From December 2024, Lithuania intends to strengthen the rules for issuing a residence permit. Find out what will change for foreigners and what procedure for obtaining a permit is relevant in 2024

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The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania announced that it plans to strengthen the rules for issuing residence permits through external service providers from December 2024. From now on, only citizens of the countries in which the office currently operates will be able to apply.

We talk about the current procedure for issuing a residence permit in Lithuania and changes in the work of the office of the external supplier later in this article.

Who can apply for a residence permit in Lithuania?

As mentioned above, only citizens of countries that have an office of an external provider will be able to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania from abroad.

That is, the rules will not change for citizens of 30 countries, including representatives of India, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.

In which countries did Lithuania close the offices of the external supplier?

On September 2, Lithuania closed another office of an external service provider, in Nepal, due to national security concerns. Foreigners who applied for a residence permit through this office before September 1 can make an appointment until December 31 and will receive the documents after January 1.

Also, for 2024, the number of offices of external service providers has already been reduced from 34 to 30, in addition to Nepal, Lithuania has closed representative offices in Lebanon, Jordan and Sri Lanka.

What should citizens of countries that do not have a representative office of an external supplier do?

Citizens of countries that do not have a representative office of an external service provider will still be able to apply for a temporary residence permit through providers in other countries, but only if they plan to come to Lithuania for one of the following reasons:

- for family reunification,

- to perform highly qualified work,

- to study under approved programs, in particular doctoral programs,

- move by internal transfer within the company,

- intend to work as teachers or researchers under employment contracts with Lithuanian research institutions,

- to work for a large investor,

- within the collective resettlement program based on the Law on Investments.

Importantly! Citizens of countries without an external provider office will be able to apply for national visas on any basis, except when national visas are obtained for business trips or seasonal workers.

How to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania?

To apply for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania, you must:

1. Prepare a package of documents.

Before starting the application process, you need to prepare the necessary documents:

- Valid passport.

- Marriage certificate (if available).

- Certificate of employment (if available).

- Confirmation of the availability of funds for moving.

- Demonstrate the availability of a place of residence in Lithuania.

- Medical insurance.

- Confirmation of the paid state fee for your residence permit.

- A certificate from the police stating that you do not have a criminal record.

Depending on the reason for which you are applying for temporary residence, you need to submit additional documents:

- a certificate from the place of work - if the purpose of entry is employment;

- confirmation of family ties - for family reunification,

- a certificate of enrollment in educational training.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

2. Fill out the permit application.

At the next stage, you must apply for a residence permit on the online platform of the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS). In addition, it is necessary to have copies of the above documents.

3. Visit the migration department.

After you register with MIGRIS, you will need to visit the migration office four months later with your originals and copies of the digital documents you provided.

Biometric data must also be provided at this appointment.

4. Get your permit.

After processing your application, you will receive your residence permit, which will contain your personal information and will be the basis for residence in the country.

The cost of issuing a residence permit in Lithuania is 120 euros.

After what time can I apply for permanent residence?

Having lived in Lithuania for five consecutive years with a valid temporary residence permit, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit in Lithuania. A permanent residence permit allows you to stay in Lithuania for ten years and can be extended.

We will remind you! Lithuania is a European country that is becoming increasingly popular among expats. Foreigners are attracted here by the booming economy and employment prospects. We have already told what types of work visas are issued in Lithuania, what are the requirements and the procedure for obtaining them.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe trip abroad, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling around the world.

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