MMigratalent

Country work-permit guide

Lithuania work permit and immigration guide for non-EU workers

From 1 January 2025 Lithuania applies a single quota mechanism across all occupations and sectors, set by ministerial order and capped at 1.4% of the permanent population. The 2025 quota was 24,830; the 2026 figure is set by the minister's order for that year.

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Overview

From 1 January 2025 Lithuania applies a single quota mechanism across all occupations and sectors, set by ministerial order and capped at 1.4% of the permanent population. The 2025 quota was 24,830; the 2026 figure is set by the minister's order for that year.

Quotas, caps and ratios

  • Quota / cap: ≤ 1.4% of population (2025: 24,830).
  • Annual quota set by ministerial order, capped at 1.4% of the permanent population. 2025 quota = 24,830; the 2026 number is set by the minister's order.

Employer eligibility and restrictions

  • No fixed employer ratio or company-turnover threshold was verified.
  • Special rules apply for temporary-protection beneficiaries and some same-employer continuity cases.
  • Possible route-specific exemptions (Blue Card, posted workers) need confirmation.

Main work-permit routes

  • National work visa
  • EU Blue Card
  • Shortage-occupation route
  • Temporary residence permit for work

Recent vacancies — Lithuania

36+ recent vacancies aggregated from cv.lt, CV-Online LT, CVMarket.lt, CVbankas.lt, workwork.lt. These vacancies are aggregated from public job boards and are time-sensitive — roles may be filled or expired. Always confirm the offer, employer and any fees directly with the source or employer before applying or paying anything.

Application process

  • Register vacancy — Employer via Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour: The employer registers the job vacancy with the local Employment Service office to confirm the position is open to a third-country national.
  • Labour-market check / mediation — Employer via Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour: Within one month of registering the vacancy the employer applies for the decision that the work corresponds to the needs of the Lithuanian labour market (or submits a mediation letter where a work permit is not required). (Decision issued within 7 working days)
  • Residence permit application — Worker via Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania: The worker lodges the application for a temporary residence permit for work, either at a Lithuanian embassy/consulate abroad or via the MIGRIS system, supported by the employer's mediation and the labour-market decision. (Decided within 3 months (general) or 45 calendar days (urgent) · EUR 160 general procedure / EUR 320 urgent procedure)
  • National long-term (D) visa — Worker via Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate: While the residence permit is processed, the worker may apply for a national long-term (D) visa to enter and reside in Lithuania. (Issued within 15 days)
  • Biometrics and permit issuance — Worker via Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania: On approval the worker submits biometric data and collects the temporary residence permit card, valid for the duration of the work permit but no longer than 2 years.
  • EU Blue Card (alternative route) — Worker via Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania: Highly qualified workers may instead apply for an EU Blue Card, which does not require a separate Employment Service labour-market decision. (EUR 160 general procedure / EUR 320 fast-track procedure)

Processing time and government fees

  • Overall processing time: Temporary residence permit for work decided within 3 months (general procedure) or within 45 calendar days (urgent procedure) from lodging; Employment Service labour-market decision within 7 working days; national (D) visa within 15 days.
  • Government fees: State fee for a temporary residence permit: EUR 160 (general procedure) or EUR 320 (urgent procedure); EU Blue Card: EUR 160 (general) or EUR 320 (fast-track). Currency: EUR.
  • Authority names, the 7-working-day labour-market decision, the 15-day visa timing, and the 3-month/45-day residence-permit timing were verified against the EU Immigration Portal; the EUR 160/320 state fees are reported by the Migration Department fee page (migracija.lrv.lt) but that page returned 403 on direct fetch and should be re-confirmed at source.

Core documents

  • Valid passport meeting the destination validity rule
  • Signed work contract or binding job offer
  • Proof of qualifications / professional experience
  • Criminal-record certificate (apostille/legalisation where required)
  • Certified translations of foreign documents where required
  • Proof of health insurance and accommodation where required

Certified translators & interpreters — sworn / certified translators & interpreters

78 certified Lithuania translators/interpreters from Vertėjų asociacija (Lithuanian Conference Interpreters Association – LKVA); Lietuvos vertėjų asociacija (LVA). Click any name to open their on-site Migratalent profile (with the original source listing linked there). Sworn/certified translation is typically required for diplomas, criminal-record certificates and civil documents in the work-permit file. Verify accreditation directly before engaging.

Common questions

Does Lithuania use a work quota?

Yes. From 2025 a single quota covers all occupations and sectors, capped at 1.4% of the permanent population. The 2025 quota was 24,830; the 2026 figure is set annually by ministerial order.