Lithuania Work Visa Requirements

A work visa gives an individual full authorisation to engage in full time employment in a country where he/she may not naturally be eligible to work in.  The individual’s employment permission must come from the relevant authority in the country he/she intends to work in and will generally be in the form of a standard document or, more commonly, a stamp in your passport. There are numerous factors which affect an applicant work permit application however a work permit/residence visa will depend largely on your nationality. In some countries, the type of employment contract and nature of the job will also be a deciding factor as to whether a work permit will be issued. It must be noted that depending on the country you seek employment and residency in; some individuals are not required to obtain a work visa. Generally all jurisdictions with reciprocal treaty agreements (for example the European Union) do not stipulate that an EU citizen must obtain a work visa for undertaking employment in those countries. Every jurisdiction provides conditions which must be satisfied in order to qualify for a work visa.

Who requires a Lithuania Work Permit?

Lithuania is a member of the European Union and has full EU membership status since 2004.  As a result of this, Lithuania adopts EU Law.  Under EU Law, the Freedom of Movement Act provides that all EU citizens have the right to live and work in Lithuania without the requirement of obtaining a residence visa or work permit.  Typically after a set period of time (normally 90 days) as stipulated by the relevant immigration authority, EU citizens must register their right to reside in Lithuania. Registering your right to reside is also known as a temporary residence visa.

Comparatively, non-EU citizens are legally required to obtain a residence and work permit prior to engaging in full time employment in Lithuania.  Typically the applicant must have received a formal written contract of employment from the Lithuania sponsor company and the applicant must be filling a position which requires a certain level of expertise and which cannot be filled by a Lithuanian resident.  The sponsor company will apply for the work permit on the behalf of the foreign national.  The Minister of Social Security and Labour in Lithuania is the responsible department for all work permit applications.

Validity Periods for Lithuania Work Permits

It is essential that the foreign national receives his/her work permit before taking on their employed position within a Lithuanian company.  Depending on the foreign national’s intent and nature of employment, different validity period will apply with regards to their work permits.

2 year validity permits – this type of permit is applicable where a foreign national intends to engage in full time employment in Lithuania on a long term basis.  This permit will specify the applicants sponsor company and the position the applicant will hold.

1 year validity permits – this type of permit is applicable where the foreign national intends to participate in an internship or long term training course which is essential for the applicant to acquire necessary qualifications.

6 months validity permits – these types of permits are suitable for all foreign nationals seeking to undertake seasonal work in Lithuania

A Lithuania Residence Permit

A Lithuania residence permit is necessary for the following categories of people;

- A foreign national intending to reside in Lithuania for a period longer than 3 months

- Foreign investors who intend to register a company in Lithuania by an investment of LT 250,000.  Residence permits are automatically granted to investors where the fund a local enterprise or add some form of economic benefit to the country.

- Foreign nationals who intend to conduct research in Lithuania

Revocation of a Lithuania Work Permit

A Lithuanian Work Permit can be revoked from the holder where;

- The work permit was obtained by fraudulent information

- The applicant employment contract has been cancelled

- The applicant’s residence permit is cancelled.

Required Documents for Application of a Lithuania Work Permit

- Completed visa application form, sign accordingly

- Valid passport

- Passport photos (recent)

- Documentation providing evidence that you have sufficient funds to support your living expenses in Lithuania until you begin receiving an income from your job

- Medical report detailing the applicants good health and a medical insurance policy

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