Residence permit of Lithuania

Over 30 years of modern history, Lithuanians have built a rule-of-law state with democratic principles. Over the years, it has become part of the European zone and a popular migration location. Relocants who arrived on a D visa and expect to stay longer than 3 months have the right to receive temporary residences. The Department of Immigration (MIGRIS) handles expat applications without hindrance. The procedure for registration and eligibility criteria are prescribed in the Law of Lithuania.

Advantages:

• they allow you to move around the Schengen area; 
• use banks; 
• visit medical institutions; 
• register a business; 
• enjoy social benefits.

Types of residence permit

The authorities issue permits to foreigners for legalization of employment, family reunification, education, marriage, and for commercial activities. Depending on the situation, temporary cards (LLG) with embedded electronic media are issued for 2-4 years.

However, expats become full participants in federal preferential programs only after receiving permanent cards (LGSC) and passports.

The validity period of the residence depends on the foundation. After 5 years, permanent residence is granted, after 10 years of naturalization, immigrants become citizens.

Residence permit for the purchase of real estate

"Golden" visas for investments in houses, apartments and other facilities are not issued in the country. However, the fact of ownership serves as proof of the intentions of immigrants to move to Lithuania and contribute to the development of the economy. Investors who sponsor businesses have a priority right. There is no special program in Lithuania, but the legislation allows foreigners to become cardholders in exchange for subsidies.

Necessary justifications

Conditions for obtaining the status for 5 years or more:

• availability of own capital; 
• investment of 20 € million in the regions; 
• subsidies from 30 € million in the capital.

List of documents

First of all, candidates apply to the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, after agreeing to contribute capital to target facilities, submit packages of papers to the Migration Department. The dossier:

• passport; 
• a check for the transfer of funds;
• a certificate from the bank with the remaining amount;
• documents for family members;
• medical certificates for adults;
• tax returns for the year from the country of residence;
• a certificate of non-conviction.

Student residence permits

Temporary residences of this type provide foreigners with access to vocational and higher education and advanced training. The law does not apply to applicants intending to take language courses. A national long-term visa is being opened for them.

Necessary justifications

To obtain a Study Visa for a year with the right to extend the period for the period of study, applicants apply:

• intermediary letters of admission; 
• certificates or previously obtained diplomas;
• invitations to a student internship on a cultural exchange project; 
• certificates of solvency.

List of documents

The resident status is issued at the consulate on a general basis. The dossier includes:

• medical insurance for 58,000 €;
• a scan of a passport and a birth certificate;recent photos;
• an invitation from an educational institution; 
• Dean's application for a visa; 
• statement of the sponsor's deposit amount.

During the study period, students have the right to find a job, but the activity is not counted towards the naturalization period. Graduates of universities are extended legalization for 12 months to find work on another basis.

Residence permit for financially independent persons

This method of immigration is an option for wealthy people who are able to confirm their ability to pay. Since Lithuania does not yet have programs for digital nomads, freelancers, FNL can become residents on general principles.

Necessary justifications

The cards are issued upon documentary confirmation:

• a large amount in the account; 
• registration of an individual entrepreneur; 
• receiving salaries from remote work outside the state;
• profits from renting housing; 
• passive income of at least a month's salary of a Lithuanian; 
• an operating business.

List of documents

Standard dossier:

• a copy of the passport; 
• diploma (optional); 
• bank statement with the movement of funds in the account;
• medical policy; 
• lease agreement;
• certificate of law-abiding.

Residence permit by marriage

A husband or wife can apply for legal residence in the Baltic country if the second in the couple has a passport, temporary/ permanent status. Documents are accepted from persons on the basis of officially confirmed partnerships and civil relations.

Necessary justifications

The Immigration Department legalizes foreigners:

• after the official registration of marriage; 
• the birth of children; 
• joint management of the household, regardless of official status.

List of documents

Applicants collect dossiers according to the published list. Folder Contents:

• copies of the spouses' passports; 
• a scan of the marriage certificate;
• a medical certificate of health; 
• proof of income;
• an extract with the amount of the family deposit;
• an address certificate. 

Family reunion

Cards are issued to close relatives of residents, subject to documentary evidence of family ties. The period of stay is determined by the terms of the residence permit. They are more often opened for a year with an extension for another 2 with the possibility of employment. Relatives of the first and second generations of Latvian citizens have the right to apply for citizenship after naturalization.

Necessary justifications

Statuses are legally obtained:

• legal spouses with minor children;
• civil couples who have lived together for more than one year; 
• the applicants' parents who have been dependent for 12 months or more; 
• close relatives with disabilities.

List of documents

Applicants confirm the relationship in accordance with the established procedure by collecting official papers. List:

• application form;
• passports with Schengen relatives;
• duplicate residence permit of the inviting party;
• metrics of minors;
• certificate of solvency of the resident; 
• notarized guarantee of sponsorship;
• personal medical insurance.

In the case of immigration of parents, as proof of financial dependence, applicants attach copies of money transfers.

Work permit

Applicants with relevant qualifications are allowed by the Government to enter into employment contracts with Lithuanian employers from 6 months to 2 years. Specialists with a revalent experience, one-time earnings of at least 3 monthly Lithuanian salaries in the near future can submit a dossier for a Blue Card in a simplified manner.

Necessary justifications

I have the right to apply for temporary residences:

• employees with contracts in hand; 
• specialized employees from abroad with rare specialties;
• graduates of Lithuanian universities under the patronage of employers; 
• employees of branches of international companies.

List of documents

The list depends on the qualifications and internal policies of the employers. The main package includes:

• passport with Schengen;
• work permit in Lithuania; 
• copy of diploma; 
• employer recommendations;
• income statement from previous place of work;
• medical insurance.

For expats planning to work in a Eurozone country for less than 12 months, a long-term D visa is sufficient. A year later, on the basis of a new long-term contract, work permits are obtained by decision of the Labor Exchange.

Business residence permit + sole proprietor

Lithuanian cards for 24 months with an extension for another 3 years are available to foreign businessmen who have opened companies or bought ready-made ones with authorized capital from 28,000 €. The law also applies to owners of joint stock companies (UAB). They are also issued to holders of a third of securities of firms, startups with business projects that have received approval from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation.

Necessary justifications

Business immigration is possible on the following grounds:

• after the registration of the company; 
• the investment of 14,000 € in the authorized capital of the operating company; 
• the provision of jobs to 3 Lithuanians with a salary of at least 2 average salaries; 
• in the case of doing business in the territory for at least 6 months.

List of documents

The dossier includes:

• passport; 
• account number of the European bank; 
• registration of the legal address; 
• confirmation of making investments in the authorized capital or purchase of shares; 
• founding agreement.

Extension of a residence permit

Terms of consideration

The dossier for initial status is considered for 1-4 months. The time depends on the justification. For the second half and family members, residences are issued together with the main applicants.

The law allows you to extend your stay 2 months before the end of the current residence for the period of study/ work or up to 5 years at once. The folder for resubmission to the Migration Department contains:

• a copy of a valid card; 
• application from the employer/ university; 
• an address certificate; 
• an income statement or proof of sponsorship; 
• a receipt for payment of state duty.

The cost of a national visa is 140 €, the opening of a residence permit is 160 €, plus 18 € for the translation of each certificate. Foreigners pay 320 € for urgent card processing. In case of termination of entrepreneurial / commercial activities, termination of employment relations, the permit will be canceled.