Lithuania is increasingly recognized as a favorable destination in the European Union for international professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers. It is providing the best environment for the candidates who wants to work in Luthuania.
Following a recent update by the Migration Department of Lithuania under the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, visa and residence permit pathways for non-EU citizens have been streamlined and clarified to facilitate work, business, and short-term professional visits.
Implementation of Policy:
- Non-EU nationals applying for national long-stay visas (over 90 days) or temporary residence permits in Lithuania.
- Individuals entering Lithuania under EU trade agreements, international service provider schemes, or company sponsorship arrangements.
- Foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and company managers conducting investment or service activities within Lithuania.
- Independent professionals such as artists, journalists, and athletes engaging in short-term business or professional activities.
Check Also: Unskilled Jobs in Lithuania with Visa Sponsorship
Visa Categories and Eligibility:
- Business Visitors for Establishment Purposes (BVEP)
- No work permit required.
- Maximum stay: 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period.
- Eligible to apply for a national visa or temporary residence permit.
- Required documents: valid passport, invitation letter from the host entity, valid health insurance covering at least €30,000, proof of sufficient funds.
- Short-Term Business Visitors (STBV)
- Visa-free entry available for certain nationalities.
- No work permit required for short-term visits.
- Required documents: mediation letter (proof of business invitation), valid insurance, proof of financial means, valid passport.
- Processing times: standard up to 3 months; urgent within 45 days.
- Contractual Service Suppliers (CSS)
- Must prove at least 6 months of continuous business activity.
- Minimum equity requirement: €28,000.
- Required documents: business plan, employment contracts, proof of ongoing business activity.
- Eligible for family reunification alongside main applicant.
- Minimum salary conditions apply according to Lithuanian labor laws.
- Independent Professionals (IPs)
- Covers performers, accredited journalists, athletes, and other independent contractors.
- Must demonstrate proof of professional activity and sufficient financial resources.
- Residence permit typically valid for 2 years.
- Family reunification is not available under this category.
- Investors
- Must hold at least one-third ownership share in a Lithuanian company with equity capital of at least €28,000.
- Company must have been operational for more than 6 months and employ a minimum of 3 full-time local employees.
- Larger investments of €260,000 or €500,000 entitle applicants to longer residence permits and full family reunification rights.
Benefits:
- Simplified Visa Pathways
Streamlined categories for business visitors, investors, contractual service suppliers, and independent professionals. - No Work Permit Needed for Many Categories
Business Visitors and Short-Term Business Visitors can work without additional permits within allowed durations. - Flexible Stay Options
Short-term visas allow stays up to 90 days; residence permits available for 1–2 years with renewal options. - Family Reunification Expanded
Eligible visa holders (investors, BVEPs, CSSs) can bring spouses, children, registered partners, and dependent parents. - Attractive Investment Opportunities
Investor visa options for substantial equity stakes with clear criteria and benefits, including longer permits and family rights. - Access to EU Schengen Zone
Visa holders can travel freely within Schengen countries for business or leisure during visa validity. - Access to Lithuanian Social Services
Residence permit holders can access public healthcare, social security, and pension systems. - No Language Requirements for Visas
Applicants are not required to demonstrate Lithuanian language proficiency for most visa categories. - Attractive Business Environment
Lithuania offers a supportive ecosystem for startups, entrepreneurs, and investors with favorable tax and regulatory frameworks.
How to Apply for Lithuania Work and Business Visas 2026?
- Application submission:
- If applying from abroad, applications are submitted via an external service provider authorized by the Lithuanian Migration Department.
- Applicants legally residing in Lithuania submit their applications directly to the Migration Department.
- General required documents:
- Valid passport.
- Mediation or facilitation letter registered with MIGRIS (Lithuania’s migration information system).
- Proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance coverage (€30,000 minimum).
- For investors and contractual service suppliers: proof of company registration, business activity, and equity.
- Criminal record certificate (required for residence permits).
Lithuania Visa Fees and Processing Times:
| Application Type | Standard Fee | Urgent Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Visa | €140 | N/A | Up to 3 months |
| Residence Permit | €160 | €320 | 3 months / 45 days urgent |
| Renewal (Investors) | €160 | €320 | 2 months / 1 month urgent |
Family Reunification Rules:
Lithuania expanded its family reunification provisions to better support international workers:
- Eligible categories: Business Visitors for Establishment Purposes (BVEPs), Contractual Service Suppliers (CSSs), and Investors.
- Who qualifies: Spouses, registered partners, dependent children, and dependent parents.
- Additional benefits: Investors contributing €260,000 or €500,000 and employing locals are granted streamlined family reunification processes.
- Exclusions: Independent Professionals (freelancers, artists, journalists) cannot bring dependents under their visa category.
Sources and References:
- Migration Department of Lithuania – Official Website
- EU Immigration Portal: International Service Provider in Lithuania
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/international-service-provider-lithuania_en - Lithuanian Migration Law –
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.232378/asr - External visa application services –
https://www.migracija.lt/en/australijos-japonijos-jungtini%C5%B3-amerikos-valstij%C5%B3-kanados-naujosios-zelandijos-piet%C5%B3-kor%C4%97jos-pilietis
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there language requirements for these visas or residence permits?
Currently, there is no formal Lithuanian language requirement for most work and business visa categories. However, knowledge of Lithuanian can aid in business operations and integration.
Can I extend my stay or residence permit in Lithuania?
Yes. Residence permits, including those for investors and contractual service suppliers, can be renewed. Renewal applications should be submitted before the current permit expires, typically with updated documentation proving continued eligibility.
What is a mediation letter, and how do I obtain one?
A mediation letter is an official document issued by a Lithuanian company, organization, or partner confirming your business engagement or visit purpose. It must be registered in Lithuania’s MIGRIS system and is mandatory for visa applications under several categories.
To obtain one, coordinate with your Lithuanian business partner or employer who will register your invitation via MIGRIS.
