Lithuania Tightens Residence Permit Regulations Effective December 1

Stricter requirements will be implemented by Lithuania for foreign nationals submitting applications for temporary residency permits via outside service providers. Only nationals of the nations where providers are based may apply locally as of December 1, 2024, while some applicants may have other options.

Lithuania has tightened the requirements for applying for national visas and temporary residency permits through outside service providers. The revised guidelines state that only nationals of the nations where these foreign service providers are based will be eligible to apply at those branches as of December 1, 2024.

Important Modifications to the Application Procedure

1. Local Residents Only Access

Only inhabitants of the nation in which an external service provider conducts business may apply for national visas or temporary residency permits at that branch, per the updated regulations. This step attempts to expedite the procedure and guard against possible abuse by candidates from other areas.

2. Other Choices for Citizens Who Do Not Reside

Candidates living in nations without a Lithuanian external service provider branch can nevertheless apply for national visas or temporary residency permits through a branch in a neighboring nation. This pertains to visitors from other countries who come to Lithuania for reasons like:

• Highly-skilled employment
• Family reunification
• Intra-company transfers
• Collective relocation under the Investments Law
• Study programs (including doctoral studies)
• Large investor visits
• Teaching or research positions

In other nations with branches, foreigners who are employed as researchers or teachers, or who have been transferred within their organizations, may also apply for permission.

Limitations on Applying for National Visas

Applications for national visas can still be submitted by foreign nationals from nations without a local branch, but only for certain uses. Seasonal workers and posted staff are exempt; they must apply through other designated routes.

No Modifications for Specific Nationals

The ability to apply for Lithuania’s national visas or temporary residence permits at any branch of an external service provider will remain available to citizens of Australia, Japan, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea.

Restrictions on Employment Effective July 2024

Lithuania has enforced more stringent work requirements for foreign nationals since July 1, 2024. Without a temporary residence permit obtained within Lithuania, anyone entering the country on Schengen or national visas, or on visa-free terms, is no longer allowed to work. Before beginning employment, this procedure makes sure that foreign nationals have the appropriate permits.

Options for Applications in Nepal and India

India-Based Applications

The requirements for applications situated in India have not changed much. The India branch is where foreigners can apply if they want to study, work in highly skilled employment, or visit relatives in Lithuania. Applications from people moving because of their investments or on behalf of big investors will also still be considered.

Nepal-Based Applications

An exception permits foreign nationals to continue submitting applications in the Nepal branch until December 31, 2024, if they first applied through Lithuania’s external service provider in Nepal before September 1, 2024.

Conclusion

Many foreigners who want to live, work, or study in Lithuania are anticipated to be impacted by these changes. Prospective applicants must carefully read the new rules and make appropriate application plans.