Navigating Work Visas in Lithuania: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve secured employment in Lithuania, a work visa is your key to an extended stay. Typically, your prospective Lithuanian employer initiates the process by applying for a work permit on your behalf. Subsequently, you must obtain a work visa from your home country to commence work in Lithuania. Understanding the nuances of work visas is crucial, as requirements may vary based on the nature of your employment.
Do I Need a Visa to Work in Lithuania?
For EU/EEA citizens, work in Lithuania is unrestricted, but after three months, registration of stay becomes essential. On the other hand, non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for a work visa, work permit, or residence permit to kickstart their professional journey in Lithuania.
Exploring Lithuania’s Work Permit Landscape: A Comprehensive Overview
Types of Lithuania Work Permits
Lithuania offers various work permits tailored to different needs:
- Work Visa for Highly Skilled Workers (EU Blue Card)
- Work Visa for Intra-Company Transfers
- Work Permit for Employment in Lithuania
- Seasonal Work Visa
EU Blue Card in Lithuania
To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Lithuania as a highly skilled worker, the following criteria must be met:
- Possession of higher education
- Minimum of five years of professional experience equivalent to higher education
- An employer in Lithuania seeking your specific skills
- Compensation at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Lithuania
- Inclusion in the list of professions requiring high-skilled qualifications lacking in Lithuania
Upon meeting these criteria, successful applicants receive a temporary residence permit, typically valid for two years. The application process involves MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System), with potential additional steps through the Employment Service’s territorial division to ensure compliance with Labor Division requirements.
Intra-company Transfer Work Visa
This work visa is applicable when your company assigns you to work with a branch or within the same corporate group in the Republic of Lithuania. Eligibility extends to those being transferred in managerial, specialist, or employee capacities, including trainees or students beginning their internship.
Upon entering Lithuania, securing a residence permit is crucial, necessitating an application through MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System).
Work Permit in Lithuania
If you’ve secured employment in Lithuania, the Work Permit is a standard choice. However, your employer may need to initiate the process by applying for a work permit from the Labor Services in Lithuania. Preliminary discussions with your employer are essential to determine the necessary documentation.
Upon obtaining a work permit, the next step involves applying for a national D visa and entering the country. Although work permit holders typically don’t receive residence permits, they can stay in Lithuania with their national D visa for up to a year.
Seasonal Work Permit
A Seasonal Work Permit is granted under the following conditions:
- No suitable Lithuanian employee is available for seasonal work.
- Employment is governed by a contract.
- You possess a residence in Lithuania.
- Seasonal work aligns with the approved list of jobs in the Seasonal Work endorsed by the Minister of Social Security and Labor.
Applying for a Lithuania Work Visa
To apply for a Lithuania work visa, follow these steps:
- Obtain a work permit from the Lithuania Labour Exchange. Your employer typically initiates this process on your behalf, requiring several documents provided by you. The necessity of this step may vary based on the work visa type; your employer and Migration Department will guide you.
- Locate the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate to apply for a work visa before obtaining a temporary residence permit.
- Fill out the online application form for a national visa, specifying the visa type.
- Gather all necessary documents, including a passport, photo, and valid health insurance.
- Attend the appointment at the embassy or consulate to submit the documents.
- Wait for a response, with processing times typically taking around fourteen days.
After You Enter Lithuania
Upon entering Lithuania, apply for a temporary residence permit if your work visa leads to residency. Utilize MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System) to complete the application. Additionally, register your residence at the Migration Office, which will forward the data to the Centre of Registers. If your residence is under someone else’s name, submit a permit signed by the owner.
Lithuania Work Visa Processing Time
Typically, the processing time for a Lithuanian work visa is approximately two weeks. It’s advisable to initiate the application process up to six months before your intended journey to Lithuania. The earlier you apply for the Lithuanian work visa, the quicker you can expect a response to your application.
Lithuania Work Visa Requirements
To apply for a Lithuania long-stay work visa, ensure you have the following documents:
- Long-stay visa application form: Available online on the Migration Department website, select the desired visa type to access the form.
- Mediation (invitation) letter: Must include details about the Lithuanian employer and the employee.
- Valid passport: The travel document should have a minimum of two blank pages.
- Work permit: Issued by the Lithuanian Labour Exchange, applied for by the Lithuanian employer on your behalf.
- Sufficient means of subsistence: Provide a bank statement demonstrating regular income.
- Health insurance: Mandatory prior to entry, with an option to enroll in the national compulsory health insurance system upon arrival.
- Proof of no criminal record: The document should not be older than three months.
- Proof of professional accreditation: Submit a document verifying qualifications for the job.
Ensure all documents are legalized, bear the apostille stamp, and are either written in Lithuanian or translated into the language before submission.
Lithuania Work Visa Fees
The work visa, akin to other long-stay visas, is priced at €120. While the application is completed online, it’s recommended to pay the visa fee at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate. Upon payment, you’ll receive a document confirming the fee payment, which must be included with your visa application.
Duration of a Lithuania Work Visa
A long-stay visa is granted for a maximum of one year, extendable when applying for a temporary residence permit and when your employer seeks an extension of the work permit. Renewals can be made annually, and after five years, eligibility for a permanent residence permit and Lithuanian citizenship is attainable.
Extending a Lithuania Work Visa
To prolong your stay, apply for a work permit extension, with your employer initiating the work permit extension application one month before its expiration. If your stay exceeds one year, securing a temporary residence permit becomes essential for continued residence in Lithuania.
Bringing Your Family Along
With a valid work and temporary residence permit, you can invite your family members to join you. For family reunification, they must apply for a specific visa, allowing them to stay for the duration of their valid permit.
Things to Know About Working in Lithuania
Embarking on a work journey in Lithuania comes with several advantages, from economical living conditions to a serene and tranquil lifestyle. However, before delving into the process of applying for a work visa in Lithuania, consider these essential aspects.
Health Insurance:
Health insurance is mandatory in Lithuania, known as “privalomasis sveikatos draudimas” (PSD). All residents in Lithuania must possess health insurance. You can obtain health insurance at the National Health Insurance Fund (Valstybinė ligonių Kasa) in Lithuania, but eligibility requires a valid temporary residence permit and current employment in the country.
Living Costs and Average Salary:
Lithuania offers affordable living, attracting many foreigners to its shores. Comfortable living expenses range from €800 to €1400. An additional advantage is the country’s average salary, standing at €1400 per month.
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