Startup Visa in Lithuania
One documented route of this kind in Lithuania, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Startup Visa (Innovative Business TRP)
Non-EU entrepreneurs with scalable, innovation-driven business ideas can obtain a Temporary Residence Permit through Lithuania's Startup Visa programme, operated by Startup Lithuania. Successful applicants receive an endorsement letter and then apply for a TRP valid up to 2 years, extendable.
- Processing time
- Expert evaluation by Startup Lithuania: 15–30 days. Subsequent TRP application: 1–2 months (standard) or 45 days (expedited).
- Validity
- Typically 2 years, renewable. Maximum cumulative duration under startup grounds: up to 5 years.
- Language requirement
- None required for the initial permit.
- Permanent residence
- After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Lithuania on a valid TRP.
- Citizenship
- After approximately 10 years of continuous lawful residence, subject to A2 Lithuanian language exam and Constitution basics exam.
Requirements
- Non-EU citizenship
- Innovative, technology-based, and scalable business concept (assessed by Startup Lithuania expert panel)
- Active managerial role in the company
- Company registered in Lithuania as a UAB (Private Limited Liability Company) within 5 years of incorporation
- Company registered in Startup Lithuania's official database
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient financial means (minimum approx. EUR 1,038/month per 2025 figures)
- Health insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
Required Documents
- Valid passport or travel document required
- Startup Lithuania endorsement letter (issued after successful evaluation) required
- Business plan with market analysis, development strategy, and prototype/MVP materials required
- Proof of financial means required
- Health insurance policy (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage) required
- Criminal record certificate required
- Company registration documents (if company already formed)
- CV and evidence of professional qualifications or relevant experience required
- State fee payment receipt required
Official fees
- Startup Lithuania evaluation fee 0 EUR
- State fee — standard TRP procedure 160 EUR
- State fee — expedited TRP procedure 320 EUR
- VFS Global service fee (varies by country) 30 EUR
- UAB minimum share capital (contributed after incorporation) 1,000 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Prepare business concept
Develop a comprehensive business plan demonstrating innovation, technology basis, scalability, and international market potential. Include a development strategy and, if available, a prototype or MVP.
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2
Submit application to Startup Lithuania
Submit the evaluation application online via the Startup Lithuania portal (startuplithuania.com). The expert panel assesses innovation and viability within 15–30 days.
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3
Receive endorsement letter
Upon positive evaluation, Startup Lithuania issues an endorsement letter valid for 6 months. This letter is a prerequisite for the TRP application.
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4
Register a Lithuanian company (UAB)
Incorporate a Private Limited Liability Company (UAB) in Lithuania's Register of Legal Entities. Minimum share capital is EUR 1,000, which may be contributed after registration.
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5
Apply for TRP via MIGRIS
Submit the Temporary Residence Permit application in the MIGRIS system, attaching the endorsement letter, company documents, and all required personal documents. Pay the state fee.
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6
Biometric appointment
If abroad, attend a VFS Global appointment within 4 months of MIGRIS submission for biometric data collection.
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7
Collect TRP card and relocate
Once the Migration Department approves the application (1–2 months), collect the biometric TRP card and begin operations in Lithuania.