Work authorisation
Temporary residence permit (leidimas laikinai gyventi, TRP) for work. For most workers it needs a decision from the Employment Service that the work matches Lithuanian labour market needs, or a work permit. Since 1 July 2024, most non-EU nationals can work in Lithuania only with a Lithuanian TRP. A visa, a visa-free stay or another country's permit is no longer enough.
The employer registers the vacancy with the Employment Service (Užimtumo tarnyba) and then applies there for the work permit or the labour market decision. The employer also files an electronic mediation letter (employer's commitment) in the MIGRIS system. The worker applies for the TRP online in MIGRIS (www.migracija.lt). The Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior decides.
How you enter the country
The worker files the TRP application in MIGRIS. Then they hand in documents and give biometrics in person at a VFS Global centre abroad, or at a Migration Department office if already legal in Lithuania. Since 22 October 2025, VFS centres in 30 countries accept applications, and visits are booked only through MIGRIS. Usually only citizens of the country where the centre is can apply there. Countries on the list include the Philippines, India and Ghana. In India, Ghana, Azerbaijan and Mongolia, citizens can apply only for family reunification, highly skilled work or study, so not for ordinary jobs. India also does not accept national visa applications. Nigeria, Kenya and Bangladesh are not on the list. Biometrics: 2 fingerprints and a face image for the TRP (EU portal).
Processing times
Employment Service work permit or labour market decision: within 7 working days. TRP: within 4 months at the latest, or 2 months with the urgent fee. National long-term visa: within 15 days. All figures are from the EU Immigration Portal, page dated 1 April 2025.
Documents you usually provide
- Valid passport
- TRP application in MIGRIS
- Mediation letter number, filed electronically by the employer
- Work permit or Employment Service decision on labour market needs (can be added when issued)
- Proof of funds or regular income (for example a bank statement)
- Proof of accommodation where you will declare residence
- Health insurance with cover of EUR 6,000 (TRP)
- Criminal record certificate from each country where you lived in the last 2 years (first permit only)
- List of trips and stays abroad
After arrival
Collect the permit card at the Migration Department office where you applied. If you applied abroad, collect it at the central office. Declare your place of residence. Tell the Migration Department within 7 days about changes to your passport, family situation or address. The permit is tied to one employer and job. A change of employer needs a new decision, with a state fee of EUR 100. The permit lasts as long as the work, up to 2 years. Losing your job leads to withdrawal of the permit. (EU portal and Migration Department fee page.)
How Worrki helps
We confirm the job with the employer, coordinate the employer documents and check your package before you apply. You submit the application yourself and the authorities make the decision. See jobs and conditions in Lithuania.
This summary was checked against the official pages listed below on 2 November 2026. Fees are set by the authorities and change often, so we do not quote them here. Always confirm the current requirements and fees with the consulate that serves your country of residence.