Lithuania is a Baltic state, which is a member of the European Union and NATO. This country is characterized by high economic performance and a safe environment. For professionals and students from South Asia seeking to build a future in Europe, Lithuania has become an attractive option due to its clear and well-organized residence permit system. While there’s some paperwork involved, breaking down the process step by step makes it far less daunting.
However, for a comfortable long-term stay in its territory, need to officially obtain a Lithuania temporary residence permit.
Key Pathways to Lithuania’s Residence Permit
Lithuania provides temporary residence permits for different purposes, including work, studies, business, and family reunification. As an Indian citizen, you’ll typically apply under one of these main categories:
- Work permits – If you have a job offer from a Lithuanian employer
- Study permits – If you’ve been admitted to a recognized Lithuanian university or college
- Business permits – If you plan to start or invest in a Lithuanian company.
Each route has its own documentation Lithuania residence permit requirements, so attention to detail is crucial.
For Lithuania work permit. The process is strict but straightforward if you meet the criteria. Before hiring you, your Lithuanian employer must prove they couldn’t find a suitable candidate from the EU—a step known as the “labor market test.” This can take a few weeks, so patience is key. Once cleared, you’ll need to submit documents like your employment contract, professional qualifications, and proof of sufficient funds to support your relocation.
For Students. The process is generally smoother, especially if your university assists with the application. You’ll need to show admission proof and demonstrate financial stability—currently set at €400 per month for living expenses. Your permit duration will match your study program, with options to extend if you continue your education.
For Entrepreneurs & Investors. Lithuania is particularly welcoming to startups and innovators. The country offers special visas for qualifying entrepreneurs, while standard business permits require a minimum investment of €28,000 plus a solid business plan.
Some Indian professionals even set up a Lithuanian company first, which then sponsors their own Lithuania work permit for Indian.
Application Process and Post-Approval Steps
In December 2024, Lithuania tightened the requirements for applying for residence permits through external service providers.
Starting now, only residents of a country with an active Lithuanian visa office can apply there—a move the government says reflects current migration flows and the need to manage application backlogs. Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite made it clear: “This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about prioritizing national security and our foreign policy goals.”
There are a few exceptions. If you’re applying for family reunification, a high-skilled work visa, or a student visa—but your home country doesn’t have a Lithuanian visa center—you can apply elsewhere. One office that won’t be an option? Nepal’s. Lithuania quietly closed its visa center there earlier this year, officially for “national security reasons.” But you can also use our services, we will take care of everything. Consult with a manager to update your documents and ways to obtain a residence permit in the European Union.
What if you’ve already applied? No worries—if your paperwork was submitted before September 1st, you’re still in the system. And if you’re from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Bangladesh or Pakistan? Nothing changes for you; the old rules still apply. This shift comes as Lithuania streamlines its overseas operations. They’ve cut the number of visa centers from 34 down to 30, shutting doors in Lebanon, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
