In recent years, Lithuania has become an increasingly popular country for job seekers from foreign countries. Thanks to the country's growing economy, the number of expats who decide to move and build their future is constantly growing. The main industries in which expats are employed are:
Fintech (financial services + technology):Lithuania is positioning itself as the main fintech hub in the European Union. The government has promised to provide European operating licenses to all potential investors within 3 months, not a full year, as in other European countries. For example, Google founded a payment firm in Lithuania in 2018, and Revolut is headquartered in Vilnius;
Tourism: The tourism sector is an important part of the Lithuanian economy. The main group of tourists comes from the UK and Germany. Bicycle tourism is quite popular in the country, especially on coastal cycling routes.
Outsourcing: Given the low cost and assistance that companies receive when setting up their operations in Lithuania, the most promising sectors in the country are BPO and SSC. This is also beneficial both for the country's economy and for those who want to move and find a job here. Among the international companies that have already outsourced part of their operations to Lithuania are Transcom and Western Union.
What is the best city in Lithuania to work in?
Vilnius offers a variety of employment opportunities.
What professions are in demand in Lithuania?
Service workers and skilled workers - drivers of heavy trucks and lorries, sales assistants, cooks, drivers of cars, taxis and minibuses, mechanics and vehicle repairers, tailors, dressmakers, furriers and hatters, bakers, confectioners and pastry chefs, electricians, plumbers and plumbing fitters, and home builders.
There are several ways for a foreigner to work at Lithuanian enterprises:
1. Placement (business trip) of an employee.
Employee posting means that a foreigner working for a company in a third country may be seconded for up to 1 year to a company registered in the Republic of Lithuania to work under a contract concluded between these companies for the provision of services, performance of work or as a specialist with relevant professional qualifications.
The requirements for legal accommodation of foreigners are as follows:
the foreigner must have worked for at least the last 3 months before the business trip for the foreign company that sends him/her;
An alien working in a foreign country and seconded to the Republic of Lithuania remains covered by social insurance in that foreign country during the period of stay in Lithuania.
In this case, it is enough for a foreigner to obtain a national D visa for the period of a business trip to Lithuania.
It should be noted that seconded foreigners cannot be sent to perform functions in companies other than those to which they were seconded and which mediated the issuance of a national visa.
2. Direct hiring of a foreigner by a Lithuanian company.
According to the Law of the Republic of Lithuania "On the Legal Status of Foreigners", a foreigner who intends to work in the Republic of Lithuania must obtain a work permit.
A work permit for a foreigner may be issued under the following conditions:
there are no specialists in the Republic of Lithuania who meet the qualification requirements of the employer;
The employer undertakes to hire a foreigner on the basis of an employment contract for a period of at least 6 months;
accompanying documents certifying the relevant qualifications of the foreigner and at least one year of work experience in accordance with his/her qualifications during the last two years, except for cases when the foreigner comes to work as an intern.
In this case, it is enough to obtain a national D visa for the period of work in Lithuania.
Pay attention to the following features of the foreign labor force in Lithuania:
Work permits for foreigners are required even if they are not actually residing in the Republic of Lithuania, but are employed in the Republic of Lithuania under a remote work agreement;
The salary of a foreign employee under an employment contract may not be less than the salary of residents of the Republic of Lithuania received by the same employer for similar work. If there are no such resident employees, the foreigner's salary may not be less than the average monthly gross salary in the relevant industry according to the latest published annual data of the Lithuanian Statistics Department.
An employment agreement with a foreigner must be concluded in writing in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Lithuania in a language understood by the foreigner;
Important: a Schengen visa or visa-free entry to Lithuania with a biometric passport of a third country does not entitle a foreigner to work in the Republic of Lithuania on any basis (neither under an employment contract, nor in the case of a business trip to perform work under a contract between business entities, nor for self-employment).
The employer is obliged to register the employment agreement with the Lithuanian Labor Exchange within 2 months from the date of obtaining the Lithuanian Labor Exchange's permission to employ a foreigner.
Several types of employment contracts are possible:
Indefinite term means ordinary employment agreements (contracts) for an indefinite period of time;
For a fixed term - employment contracts for a certain period of time (up to 2 years, and up to 5 years if the parties agree), or for the duration of certain work;
Temporary work is when work is performed in the interests of a person specified by a temporary employment agency (employer);
Apprenticeship - when a professional qualification is obtained at the workplace;
Project work is a fixed-term employment contract for the implementation of a specific project;
Job sharing is when two employees agree to perform one job together;
Work for several employers - performing the same function for several employers;
Seasonal work is an employment contract for seasonal work.
The procedure and deadline for submitting documents, as well as the list of required documents, can be found on the website Lithuanian Employment Service..
It is always advisable to study potential employment opportunities before arriving in Lithuania to have a full understanding of the specific requirements of the labor market and which specialists have the best chances of finding a job.
There are several websites that post job openings in various industries.
The website
"Work In Lithuania" provides job offers in international companies along with their brief description, number of employees and the date of the company's foundation in Lithuania.
The most popular job sites in Lithuania are:
Work in Lithuania
CV online
CV market
CV bankas
LOVEJOB
Voodoosales
Start up CV
CV.lt
Scobo
The sites listed above are well known and all have an English interface, but most of the job descriptions are in Lithuanian, so additional translation will be required. Most of these sites provide an option to upload your resume so that employers can see it and contact you directly.
You can also apply to one of the main employment agencies that cooperate with large companies in Lithuania:
Alliance for Recruitment
Manpower
Strategic Staffing Solutions;
Simplika
Biuro
Info
Headex
In recent years, more and more foreigners have come to Lithuania in search of work. While the process of employment and residence in Lithuania is relatively simple for EU citizens, citizens of other countries have to go through several procedures to get a job.
Types of work permits in Lithuania
There are several types of work permits issued in Lithuania, but they usually include
- Work visa for highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card)
- Employment visa for intra-company transfers
- Work permit in Lithuania
- Seasonal work visa
In order to work in Lithuania, citizens of other countries are usually required to obtain one of the following documents:
- work permit
- a decision on the compliance of a foreigner's work with the needs of the labor market;
What is the difference between a work permit and a decision on the compliance of foreign work with the needs of the Lithuanian labor market?
A work permit is usually issued for one year. It allows a foreigner to apply for a national work visa. With a work permit, a foreigner can be employed for a period of up to three months on the basis of a Schengen visa or a visa-free regime.
The decision on the compliance of an alien's work with the needs of the Lithuanian labor market is issued for a period of up to two years. On the basis of this document, an alien may apply for a residence permit in Lithuania. An alien may start working only after obtaining a residence permit.
Important! Highly qualified specialists applying for a Blue Card do not have to apply for a decision on the compliance of foreign work with the needs of the Lithuanian labor market.
Qualification requirements for foreigners
Please note that a work permit or a decision on the correspondence of work to the needs of the Lithuanian labor market is issued if a foreigner has:
- qualifications appropriate to the work to be performed, or
- one year of work experience in the last three years that is relevant to the work performed, or
- it is expected that the foreigner will be paid a monthly salary not less than the last published average monthly gross salary in the national economy (including data on salaries at individual enterprises) for the calendar year (hereinafter referred to as the "last published gross salary").
The process of issuing a work permit or compliance decision
1. The employer must apply to the Employment Service for a work permit or a decision on compliance.
2. The employer registers the vacancy on the website www.uzt.lt;
3. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, EU citizens and foreigners who have a permanent residence permit in Lithuania have priority when applying for a vacancy. If there are no such candidates, the employer fills out an application for a work permit or a decision on the alien's compliance with the needs of the Lithuanian labor market;
4. The Employment Service considers the application and makes a decision within seven working days;
An alien must obtain a work permit before the date of the planned conclusion of the employment contract or the start of the planned work in the Republic of Lithuania. The employer may submit the employment documents to the Employment Service one month after the expiration of the vacancy announcement. An alien may hold only one work permit at a time.
When do foreigners not need to obtain a work permit or a decision on compliance?
Citizens of the EU and EFTA countries.
Foreigners with a permanent residence permit.
Citizens of other countries who are family members of Lithuanian citizens and have a residence permit issued on the basis of family reunification.
Citizens of other countries who have obtained a residence permit on the basis of study.
An alien whose occupation is included in the list of occupations for which there is a shortage of workers in the Republic of Lithuania, in accordance with the type of economic activity (in this case, quotas apply). After the quota is exhausted, foreigners intending to work in the Republic of Lithuania must obtain a work permit).
The salary to be paid to a foreigner will be at least three average monthly wages before taxes.
A foreigner who intends to work as an intern or trainee.
A foreigner working in Lithuania remotely under an employment contract with a company operating in Lithuania.
A foreigner applying for a blue card.
For more information on who is exempt from the obligation to obtain a work permit or a decision on the compliance of foreign work with the needs of the Lithuanian labor market, read here (Section 5 "Foreigners working in the Republic of Lithuania").
What should you do if you have received a work permit from the Employment Service or a decision on the compliance of foreign work with the needs of the Lithuanian labor market?
After obtaining a work permit issued by the Employment Service or a decision on the compliance of foreign work with the needs of the Lithuanian labor market, the employer must fill out an intermediary letter in the MIGRIS system, on the basis of which the foreigner can apply for a national visa or residence permit.
An employment contract may be concluded with several employers. In this case, the first employer submits the letter of introduction, but all employers must meet the conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit.
What is the difference between a national work visa and a work-based residence permit?
National visa (D)
- Published abroad
- It is issued for a maximum period of one year.
- Allows entry and stay in Lithuania for the duration of the national visa
- Allows you to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period
- A foreigner is not issued a personal identification number
- Foreigners cannot declare their place of residence in Lithuania
- The foreigner is not insured for sickness (CHI)
- A foreigner cannot be self-employed
- Cannot change employers
Residence permit in Lithuania
- Can be issued for 1-3 years on the basis of employment
- To apply for a residence permit and revoke it, a foreigner must legally reside in Lithuania (from 2023, it will be possible to apply for a residence permit and obtain a TRP through an external service provider while abroad).
- Entitles the foreigner to stay in Lithuania for the duration of the permit
- A foreigner is issued a personal identification number
- A foreigner can declare his/her place of residence in Lithuania
- Allows you to stay within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period
- To obtain a residence permit, you need to submit more documents: no criminal record, a promise to declare your place of residence
- Residence permit can be extended after its expiration date
- Employer or job function can be changed with the permission of the Migration Department
- The foreigner is insured in the health insurance system (CHI)
- May be self-employed (but this is not a ground for granting a temporary residence permit)
If the work visa/residence permit was issued on the basis of employment, the employer must notify the Migration Department within seven working days after the end of the employment relationship. The Migration Department will revoke the foreigner's document and he/she must leave Lithuania.
If a foreigner arrived in Lithuania on the basis of a national work visa, can he/she apply for a residence permit?
If a foreigner has obtained a national visa (D) on the basis of employment, an application for a residence permit on the basis of work must be submitted to the Department of Migration 2-4 months before the visa expiration date.
Seasonal work permit
A seasonal work permit is issued only if:
There is no suitable employee for seasonal work in Lithuania
You will work under an employment contract
You have a place of residence in Lithuania
Seasonal work is included in the list of jobs available for seasonal work approved by the Minister of Social Protection and Labor
A work visa is a long-term visa that allows you to stay in Lithuania if you have found a job. Usually, if a Lithuanian employer has shown interest in employing you, they must also apply for a work permit on your behalf. Then you need to apply for a work visa from your home country and start working in Lithuania. The requirements may vary depending on the type of work you will be doing, so it is important to understand who needs a work visa in Lithuania in the first place and what types of work visas are available.
Do you need a visa to work in Lithuania?
EU/EEA citizens are free to work in Lithuania, but they must register their stay after three months.
If you are a citizen of one of the African countries, you must apply for a work visa, work permit or residence permit to start working in Lithuania.
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries must apply for a work visa, work permit or residence permit to start working in Lithuania.
How to apply for a work visa to Lithuania?
To apply for a work visa to Lithuania, you must:
Obtain a work permit.The work permit is issued by the Lithuanian Labor Exchange. Your employer has to apply for this permit on your behalf - you need to provide your employer with several documents before he can apply to the Lithuanian Employment Service for the permit. This step may not be necessary depending on the type of work visa - your employer and the Department of Migration will inform you about this.
Find the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate.Before applying for a residence permit, you need to apply for a work visa at the nearest embassy/consulate of your country.
Fill out a national visa application form. The form is available online on the website of the Department of Migration, where you need to indicate the type of visa you are applying for.
Gather all the necessary documents. The requirements include documents such as a passport, photo, valid health insurance, etc.
Attend an appointment.Submit documents during a visit to an embassy or consulate.
Wait for a response. Processing time usually takes about fourteen days.
After entering Lithuania
Once you have entered Lithuania, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit. Please note that this is only required if your work visa leads to a residence permit in Lithuania. If you are not sure whether this applies to you, you need to contact the Lithuanian Department of Migration for more information.
You have to fill out an application for a temporary residence permit through MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System). On the other hand, you also need to register your place of residence with the Migration Department, which will then send the data to the Registry Center. If your accommodation is registered in someone else's name, you must also provide a permission signed by the owner.
Time for obtaining a work visa to Lithuania
Usually, it takes about two weeks to apply for a Lithuanian work visa. However, you can start the application process six months before your planned trip to Lithuania. The sooner you apply for a Lithuanian work visa, the sooner you will receive a response to your application.
Requirements for obtaining a work visa to Lithuania
When applying for a long-term work visa to Lithuania, you will need the following documents:
An application form for a long-term visa. You can usually find the application form online on the website of the Department of Migration, just click on the type of visa you want to apply for.
Intermediary letter (invitation letter). The letter must contain information about the Lithuanian employer and employee.
Valid international passport. The travel document must also have two free pages.
Employment permit issued by the Lithuanian Labor Exchange. A Lithuanian employer must apply on your behalf.
Sufficient means of subsistence. You must submit a bank statement to demonstrate your regular income.
Health insurance. Before entering Lithuania, you must first obtain health insurance. After that, you can register with the national compulsory health insurance system.
Certificate of no criminal record. The document cannot be older than three months.
Proof of professional accreditation. You must submit a document that demonstrates your qualifications for the job.
All documents must be legalized and have an apostille stamp before submission. Documents must also be written in Lithuanian or translated into Lithuanian.
The cost of a work visa to Lithuania
A work visa, like any other long-term visa, costs 120 euros. Although the visa application is submitted online, we recommend paying the visa fee at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate. After paying the visa fee, you will receive a document confirming the payment of the fee. You should attach this document to your visa application.
Validity of a work visa to Lithuania
A long-term visa is issued for a maximum period of one year. You can extend it when you apply for a temporary residence permit and your employer applies for an extension of your work permit. You can extend it annually. After five years, you can obtain permanent residence and Lithuanian citizenship.
Extension of a work visa in Lithuania
To extend your stay in the country, you must apply for an extension of your work permit. Your employer must apply for an extension of your work permit one month before the permit expires. If your stay in Lithuania exceeds one year, you must apply for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania.
Family transportation
If you have a valid work permit and a temporary residence permit, you can invite your family members to join you. In order for your family member to join you, they must apply for a family reunification visa. This visa will allow them to stay with you as long as you have a valid permit.
Are there any restrictions for foreigners when setting up or buying a company in Lithuania?
Foreigners wishing to establish or acquire a company in Lithuania have the same rights as Lithuanian citizens, and there are no special restrictions for them.
When establishing or buying a company in Lithuania, does the founder/buyer have to be directly involved and does he/she have to come to Lithuania?
A company can be established, and changes related to the sale and purchase of a company must be registered in the Register of Legal Entities on the basis of the relevant authorization form, i.e. without the direct participation of the founder/buyer.
The right of a foreigner who founded or bought a company in Lithuania to stay and/or reside in Lithuania
A foreigner who has a company in Lithuania has the right to come and stay in Lithuania on the basis of a visa, if he/she does not exceed the period of time specified in the visa.
An alien who is legally employed in Lithuania and whose stay in Lithuania is necessary to achieve the company's goals and conduct business may obtain a temporary residence permit in Lithuania on the basis of business issues;
A temporary residence permit is a document entitling an alien to reside in Lithuania for a specified period of time. An alien has the right to choose a place of residence in Lithuania, change it, leave Lithuania and return to Lithuania if the temporary residence permit is still valid. An alien who has a temporary residence permit in Lithuania may travel to the Schengen countries and stay there for up to 3 months. A person leaving Lithuania for more than 6 months must declare his/her departure;
A temporary residence permit in Lithuania is issued to an alien who is not a citizen of a European Union member state. It is usually issued for one year.
Can foreigners with certain permits start a business in Lithuania?
EU/EEA citizens need an ID card or passport to stay in Lithuania for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer, you must register and obtain a residence permit at the Department of Migration.
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries require special visas and permits. Here are some other visas and permits required to start a business in Lithuania:
Obtaining a Schengen visa (C)
You are entitled to stay in Lithuania for 90 days on a Schengen visa. You must use these days within 180 days. Getting a Schengen visa is relatively easy and fast.
Acquisition of an EU blue card
The two-in-one permit (work permit and residence permit) is available for highly qualified non-EU nationals. It is valid for a maximum of three years and can be extended for another three years. You can bring your family with you. After five years, you will be eligible for permanent residence.
2-year residence permit;
The company must have been operating for at least six months before applying for a residence permit. The company's equity capital must be at least 28,000 euros. Foreign investors must invest at least EUR 14,000.
Starting a company: steps, costs, and deadlines
The main stages of setting up a company:
1. Selecting and reserving a company name
2. Preparation of constituent documents
3. Formation of authorized capital, opening a savings account in a bank (if necessary)
4. Providing constituent documents for notarization
5. Submission of notarized constituent documents to the Register of Legal Entities
Some forms of businesses can be established over the Internet if the founder has a qualified electronic signature and if other necessary conditions specified by law are met.
Buying a company: steps, costs, and deadlines
The main stages of buying and selling a company:
1. Preparation of documents
2. Payment of the share
3. Signing the company's purchase and sale documents
4. Registration of purchase and sale documents in the Register of Legal Entities
How much does it cost to register a company in Lithuania?
The state charges 574 euros for registering a UAB (private limited liability company);
Notary fees, which range from 102 to 232 euros, are not included in the state fee;
In Lithuania, there are no government costs associated with registering as a VAT payer. The price varies greatly depending on the bank where you decide to open your business account;
Additional fees for translation services may be charged (about 20-25 euros/page) if the business is established by a legal entity (company). The registration process takes three business days after the local authorities receive the required documents, and the total state fee ranges from EUR 290 to EUR 580.
State support for businesses with foreign capital;
State authorities have no right to interfere with the legal possession of property owned by foreign investors. In case of legal expropriation, investors are entitled to compensation equal to the market value of the confiscated property.
Lithuania is subject to WTO rules on capital investment as it is a member of the EU. Invest Lithuania is a government agency designed to attract more foreign investment. It functions as a one-stop shop for data on business costs, labor, taxes, legal implications, and other business issues. It also assists in setting up and launching companies, facilitates obtaining government funding, and advocates on behalf of shareholders for more investor-friendly legislation;
The government is also expanding its network of business agents; an attaché was recently appointed to work at the Consulate General in Los Angeles. Additional missions are being considered for Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
Every year, the government invites foreign investors to a conference to discuss their concerns and suggestions for improving the investment climate in Lithuania.
Legal working hours
The maximum working time, including overtime, should not exceed 48 hours in 7 working days. For employees who work part-time or have an additional employment contract at the same workplace, the daily working hours (including breaks for rest and meals) may not exceed 12 hours.
Paid vacation time
The minimum annual paid vacation is 28 calendar days. For certain categories of employees, the annual paid leave is 35 calendar days, namely: employees under the age of 18, employees who, as single parents, are raising a child under the age of 14 or a disabled child under the age of 16, disabled persons and other persons provided for by law.
Public holidays
The Labor Code defines 11 public holidays (13 calendar days in total) when no work is carried out at enterprises, institutions and organizations.
Minimum wage
In 2024, the minimum monthly wage in Lithuania is EUR 924. This represents an increase from the previous minimum wage of EUR 840. The minimum hourly wage has increased from EUR 5.15 to EUR 5.65.
If you are a foreigner looking for a job in Lithuania, here are some tips to help you in your job search:
1. Study the labor market: Start by researching the labor market in Lithuania to identify industries and sectors that are thriving and in demand for foreign workers. Look for vacancies that match your skills and qualifications.
2. Work permit and visa requirements: Make sure you understand the work permit and visa requirements for working in Lithuania. Contact the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your country to get accurate and up-to-date information.
3. Edit your resume: Prepare your resume in a way that emphasizes your relevant skills and experience. Make sure it is well formatted, concise and free of errors. Consider including a cover letter that explains your interest in working in Lithuania.
4. Online job portals: Use online job portals and websites that specialize in connecting job seekers with employers in Lithuania. Some popular job portals in Lithuania include cv.lt, cvonline.lt and workinlithuania.lt. You can create profiles, upload your resume and apply for relevant vacancies.
5. Build connections: Networking is very important in the Lithuanian labor market. Join professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn, attend industry events and job fairs. Communicate with professionals and recruiters in your field of interest to expand your network of contacts and learn about potential employment opportunities.
6. Localize your application: If you are not already in Lithuania, consider localizing your application by mentioning your willingness to relocate and highlighting any knowledge of the Lithuanian language or culture. This will show your commitment to working in the country.
7. Language skills: Although many international companies work in English, knowing Lithuanian can be helpful. Consider taking language courses or using language learning apps to improve your language skills.
8. Research the company: Before applying for a job, thoroughly research the company or organization you are interested in. Understand their values, culture, and any specific requirements they may have. Prepare your application to meet their needs.
9. Be proactive: Don't rely on online applications alone. Reach out directly to the companies you are interested in, introduce yourself and ask about potential vacancies. This proactive approach will help you stand out among other applicants.
10. Be persistent and have a positive attitude: Job hunting can take a lot of time and effort, so don't be discouraged if you don't get an immediate response. Be persistent, keep applying and keep a positive attitude throughout the process.
Don't forget to keep up to date with any changes in labor laws and market conditions in Lithuania. Good luck with your job search!
Lithuania