reside in Lithuania temporarily.

• Valid Passport: Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay.
• Proof of Purpose: Documentation supporting the reason for the stay, such as employment, studies, or other activities.
• Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay.
• Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering the duration of the stay.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Lithuania

Employing international talent in Lithuania presents several challenges that employers should be prepared to address:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: The process of obtaining work permits and visas involves multiple administrative steps, which can be time-consuming and complex.
• Labor Market Test: Demonstrating that a position cannot be filled by a local candidate may delay the hiring process.
• Document Preparation: Ensuring all required documents are accurately prepared, translated, and submitted is crucial to avoid application rejections or delays.

Tips for Employers: Early planning, staying updated on immigration regulations, and seeking professional assistance can significantly improve the hiring process.

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