Lithuania Apply for a Lithuanian Visa or Residence Permit

EU Schengen

Capital: Vilnius
Currency: EUR
Languages: Lithuanian
Official fee: 260 – 1,510 EUR

Lithuania is an EU and Schengen member state. Immigration applications are filed electronically through MIGRIS (the Lithuanian Migration Information System), followed by an in-person biometrics appointment either at the Migration Department in Lithuania or, from abroad, via the external service provider VFS Global. Main pathways include the National (Type D) long-stay visa, the Temporary Residence Permit, the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers, and the long-term/permanent residence permit after five years of continuous legal residence.

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Immigration Pathways

(7) Last updated: Jun 19, 2026 2 months ago

6 of 7 pathways lead to long-term settlement — 6 to permanent residence, 6 to citizenship.

7 of 7 pathways are backed by official government sources.

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Work / Employment High confidence

National Visa (Type D / long-stay, over 90 days)

A long-stay national visa for stays exceeding 90 days, used while a residence permit is processed or for short-term, posted, or seasonal work. Applications are filed via MIGRIS, followed by biometrics at VFS Global abroad or the Migration Department in Lithuania.

Processing time: 15 calendar days, extendable to 45, exceptionally up to 60 calendar days
Validity: Up to 12 months
Language requirement: None
Documents: 6 required

Requirements

Valid passport issued within the last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages, valid at least 3 months beyond the visa's expiry
Completed national visa application submitted via MIGRIS
Mediation letter / invitation number, electronically filed in MIGRIS by the inviting entity (employer, institution, etc.)
Proof of financial means: EUR 1,153/month for living expenses plus EUR 1,153 for return funds (2026 figures)
Health insurance valid in Lithuania and the whole Schengen area, minimum coverage EUR 30,000
One passport photo and supporting documents for the visa basis (work, study, family)

Required Documents

Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages, valid 3 months beyond visa expiry) required
National visa application submitted via MIGRIS required
Mediation letter / invitation number filed in MIGRIS by the inviting entity required
Proof of financial means (EUR 1,153/month living plus EUR 1,153 return funds) required
Health insurance valid in Schengen, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage required
One passport photo required

Official fees

State fee 140 EUR

VFS Global service fee (abroad, typical range) 120 EUR

Estimated total 260 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain invitation

Inviting entity files the mediation letter/invitation in MIGRIS; obtain its number.
2
Complete application

Complete the D-visa application in MIGRIS and upload document scans.
3
Pay state fee

Pay the EUR 140 state fee.
4
Book appointment

Book an appointment (VFS Global abroad, or Migration Department in Lithuania).
5
Attend in person

Attend in person: submit biometrics and original documents.
6
Await decision

Await decision (15-60 days); collect the visa.

Official Sources

Work / Employment High confidence

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

A temporary residence permit for living in Lithuania for more than one year on grounds such as work, study, family reunification, or business. Filed via MIGRIS with a biometrics appointment, and renewable; it is the basis for eventually qualifying for permanent residence after five years.

Processing time: Approximately 45-90 days (standard ~90 days; accelerated ~45 days)
Validity: Typically up to 1-3 years depending on grounds, renewable
Language requirement: None at TRP stage (required for permanent residence and citizenship)
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal residence on a TRP
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation generally after 10 years of lawful residence

Requirements

TRP application via MIGRIS
Valid passport
Proof of sufficient funds for the permit's duration / at least one year (benchmark: minimum monthly wage EUR 1,153 in 2026; half for minors or science-based grounds)
Criminal record certificate (clean record)
Proof of accommodation / place to live in Lithuania
Health insurance
Basis-specific documents (employment contract + employer's mediation, university admission, marriage/birth certificates, etc.)

Required Documents

TRP application via MIGRIS required
Valid passport required
Proof of sufficient funds (benchmark EUR 1,153/month minimum wage) required
Criminal record certificate (clean record) required
Proof of accommodation in Lithuania required
Health insurance required
Basis-specific documents (work contract + mediation, admission letter, marriage/birth certificates) required

Official fees

State fee (standard) 120 EUR

State fee (urgent) 240 EUR

VFS Global service fee (abroad, typical range) 120 EUR

Estimated total 480 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm legal basis

Confirm your legal basis and gather documents.
2
Submit application

Submit the TRP e-application in MIGRIS and upload scans.
3
Pay state fee

Pay the EUR 120 (or EUR 240 urgent) state fee.
4
Book appointment

Book the biometrics/originals appointment.
5
Attend in person

Attend in person and submit data.
6
Collect permit

Await decision; if approved, the permit card is produced and collected.

Official Sources

EU Blue Card High confidence

EU Blue Card (highly qualified employment)

The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified workers with a job offer or contract in Lithuania meeting a salary threshold tied to the national average wage. Filed via MIGRIS, valid up to 3 years, and counts toward permanent residence.

Processing time: Roughly 1-2 months
Validity: Up to 3 years
Language requirement: None at Blue Card stage (required for permanent residence and citizenship)
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Counts toward permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation generally after 10 years of lawful residence

Requirements

Blue Card application via MIGRIS
Valid passport
Employment contract (or binding job offer) of at least the required duration
Proof of higher professional qualifications (diploma) or, for certain roles, relevant professional experience
Evidence the salary meets the threshold (~EUR 3,617/month, or ~EUR 2,894/month for shortage occupations including IT, 2026 figures)
Health insurance and accommodation proof

Required Documents

Blue Card application via MIGRIS required
Valid passport required
Employment contract or binding job offer required
Proof of higher professional qualifications (diploma) or relevant experience required
Evidence salary meets the threshold required
Health insurance and accommodation proof required

Official fees

State fee (standard) 120 EUR

State fee (urgent) 240 EUR

Estimated total 360 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure qualifying job

Secure a qualifying job contract meeting the salary threshold.
2
File application

File the Blue Card application in MIGRIS with diploma/qualification proof.
3
Pay state fee

Pay the state fee (EUR 120 standard / EUR 240 urgent).
4
Attend appointment

Attend the biometrics/originals appointment.
5
Collect card

Await decision; collect the card.

Official Sources

Study / Student High confidence

Student Temporary Residence Permit

Non-EU nationals enrolled in full-time degree programmes, qualification-enhancement courses, or traineeships at accredited Lithuanian higher-education or scientific institutions may obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for the duration of their studies.

Processing time: Up to 3 months (standard); up to 45 days (expedited). Renewals: up to 2 months (standard) or 1 month (expedited).
Validity: Up to 2 years (or total study duration if shorter); up to 3 years for doctoral students. Renewable.
Language requirement: No minimum Lithuanian language level is required to obtain the permit, though the language of instruction at the institution applies.
Documents: 8 required
Permanent residence: Yes · After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Lithuania on a valid TRP.
Citizenship: Yes · After approximately 10 years of continuous lawful residence, subject to language and Constitution exam requirements.

Requirements

Acceptance/enrolment at an accredited Lithuanian higher education or scientific institution
Mediation (facilitation) letter from the institution submitted through MIGRIS
Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond requested permit period)
Proof of financial means: at least EUR 1,153 per month
Health insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 6,000 valid for the permit duration
Clean criminal record certificate
Proof of accommodation in Lithuania
Payment of the state fee

Required Documents

Valid passport or travel document required
Institution mediation/facilitation letter (submitted electronically via MIGRIS) required
Evidence of financial means (bank statements or equivalent) required
Health insurance policy (minimum EUR 6,000 coverage) required
Criminal record certificate from country of origin required
Proof of accommodation (rental contract, dormitory confirmation) required
State fee payment receipt required
Biometric data (provided at VFS Global or Migration Department) required

Official fees

State fee — standard procedure (90 days) 160 EUR

State fee — expedited procedure (45 days) 320 EUR

VFS Global service fee (varies by country) 30 EUR

Estimated total 510 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure admission

Obtain official acceptance from an accredited Lithuanian university, college, or research institution.
2
Institution submits mediation letter

The Lithuanian institution submits a mediation letter through the MIGRIS system on your behalf. This is mandatory before your application can be processed.
3
Submit online application in MIGRIS

Create an account in MIGRIS (migris.lt) and complete the TRP application form. Attach all required documents and pay the state fee online.
4
Biometric appointment

If applying from abroad, book an appointment at a VFS Global centre in your country within 4 months of submitting your MIGRIS application. Provide fingerprints and photograph.
5
Await decision

The Migration Department reviews the application. Standard processing takes up to 3 months; expedited (with additional fee) up to 45 days.
6
Collect residence permit card

Once approved, collect the biometric TRP card from the Migration Department office or VFS Global centre.

Official Sources

Startup Visa Medium confidence

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.
Documents: 8 required
Permanent residence: Yes · After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Lithuania on a valid TRP.
Citizenship: Yes · 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

Estimated total 1,510 EUR

Process Steps

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6
Biometric appointment

If abroad, attend a VFS Global appointment within 4 months of MIGRIS submission for biometric data collection.
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.

Official Sources

Family Reunification High confidence

Family Reunification Temporary Residence Permit

Spouses, registered partners, minor children, and dependent parents of non-EU nationals holding a valid Lithuanian residence permit (or Lithuanian citizens) may apply for a Family Reunification TRP to join and reside with their family member in Lithuania.

Processing time: Up to 3 months (standard); up to 45 days (expedited). Renewals: up to 2 months standard, 1 month expedited.
Validity: 2 years, renewable; up to 4 years total accumulation. Blue Card family members: 3 years.
Language requirement: None required for the initial permit. Lithuanian language proficiency (A2) is required only at the permanent residence stage.
Documents: 8 required
Permanent residence: Yes · After 5 years of continuous lawful residence on a valid TRP.
Citizenship: Yes · After approximately 10 years of continuous lawful residence, subject to A2 language exam and Constitution basics exam.

Requirements

Sponsor holds a valid Lithuanian TRP with at least 1 year remaining and has resided in Lithuania for at least 2 years (exceptions for Blue Card holders and master/PhD students)
Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, partnership registration, etc.)
Valid passport of the applicant
Proof of financial means: at least EUR 1,153 per month for the household
Proof of accommodation in Lithuania
Health insurance with minimum EUR 6,000 coverage
Clean criminal record certificate
Payment of state fee

Required Documents

Valid passport or travel document of the applicant required
Marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate (apostilled and translated) required
Birth certificate (for children)
Sponsor's valid residence permit copy required
Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contract, payslips) required
Proof of accommodation (rental or ownership documents) required
Health insurance policy (minimum EUR 6,000 coverage) required
Criminal record certificate required
State fee payment receipt required

Official fees

State fee — standard procedure (90 days) 160 EUR

State fee — expedited procedure (45 days) 320 EUR

VFS Global service fee (varies by country) 30 EUR

Estimated total 510 EUR

Process Steps

1
Verify sponsor eligibility

Confirm that the sponsoring family member in Lithuania has held a valid TRP for at least 2 years and has at least 1 year of validity remaining on their permit (Blue Card holders and master/PhD students are exempt from the 2-year rule).
2
Gather supporting documents

Collect proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates), financial means, accommodation proof, health insurance, and criminal record. Have foreign documents apostilled and officially translated into Lithuanian or English.
3
Submit application in MIGRIS

The sponsor or applicant creates/logs into MIGRIS (migris.lt) and submits the TRP application with all supporting documents. Pay the state fee electronically.
4
Biometric appointment at VFS Global

If the applicant is abroad, book a VFS Global appointment within 4 months of MIGRIS submission to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
5
Await Migration Department decision

Standard processing: up to 3 months. Expedited (additional fee): up to 45 days.
6
Collect TRP card

Upon approval, collect the biometric residence permit card from the Migration Department or VFS Global centre.

Official Sources

Permanent Residence Medium confidence

Permanent Residence Permit (long-term resident, 5-year route)

A permanent residence permit for long-term residents who have lived legally in Lithuania for five continuous years on a TRP, requiring passage of the A2 Lithuanian language exam and a Constitution exam. Valid for 5 years and renewable.

Processing time: Typically 45 days to ~3 months
Validity: 5 years, renewable
Language requirement: Lithuanian at A2 level plus a Constitution basics exam
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · This is the permanent residence permit itself
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation generally after 10 years of lawful residence

Requirements

Continuous legal residence in Lithuania for the last 5 years on a TRP (absences under 6 consecutive months, or under 10 months total over the 5 years, do not break continuity)
Pass the Lithuanian language exam at A2 level
Pass the exam on the basics of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania
Proof of sufficient means (benchmark: minimum monthly wage EUR 1,153; half for minors)
Valid passport, accommodation proof, and clean criminal record

Required Documents

PRP application via MIGRIS required
Valid passport required
A2 Lithuanian language exam certificate required
Constitution basics exam certificate required
Proof of sufficient means required
Proof of accommodation required
Clean criminal record certificate required

Official fees

State fee (standard category) 320 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm residence test

Confirm you meet the 5-year continuous-residence test.
2
Pass exams

Pass the A2 Lithuanian language exam and the Constitution exam; obtain certificates.
3
File application

File the PRP application in MIGRIS with all proofs.
4
Pay state fee

Pay the state fee.
5
Attend appointment

Attend the biometrics/originals appointment.
6
Collect permit

Await decision; collect the permanent permit card.

Official Sources

Some pathway details are machine-translated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with official sources.

Views of the country

Frequently asked questions

What is a National D visa for Lithuania?

A National (Type D) visa is for stays longer than 90 days, such as work, study, or family. You apply electronically through MIGRIS and attend a biometrics appointment, either at Lithuania's Migration Department or via VFS Global abroad.

How do I apply for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania?

The Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) covers work, study, family reunification, and startups. Applications are filed in MIGRIS, then you complete biometrics at the Migration Department in Lithuania or through VFS Global from abroad.

What is the EU Blue Card in Lithuania?

The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified workers. Like other residence permits, you apply through MIGRIS and provide biometrics in person or via VFS Global.

Can I get permanent residence in Lithuania after five years?

Yes, after five years of continuous legal residence you can apply for a long-term or permanent residence permit. The application process also goes through MIGRIS with a biometrics appointment.

How does the Lithuanian startup visa work?

Lithuania offers a Startup Visa under the Innovative Business TRP pathway. You apply through the usual MIGRIS system and complete biometrics, showing your innovative business plan.

Where do I go for biometrics for a Lithuania immigration application?

You attend an in-person appointment either at the Migration Department in Lithuania or, from abroad, at VFS Global. Your initial application is submitted electronically via MIGRIS.

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