Visa & Residency

Lithuania's immigration framework is practical and increasingly business-friendly. While there is no standalone digital nomad visa, the country compensates with one of Europe's most respected Startup Visa programmes, a well-implemented EU Blue Card pathway, and a straightforward employment-based permit for non-EU hires. EU citizens need no visa at all — they simply register their residence. All non-EU residents gain a clear route to permanent residency after 5 continuous years of legal residence.

The Lithuanian Startup Visa is run by the country's official Startup Visa Expert Committee, which includes representatives from the startup ecosystem, Invest Lithuania, and government ministries. Applicants submit a business plan that is evaluated on innovation, market potential, and the founder's ability to execute. Approval by the committee unlocks a national visa valid for up to 1 year, renewable upon demonstrating progress.

The EU Blue Card is available in Lithuania for non-EU professionals who have a job offer from a Lithuanian employer paying above the statutory threshold. It provides a 2-year (extendable) residence and work permit, and qualifies for the EU Blue Card portability provisions — meaning holders can eventually move to other EU member states after 18 months.

Whether you're an EU citizen exercising treaty rights or a non-EU national on a residence permit, formal registration with the Lithuanian Migration Department and municipal office is an essential first step. It unlocks access to a Lithuanian personal code (asmens kodas), the ability to open a bank account, register for health insurance through SODRA, and access public services.

Lithuania offers a clear, merit-based path to long-term residence. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, non-EU nationals can apply for a permanent EU residence permit, which grants indefinite right to live and work. Citizenship is possible after 10 years of continuous legal residence, subject to a Lithuanian language examination and a civics test.