Is your company planning a global expansion? Lithuania has become a popular destination for foreign job-seekers in recent years, but if your company is considering a move to the country, you'll need...
Read MoreIs your company planning a global expansion? Lithuania has become a popular destination for foreign job-seekers in recent years, but if your company is considering a move to the country, you'll need to have an understanding of the process for foreign employees to live and work in the country legally.
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Is your company planning a global expansion? Lithuania has become a popular destination for foreign job-seekers in recent years, but if your company is considering a move to the country, you’ll need to have an understanding of the process for foreign employees to live and work in the country legally.
Like any other country, Lithuania has a unique set of laws regarding immigration and foreign nationals who wish to work in the country. It’s part of the European Union (EU), which means citizens of other EU member states do not need a work permit or visa. For citizens outside of the EU, there are several visa options.
Individuals who plan to work in Lithuania will generally need to obtain two separate documents: a work permit and a visa to enter and stay in Lithuania. The visa required for foreign employees is referred to as a national visa (D).
It is the employer’s responsibility to apply for a work permit on behalf of the foreign employee. The employee should provide the employer with the necessary documents, which include:
In addition to a work permit, the employee will need to apply for a national visa. Several documents are required for the application, including:
The process of obtaining a work permit in Lithuania is a collaboration between the foreign national and the employer in the country. Here’s an overview of the entire process, from the initial employment offer to the employee’s first day on the job:
While it’s always recommended to plan ahead when it comes to obtaining work visas, the process is relatively quick in Lithuania. The issuance of a work permit generally takes place within seven business days, and the processing time for a national D visa is approximately 15 working days.
There are a few circumstances that would allow a non-EU citizen to work in Lithuania without a permit. If the job requires high-level professional qualifications, the employee may instead obtain a decision on compliance with labor market needs. If applicable, this decision is issued by the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania.
The process to obtain this documentation is similar in that it’s also carried out by the employer. However, employees who are approved under this decision will need to obtain a temporary residence permit in lieu of a national visa (D).
Our Global Expansion solution makes it easy for companies to expand operations to Lithuania and other countries all around the globe. For additional information on how the Globalization Partners team can help, reach out to us today.
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