Moving to Lithuania
The Republic of Lithuania is located on the Eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It has a maritime, continental climate. It has a parliamentary Republic, and its capital is Vilnius. Its ethnic makeup is mainly Lithuanian, but there are also Polish, Russian, Byelorussian inhabitants, among others. It is a member of the EU, NATO and the Council of Europe. It was the first former Soviet state to declare its independence in March 1990. Its official language is Lithuanian, but there is a presence of many other Slavic languages like Russian and Polish.
Visas
Entrance Visas
EU members may enter Lithuania freely. Many other nationals do not need a visa to stay in Lithuania for up to 90 days. Click here to view the list.
If you are from a country that requires a visa, you must submit the following documents to enter the country:
1. Valid passport or other travel document
2. Application form for Schengen visa
3. One photo, 35×45 mm
4. Receipt of paid consular fees
5. Proof of health insurance
Work Permit
Foreigners are required to obtain work permits before entering Lithuania. It can only be issued to you if there is no present Lithuanian to fill your job. Work permits are ordered by the Ministry for Social Affairs and Labors, and issued/cancelled by the Lithuanian Labor Exchange at the Ministry of Social Security and Labor. Your functions, specialization, company or organization must be explained in your application.
Work permits are issued to foreigners for up to two years. A seasonal worker’s permit is issued for up to 6 months. A trainee’s work permit is issued for up to one year. You are also required to obtain a residence permit.
Residence Permits
If you want to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania, you must meet certain conditions. Some conditions include employment, starting a company, or attending an educational institution. You can apply from abroad, at a Lithuanian embassy, or from within the country if you are legally residing there. You should apply to the Migration Department.
You are required to submit the following:
1. Application form
2. Valid travel document
3. Documents that show your right to obtain a residence permit
4. Proof of funds
5. Proof of residence, that you have permission to live somewhere and intend to reside there
6. Proof of health insurance
7. Proof of payment to any consular fees
You will initially be granted a temporary residence permit.
You can eventually obtain a permanent residency permit under certain circumstances, such as if you have lived in Lithuania legally for five continuous years and can pass a language test.
Student Visa
To obtain a student visa, you must first be accepted by an accredited educational institution. You must then apply for a temporary residence permit. In addition, you must show your proof of acceptance to a school, and show that you have paid any necessary fees.
Moving Pets
In order to move your cat, dog or ferret to Lithuania, you are required to get it tattooed or microchipped. It is forbidden to import birds from any countries that have been infected by the avian flu. You must present a health certificate and proof of vaccinations, in your native language and also translated into Lithuanian.
Other Information
Click here for general information about moving to Lithuania.
Click here for information on real estate in Lithuania.
Click here for a directory of Lithuanian embassies.