Relocation procedures depend on your professional qualifications.
For highly-qualified specialists from outside the EU, simplified migration procedures apply. Such specialists can start working before their residence permit (EU Blue Card) is issued.
Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to stay in Lithuania up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. Schengen Visa is relatively quick and easy to get; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions for entry into the EU may apply. More information on the application procedure can be found here.
EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows you to legally reside and work in Lithuania, bringing your family with you. It is valid for up to 3 years and can be extended for up to 3 years. You will become eligible for a permanent residence permit after residing in Lithuania for 5 years.
You can apply for an EU Blue Card online via MIGRIS. The card is issued in 1 month via the accelerated procedure or in 2 months via the regular procedure, and costs €240 or €120, respectively. You can read more about the EU Blue Card here.
After submitting your application, you should book an appointment at the Migration Department to provide your documents and biometric data.
If you are applying from abroad, you may opt for a virtual visit. A virtual visit allows the Migration Department to examine your Blue Card application and issue an interim decision. When you receive an interim decision that your application was successful, you can apply for a National visa online via EPM. You can submit your biometric data and finalize the necessary procedures at your chosen Lithuanian Embassy.
In case you don’t qualify as a highly qualified specialist, there are two main ways to obtain a residence permit:
You can get an offer for a job in Lithuania and apply for a permit while still residing abroad.
You can come to Lithuania and apply for a permit here, but remember that you will not be able to start working until you have received your residence permit.
Depending on the type of permit you apply for, it might take from 3 weeks to 4 months to obtain it. You can read about the residence permit options available for third-country nationals here.
Once in Lithuania, don’t forget to declare your place of residence. You can read more about declaring your place of residence here.