How to get Lithuania work visa - Processing time & fees
Check processing time, fees, requirements and checklist.
Working in Lithuania: Your Guide to Getting a Lithuania Work Visa
Thinking about working in Lithuania? This beautiful country in Eastern Europe offers a growing economy and exciting work opportunities for skilled professionals. But before you start planning your move, you’ll likely need a Lithuanian work visa. This guide will explain everything you need to know about getting a Lithuanian work visa, from eligibility requirements to the application process.
Do You need a Work visa to Work in Lithuania?
EU/EEA Citizens:
If you're a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, you can work in Lithuania freely without a visa. You will need to register your stay with the local authorities after three months.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens:
If you're not from an EU/EEA country, you'll typically need a work visa, work permit, or residence permit to work in Lithuania. The specific type of permit you need depends on your situation.
Types of Lithuania Work Visas
There are a few different types of Lithuania work visas available, depending on your employment situation:
1.EU Blue Card:
This visa is for highly skilled workers in professions that Lithuania needs. It offers benefits like a faster residence permit process and easier family reunification.
2.Intra-company Transfer Work Visa:
This visa is for employees transferring within the same company to a branch in Lithuania. It can include managers, specialists, trainees, and interns.
3.Work Permit in Lithuania:
This is the most common type of work visa for those who have found a job in Lithuania. Your employer will usually need to apply for a work permit on your behalf first.
4.Seasonal Work Permit:
This permit is for temporary work in specific sectors like tourism or agriculture, where there aren’t enough Lithuanian workers available.
How to Apply for a Lithuania Work visa: a Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the Lithuania work visa application process:
1.Work Permit (for most visas):
In most cases, your employer in Lithuania will need to apply for a work permit from the Lithuanian Labour Exchange on your behalf. Discuss the required documents with your employer beforehand.
2.Locate the Nearest Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate:
You’ll need to apply for your work visa at your home country’s Lithuanian embassy or consulate.
3.Application Form:
Fill out the long-stay visa application form, which you can find online on the Migration Department website.
4.Required Documents:
Gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, photos, valid health insurance, proof of financial means, and proof of professional qualifications (documents may vary depending on the visa type). Make sure all documents are legalized with an apostille stamp (for international use) and translated into Lithuanian if necessary.
5.Attend the Appointment:
Submit your application and documents at the embassy or consulate during your scheduled appointment.
6.Processing Time:
The processing time for a Lithuanian work visa is usually around two weeks, but it’s best to apply well in advance (up to six months) to avoid delays.
7.Entering Lithuania:
Once your visa is approved, you can enter Lithuania.
8.Temporary Residence Permit:
After entering Lithuania, you might need to apply for a temporary residence permit, depending on the type of work visa you received.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Work Permit (for most visas) | The employer applies on your behalf to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange. |
| Locate Embassy/Consulate | Find the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your home country. |
| Application Form | Fill out the online long-stay visa application form. |
| Required Documents | Gather necessary documents (passport, photos, health insurance, proof of finances, proof of qualifications). Ensure legalization, apostille, and translation if needed. |
| Submit Application | Attend your appointment and submit documents at the embassy or consulate. |
| Processing Time | Allow around two weeks for processing, though an earlier application (up to six months) is recommended. |
| Entering Lithuania | Upon approval, enter Lithuania with your work visa. |
| Temporary Residence Permit | Depending on your visa type, you might need to apply for a temporary residence permit after entering Lithuania. |
Lithuania Work Visa Requirements
When applying for a Lithuania long-stay work visa, you’ll typically need the following documents:
1.Long-stay visa application form:
This can be found online on the Migration Department website. Choose the appropriate visa type during the application process.
2.Mediation (invitation) letter:
This letter, also known as a mediation letter, must be issued by your Lithuanian employer. It should include details about both the employer and yourself, outlining the employment agreement.
3.Valid passport:
Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamping and remains valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Lithuania.
4.Work permit issued by the Lithuanian Labour Exchange:
As mentioned earlier, your employer will typically handle obtaining this permit on your behalf.
5.Proof of sufficient means of subsistence:
This could be a bank statement demonstrating your regular income to showcase your ability to financially support yourself during your stay in Lithuania.
6.Valid health insurance:
You’ll need to have valid health insurance coverage that extends throughout your stay in Lithuania. In some cases, you might be able to obtain health insurance after entering Lithuania; however, prior health insurance is generally required for the visa application.
7.Proof of no criminal record:
A document certifying you have no criminal background is necessary. This document should be no older than three months from the date of issuance.
8.Proof of professional accreditation:
If applicable to your profession, submit documents showcasing your qualifications and relevant work experience.
Remember: All documents must be legalized with an apostille stamp (a special authentication seal) and translated into Lithuanian if they’re not already in the language.
Lithuania Work Visa Fees and Processing time
1.Visa fee:
The application fee for a Lithuanian work visa is €120, which is roughly equivalent to $135 (US Dollar) based on current exchange rates (subject to change). It’s recommended to pay the fee at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate where you submit your application, although the application itself is done online. You’ll receive a document confirming the fee payment, which you should include with your application.
2.Processing time:
The usual processing time for a Lithuanian work visa application is around two weeks. However, to ensure ample time for processing and avoid any last-minute delays, it’s wise to initiate the application process up to six months before your planned trip to Lithuania.
The Duration of Your Lithuania Work visa and Extension options
1.Validity Period:
A long-stay work visa issued by Lithuania is generally valid for a maximum of one year.
2.Extensions:
You can extend your stay in Lithuania by applying for an extension of both your work permit and your visa. Your employer will need to submit the work permit extension request one month before the current permit expires. If your stay surpasses one year, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit to remain in Lithuania.
Bringing Family Along with You to Lithuania
If you have a valid work permit and a temporary residence permit, you can sponsor your family members to join you in Lithuania. They can apply for a family reunification visa, allowing them to reside in Lithuania for as long as their permits remain valid.
Living and Working in Lithuania: Essential things to Know
Working in Lithuania offers a variety of benefits, from a comfortable and affordable cost of living to a peaceful and secure environment. But before embarking on your Lithuanian work visa journey, here are some additional things to keep in mind:
1.Health Insurance:
Having health insurance is mandatory in Lithuania. All residents must obtain health insurance, known as “privalomasis sveikatos draudimas” (PSD). You can acquire health insurance upon obtaining a temporary residence permit and starting employment in Lithuania through the National Health Insurance Fund (Valstybinė ligonių kasa), a public service that provides medical insurance.
2.Living Costs and Average Salary:
Lithuania boasts a relatively affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for many foreigners. Living comfortably in Lithuania can range from €800 to €1400 (roughly $900 to $1,600) per month. A bonus is that the average monthly salary in Lithuania is around €1400 (approximately $1,600).
Conclusion
Obtaining a Lithuanian work visa can open doors to exciting professional opportunities in a beautiful and growing European country. By familiarizing yourself with the requirements, procedures, and timelines involved in the application process, you can ensure a smooth transition as you embark on your Lithuanian work adventure.