Lithuania has become a popular destination for international jobseekers in recent years, but if your company is considering a move to the country, you’ll need to have an understanding of the work visa process first.
Work Visa types in Lithuania:
• Similar to other nations, Lithuania has a distinct set of immigration laws. As a member of the European Union (EU), citizens of other EU nations, EEA, and Switzerland do not require a work visa or permit.
• All other persons intending to work in Lithuania will typically have to get 2 different documents a work permit and a visa to enter and remain in Lithuania. The international employee must have the visa called a national visa (D) that is intended for foreign employees.
Requirements:
It is the employer who is supposed to apply on behalf of the international employee for the work permit. The employee is supposed to present the required documents, which are:
• Documentation of qualifications for employment, including past professional experience and education
• Personal identifying details
• A national visa application form, filled out using the e application form
• A passport that has been printed in the past 10 years.
• A passport photo, which must be colored
• A letter of mediation from the employer, which should be filed electronically
• Documentation of adequate funds and means of income
• Documentation of health insurance
Application process:
The work permit procedure in Lithuania is a joint effort between the employer and the employee in the country. Below is the summary of the whole procedure, from the job offer to the first day at work of the employee:
• The foreign worker receives a job offer from a Lithuanian employer.
• The prospective employee hands in the necessary documents to the employer.
• The work permit is issued by the Labor Exchange.
• The employee applies for a national visa (D) from the Lithuanian diplomatic mission or consulate in their home country.
• The employee may enter Lithuania once they have received approval of the visa or residence permit.
Although it is always advisable to plan ahead when applying for work visas, the process is quite swift in Lithuania. The granting of a work permit usually occurs within 7 working days, and processing of a national D visa typically takes around 15 working days.