Moving to Lithuania
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

If you're considering relocating to Lithuania, you're embarking on an exciting journey to a stunning Baltic nation in Europe. To assist you in making this transition, here is your comprehensive guide to moving to Lithuania

Lithuania, officially known as the Republic of Lithuania, is a developed country with a high-income advanced economy. It offers abundant job opportunities and a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expats looking for employment in Europe. Additionally, Lithuania is renowned for its high-quality education system, low pollution levels, excellent healthcare, and a high standard of living, all at a lower cost compared to many Western European countries.

Determining whether you need a visa to move to Lithuania depends on your nationality and the country you're traveling from:

1. EU/EEA and Switzerland Citizens: Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can relocate to Lithuania with just their valid identity card or EU passport. Since Lithuania is a member state of the European Union, EU nationals do not require a visa for entry or residence.
2. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: If you're a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen planning to stay in Lithuania for more than three months (90 days), you'll need a long-stay visa, depending on your specific purpose for relocation.

EU/EEA citizens can move to Lithuania without the need to apply for a visa in advance, thanks to the agreement among EU member states. As an EU citizen, you can freely live, work, and study in Lithuania. However, it's essential to register your stay in Lithuania after three months.
As an EU citizen, you'll have the privilege to reside, work, and study in Lithuania while enjoying the same rights as Lithuanian citizens.

Non-EU nationals planning to move to Lithuania must apply for a D visa (long-stay visa) if their intended stay exceeds 90 days (three months). Typically, this type of visa is granted to individuals looking to work, live, study, or reunite with family members in Lithuania. After obtaining any long-stay visa, you'll need to apply for a residence permit to continue your stay in Lithuania.

Non-EU nationals who have secured employment in Lithuania and plan to stay for more than three months (90 days) must apply for a work permit and visa. The process involves the Lithuanian employer applying for a work permit on your behalf through the Labor Services. Subsequently, you'll need to complete the application for a work visa after obtaining the work permit. You can submit the work visa application at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Lithuania offers various work visa categories tailored to different types of employment:

• Work visa for highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card).
• Work visa for intra-company transfers.
• Work permit for employment in Lithuania.
• Seasonal work visa.

Upon receiving your work visa, you can relocate to Lithuania and apply for a temporary residence permit using the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS). It's also essential to register your residence with the Migration Office. The initial work visa is valid for one year (12 months) and can be extended, and you have the option to bring your family with you.

International students from non-EU countries seeking to study in Lithuania must apply for a student visa and a temporary residence permit. Before applying for a student visa, you must secure admission to a Lithuanian university.

After obtaining your student visa, you can enter Lithuania and subsequently apply for a temporary residence permit through the MIGRIS system to extend your stay. The student visa is valid for a maximum period of one year (12 months), necessitating the need for a temporary residence permit to prolong your stay.

Non-EU nationals wishing to join their family members already residing in Lithuania must obtain a family reunification visa before relocating.
You may be eligible for a Lithuanian family visa if:

• You are the spouse of a Lithuanian citizen.
• You are a child (under 21 years of age) of a Lithuanian citizen.
• You are the parent of a Lithuanian citizen.
• Your spouse or parent possesses a Lithuanian permanent residence permit.
• Your spouse or parent holds a Lithuanian temporary residence permit.

Two types of family visas are available based on eligibility, and the application process can be completed on the official website of the Migration Department. After obtaining your family reunification visa, you can enter Lithuania, apply for a temporary residence permit, and register your place of residence. Holders of the family reunification visa are permitted to work and study in Lithuania.

Lithuania offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

If you plan to bring your pets (dogs, cats, or ferrets) to Lithuania, you must fulfill several requirements before their arrival:

• Pets must be marked with a transponder as specified in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013.
• Pets must receive a rabies vaccination from an authorized veterinarian, following the rules in Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 (note: exemptions apply for rabies-free countries).
• You must provide a declaration affirming that your pets have had no contact with wild animals or animals at high risk for rabies.
• Pets must possess a health certificate.
• Pets must have an EU Pet Passport containing the alpha-numeric code and vaccination details against rabies (this applies to pets traveling from EU countries).
• A written declaration is required if your pets will be accompanied by another person.
• Pets must undergo a rabies antibody titration test.

It's important to note that American Pit Bull Terriers are banned under Lithuanian law due to their classification as a dog fighting breed and are not allowed to enter Lithuania.

Lithuania offers several appealing destinations for expatriates:

1. Vilnius: As the capital and largest city, Vilnius is known for its architecture, arts, scenic views, and delectable cuisine. The city offers free and low-cost attractions and hosts various events throughout the year.
2. Kaunas: Located in south-central Lithuania, Kaunas is the country's second-largest city, with a thriving economy, culture, and business sector. It boasts cobblestone streets, art galleries, colorful houses, and inviting cafes.
3. Klaipėda: Situated on the Baltic Sea coast, Klaipėda is renowned for its scenic beauty and serves as an entry point to the Curonian Spit. It offers numerous attractions and is highly rated for its quality of life.
4. Šiauliai: Šiauliai, Lithuania's fourth-largest city, is known as "the city of the sun." Despite having fewer attractions, it attracts tourists, especially during the summer. Šiauliai is an affordable place to live and is highly regarded for work-life balance.

These destinations provide diverse experiences for expats, each with its own unique charm and advantages.

Lithuania's citizenship law acknowledges dual citizenship in specific circumstances, but generally does not permit the retention of another citizenship alongside Lithuanian citizenship. If you wish to keep your Lithuanian citizenship, you may need to relinquish citizenship from other countries. However, it's essential to remember that the choice of which citizenship to maintain ultimately rests with you.

To qualify for Lithuanian citizenship, you must have a legal ten-year permanent residence in Lithuania, which is known as citizenship by naturalization. In addition to meeting the residency requirement, you must fulfill other conditions, including passing an examination on the Lithuanian Constitution and demonstrating sufficient financial means. There are alternative paths to obtain Lithuanian citizenship, including:

• Citizenship by Marriage
• Citizenship by Descent
• Citizenship by Birth

EU nationals relocating to Lithuania have the privilege of importing their personal belongings without incurring customs duties, thanks to the benefits of the EU Customs Union. However, individuals coming from non-EU countries (third countries) may need to complete specific formalities based on factors such as the value of the goods, their country of origin, and the type of items being imported.

Permissible personal belongings typically include:

• Furniture
• Clothing
• Personal possessions
• Vehicles (e.g., bicycles, motorcycles, cars)
• Appliances
• Computers

However, certain items are prohibited from entering Lithuania, including:

• Pornographic materials
• Explosive and flammable substances
• Narcotic drugs
• Toxic substances
• Extremist materials
• Materials containing scenes of violence and cruelty, inter-ethnic, inter-religious, social, and other discord and enmity
• Natural flowers