In recent years, Lithuania has become an attractive destination for high-skilled migration and relocation, with most popular spheres including IT and Software Development, Engineering, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, Finance and Fintech, and Business Process Outsourcing. Among the numerous reasons for the country’s appeal are its membership in the EU (meaning that the key legislation, economic connections, and social values are shared with the other member states), a multilingual environment with English widely spoken (especially among the younger generation), and a relatively low cost of living compared to the nearby countries in Northern and Western Europe, which results in lower basic expenses (housing, medical insurance, transportation, food, etc.) for expats.
The Lithuanian approach to business regulation is another important factor: the country has introduced a simplified tax system and an array of incentives for foreign investors to invite international companies to its market. For EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens, Lithuania is accessible for work visa-free, with a mandatory registration for stays over 3 months.
However, a work visa/work permit/residence permit must be obtained by professionals from non-EU/EEA countries in order to legally work in Lithuania. Let us take a closer look at the requirements and the Lithuania relocation process step by step.
What permits and documents are required to come to Lithuania for work?
STEP 1
An employee planning to relocate to Lithuania needs to apply for a work permit which comes in several types:
- work permit (the mostly commonly issued type for a wide range of employees)
- EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers (with a completed degree or 5 years of equivalent professional experience, a confirmed potential employer in Lithuania offering a salary 1.5 times higher than the country’s average, and a position that falls into the category of high-demand jobs)
- intra-company transfer (for individuals relocating to Lithuania in order to continue employment/training/internship in a local branch of the same company or group of companies)
- seasonal work permit (for positions from a govenment-approved list of seasonal jobs)
Work permits are issued by the Labour Exchange. After relocating to Lithuania individual receives one, it is time to apply for a work visa (national visa type D) at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate in their place of residence.
STEP 2
The employee needs to fill out a visa application online (available on the website of Migration Department – MIGRIS). An on-site appointment has to be attended next, and it will usually take approximately 14 days for the embassy/consulate to process the application.
The following documents are required to obtain a work permit and a work visa:
- application form (mentioned above and including a fee of 120 euro)
- proof of qualifications for the intended position (a copy of diploma with translation and documents that confirm prior professional experience)
- international passport with 2 or more blank pages (issued within the past 10 years and valid at least 3 more months upon expiration of the visa)
- passport photo in color
- letter of mediation from the employer
- proof of sufficient funds and means of income (a bank statement)
- proof of an international-standard health insurance (to be later swapped for a compulsory national health insurance)
- proof of no criminal record
STEP 3
After the relevant work permit and work visa are obtained, the individual can travel to Lithuania. Upon arrival, it is mandatory to apply for a temporary residence permit. The application form is also filed online via MIGRIS. Additionally, the newcomer must register with the local Migration Office. It is worth noting that Lithuanian work visas and temporary residence permits are normally issued for 1 year, and further renewal will be required for employees with contracts over a year long.
STEP 4
Foreign citizens living and working in Lithuania are required to enroll with the national health insurance system. Applications for health insurance are possible only after one receives a temporary residence permit. Therefore, this step is implemented after the employee arrives in Lithuania.
As an employer, how can I simplify relocation to Lithuania for our company’s talents?
If you are looking for a smooth way to relocate your current or potential employee to Lithuania, overloading in-house HR with the involved bureaucratic work isn’t always the best option. Leaving the employee to their own devices won’t do either; it is worth delegating this task to a competent third party to ensure a compliant and error-free process.
As an EOR partner, Acvian can assist you with the following:
- applying for a work permit on the employee’s behalf via a local partner
- filling out the application form for the work visa
- preparing the documents required for the work visa
- applying for a Blue Card (in cases when such possibility exists, e.g. the employee has necessary qualifications and their salary meets the threshold)
- providing on-site support with registration at the Migration Office
- renewing the employee’s work visa and residence permit after 1 year of stay (if necessary)
Additionally, Acvian can help you create an employment contract that is 100% compliant with the Lithuanian law (see our page specifically for it), attuned to each individual case, and tailored to your best interests. No matter if you are planning to relocate a single employee, to send a few experts to an on-site project, or to bring a big team along, we assure a smooth and speedy process, with outstanding Customer Care provided at all stages to you and your employees alike. To get in touch with us, submit your request here or schedule an immediate meeting.
