Lithuania immigration is becoming increasingly popular for people seeking new opportunities in Europe. The country's modern cities, serene countryside, and friendly atmosphere make it a popular destination for students, professionals, and families worldwide. Also, its booming economy, low cost of living, and easy visa process all contribute to its growing appeal.
Whether you are looking to work, study, or build your own business, Lithuania is a welcoming place for new arrivals. Here, we'll explore everything you need to know about moving to Lithuania—from visa types and residency permits to the benefits of moving. If you've been considering a move abroad, this small Baltic nation might be the perfect place to begin your next chapter.
Lithuania Entry Requirements
EU nationals can enter Lithuania without a visa, but non-EU and EEA nationals may face some issues. Non-EU nationals need to get a specific visa to move legally. Indian nationals and people with dual citizenship (provided both countries are not European) are not exempt from the visa rule.
EU nationals can stay in Lithuania for three months without requesting a residency permit. If circumstances change, these European citizens will have to apply for European Union member citizen certificates, taking into consideration their place of employment or education, if applicable.
Types of Visas for Lithuania Immigration
Lithuania offers various visa options catering to different purposes and durations of stay. Here are the available options for non-EEA and non-EU citizens:
1. Lithuania Family Visa
Lithuania immigration is quite popular for family reunification purposes. If you currently live in Lithuania and wish your family to join you, they must apply for a family reunification visa. They must complete an application and provide many documents establishing their relationship with you. A family visa is often granted for the same duration as your visa in Lithuania. You can also file for an asylum application to join your family members.
2. Lithuania Student Visa
Citizens of non-EU countries must have a Lithuanian student visa to begin their studies in Lithuania. You must also provide extra documents for the application procedure, including a letter of admission from the Lithuanian university. After that, you can submit your application to the Lithuanian embassy or consulate closest to you.
European students don't need a visa to study in Lithuania. However, you'll need to obtain a certificate from the Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior if your study program lasts more than three months and you wish to remain in the country longer.
Note that in order to remain in Lithuania as a student, you must have current health insurance. All European citizens must possess the European Health Insurance Card. International students who are not from Europe can contact an insurance provider through the Lithuanian Insurers Association (LDA).
3. Lithuania Work Visa
Considering the thriving labor market in Lithuania, most foreign citizens are excited to work there. Applying for a work visa and work permit is necessary to work in Lithuania. Your Lithuanian employer might need a work permit before you can apply for a visa to visit the country.
If a foreign worker is employed under an open-ended employment contract by a company based in a non-EU and non-EFTA country, is posted to work in Lithuania by that company, and is covered by social insurance in their country of residence, they must obtain a work permit in the Republic of Lithuania.
Additionally, a work permit is required for qualified professionals from another country to do seasonal work. To apply for a Lithuanian temporary residence permit and be able to work in Lithuania, foreign workers need to fulfill one of the following requirements:Â
- Qualifications advantageous to the tasks to be performed, along with one year of relevant work experience within the past three years (or be a skilled worker), or
- A monthly salary of at least €2,013.80 per month is the most recent average monthly gross income in the national economy (including wage statistics for individual corporations) for the calendar year.
Documents Required for Lithuania Visa Application
Foreign citizens are generally required to have the following documents to obtain their Lithuanian visa:
- Visa application form
- A valid passport
- A passport photograph
- Travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
- Invitation letter
- Birth certificate
- Cover letter
How to Apply
Here are the steps to follow to apply for a Lithuanian visa:
1. Make an appointment at the Lithuanian Embassy (or diplomatic mission) in your country of origin. To apply for your Lithuania visa, you must first schedule an appointment.
2. Fill out the application: The Lithuania visa application form is available at the embassy or consulate or on the Migration Department's website.
3. Collect all valid travel documents: A Lithuania visa application requires several important papers. Ensure that the documents are translated and certified by the embassy's guidelines.
4. Submit the application: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit them to the Lithuanian consulate or embassy. After this, wait for a positive decision from the embassy. You can always track your application to know your legal status. To get your visa, you might have to provide your biometric data and attend a brief interview on the day of application. After arriving in Lithuania, you can start your residence permit application.
Lithuania Visa Fees and Processing Time
Foreign nationals can pay their visa fee at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in their home country. A Lithuanian Schengen tourist visa costs €90 ($101), while a long-stay national visa costs €120 ($135).
The Latvian embassy or consulate accepts only euros and credit cards. Generally, a Lithuanian visa is granted in 15 days. However, depending on exceptional cases, processing time may be extended for as long as 45 days.
Lithuania ETIAS
The European Commission launched the ETIAS project, which has been approved by most European nations, to enhance member state borders and preserve territorial integrity. Visa-exempt travelers will be permitted to enter Lithuania without a visa. However, a valid passport alone will no longer be sufficient.
According to the new policy, all travelers from qualified nations must apply for ETIAS Approval before their arrival, beginning in 2024. It just takes a few minutes to complete the online application process; the ETIAS system will use the applicant's information to search the security database for criminal intent or records. The travel will be authorized for those with spotless records. Anyone considering Lithuania immigration will need the ETIAS.
ETIAS is valid for three years and allows travelers to spend 90 days in a 180-day period in Lithuania, all Schengen countries, and several non-Schengen countries. Applicants aged 18 to 70 will be required to pay an application fee. Keep in mind that this authorization is only valid for short-term stays and cannot be used for work or study. Check your country's status to see if you are eligible for ETIAS. If your nation is not yet on the visa-free list, you can apply for a Schengen visa.
Benefits of Moving to Lithuania
Here are some advantages of considering Lithuania immigration:
1. Work-life balance
Apart from employment opportunities, the compactness of Lithuanian cities is ideal for people looking for a better work-life balance. Before dinnertime arrives, you can drop your children off at school, go to work, run errands, work out, and hang out with friends.
Lithuanian citizens are very accommodating people. With many parks, gardens, and forested areas within the city, the country is one of the greenest nations in Europe. You can eat lunch there during business hours or relax in the afternoon. If you're lucky to get Lithuanian citizenship, you'll be able to get all the juicy benefits of the country.
2. Cheapest Country
One of the most affordable places to live in Europe is Lithuania. According to its Cost of Living Index, Klaipeda is the most cost-effective city, with Vilnius coming in second and Kaunas in third place. The index is based on several variables, such as the average cost of groceries, entertainment, and rent. Furthermore, Lithuanian transportation is incredibly inexpensive because of its innovative infrastructure. In addition to parking payment apps, Lithuania offers more affordable transportation options like public car sharing and accessible bike access.
3. Beautiful Scenery
The nature of Lithuania is quite remarkable. If you have a permanent residence permit, you'll enjoy all the country's beauty. In three hours, you can go from the city to endless forests, almost-secret lakes, and pristine coasts. Lithuania has some excellent national parks as well. Also deserving of praise are the nation's clean and healthy environment and green cities.
For instance, several programs are in place in Vilnius to encourage ecological living. The city has zero-waste shops, deposit refund programs for glass and plastic bottles and cans, and bicycles and car-sharing. You can easily refill your water bottle while walking around the streets, thanks to the drinking water stations scattered throughout. How cool!
Conclusion
Lithuania immigration offers a promising path for people seeking a new start in a peaceful and welcoming European country. With accessible visa options, a strong sense of community, and growing opportunities, it's an ideal choice for newcomers. If you're ready for change, Lithuania could be the perfect place to call home.
