Lithuania Updates Country List for Residence Permits and Visa Applications
Lithuania has revamped its visa and residence permit framework, closing VFS offices in five countries while opening new ones in four. This update also mandates online appointment bookings via MIGRIS. Here’s a breakdown of the changes, application locations, and what remains consistent.
Key Updates to Lithuania’s Visa Network
To enhance immigration and residency services, Lithuania’s Ministry of the Interior recently released an updated list of countries where foreign nationals can apply for national visas and residence permits through VFS Global.
As of October 22, the following external service provider offices will close:
- Albania
- Argentina
- United Arab Emirates
- Tajikistan
- Venezuela
In contrast, new offices will open in:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ghana
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe
List of Countries Where You Can Apply Now
With this new directive, applications for temporary residence permits or national visas in Lithuania will be processed by VFS Global offices located in the following 30 countries:
- Armenia
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Philippines
- Ghana
- India
- Israel
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Georgia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe
When You Can Apply from Another Country
Typically, applicants must apply for a Lithuania visa or residence permit in the country where the VFS office exists. However, exceptions are in place for Azerbaijan, Ghana, and Mongolia, allowing applications for specific reasons such as:
- Family reunification
- High-skilled employment
- Enrollment in Lithuanian universities or doctoral programs
- Additionally, professors, researchers, major investors, or personnel relocating within a company may also apply from other nations under specific provisions of Lithuania’s Investment Law.
Who Can Still Apply Without Restrictions
Citizens from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea can apply for temporary residence permits and national visas at any VFS Global office without restrictions.
MIGRIS Now Required for Visa Appointments
Alongside changing office locations, Lithuania is updating its visa application scheduling system. Starting October 22, all appointment bookings must occur through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS) at www.migracija.lt.
To schedule a visit, applicants need to log into their MIGRIS account, check their application status, and select the appropriate VFS Global office and time slot using the ‘Book a Visit’ option.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Lithuania’s recent changes reflect a commitment to making the visa and residence application process more streamlined and consistent worldwide. If you’re planning to apply, ensure you review the new VFS locations and utilize MIGRIS to secure your appointment before proceeding.
