Lithuania is a good country for immigration. Although the standard of living there cannot be compared with the countries of “Old Europe,” it is a good stepping stone for those wishing to emigrate to the Eurozone. Many foreigners, especially from the territory of the post-Soviet space, wish to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania.
Standard of living in the country
After the USSR, the country continued to develop independently. Until the global crisis in 2009, there was good economic growth in this state. Compared to other European countries, the minimum monthly wage in Lithuania is low (290 euros). The average salary is estimated at 1000 euros. However, prices for food and other consumer goods are quite reasonable. Many Lithuanians cannot afford to travel around the European Union. But for Russians and citizens of the CIS (Ukrainians, Belarusians), the option of living in this country is very profitable. In other European countries, obtaining a residence permit is more difficult. Lithuania makes this easier. And the quality of living depends on the person, his capabilities and profession.
A little about Lithuania
The Baltic state is officially called the Republic of Lithuania. Since the 18th century, the territory of the kingdom was part of the Russian Empire, and from 1940 to 1990 it was part of the USSR. The attempt to return Lithuania by force to the Soviet Union suffered tragic consequences in the form of 14 killed people and hundreds of wounded citizens.
Currently, Lithuania is a member of the European Union, has signed the Schengen Agreement and joined the NATO bloc. European standards have become an interesting reason for CIS citizens to consider the Baltic states for relocation and to wish to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania. Among the main positive qualities of the Republic of Lithuania for immigrants, the following should be noted:
- Lithuania is firmly connected with the European economy, which allows entrepreneurs to operate at a decent level and have a large market for their goods;
- The state protects its citizens at a high constitutional level, providing residents with a sense of security and peace of mind for their property;
- There are universities in Lithuania where you can get an education. A diploma from such a university will be valued in all European countries;
- The country has an amazing history and national culture, which can be seen in urban development sites and architectural monuments;
- A residence permit in Lithuania gives the immigrant the right to visa-free visits to the Schengen countries, as well as to reside in any of them and receive the desired education.
Advantages of a residence permit in Lithuania
Anyone who has the desire and ability to live and work here can apply for a residence permit in Lithuania. In addition, this document provides many advantages:
- The opportunity to obtain permanent residence after five years, then apply for citizenship;
- The right to study unhindered in local schools and universities;
- The ability to enter 90 other countries of the world without applying for a visa;
- The right to live and work in 28 countries of the Schengen area;
- Possibility to apply to banks for a mortgage loan;
- Free registration of a medical insurance policy;
- The right to purchase automobile equipment and its official registration with subsequent use in the Schengen zone;
- Loyal tax system;
- No need to provide certificates of criminal record and finances.
These and other advantages make Russians want to obtain permission to reside in this country.
What does a residence permit give?
Every citizen can obtain a residence permit if he meets certain criteria.
What rights does someone who receives a residence permit have?
- The right to reside in other Schengen countries. There is no time limit.
- For free education at the University of Lithuania.
- To get a mortgage.
- To buy a motorcycle or car.
- To obtain permanent residence. However, in this country it is not possible to automatically obtain permanent residence after five years of an employment contract.
- To visit ninety countries of the world.
- The right to receive quality and free medical services.
If a foreigner has a residence permit, he is more likely to receive a visa to visit:
- Canada.
- USA.
- England.
- Japan.
Moving for a foreigner has many advantages. There is a quality education here, you can get a job in a successful Lithuanian company, buy a car and use it without duties in the EU and CIS.
Foreigners can take out a loan with a low interest rate.
Opportunities for obtaining a residence permit
The card can be temporary or permanent. In the latter case, it is necessary to pass an exam on proficiency in the Lithuanian language. To be issued a residence permit in Lithuania, a foreigner must belong to one of the following categories:
- A person who has created a family with a Lithuanian;
- Those wishing to reunite with relatives who are citizens of Lithuania;
- Forced migrants during the occupation;
- Creating a business, purchasing part of the shares of a Lithuanian company;
- Purchasing real estate or land in the Republic of Lithuania;
- Admission to study;
- Work on the territory of Lithuania, the need to frequently enter the country for long business trips;
- Implementation of long-term treatment;
- Charity on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania.
Each option has its own benefits and costs. It is important to decide which option is the most profitable and reliable.
Consultation and assistance from an immigration lawyer
from 50 USD
Immigration is a complex and responsible step, since it includes material, logistical and organizational aspects and occurs according to a strictly regulated procedure. The immigration process itself can last from one to two years. The solution to most problems should be accompanied by a migration lawyer who can competently represent the client’s interests and optimize the legalization process.
Today, the most popular destinations for most Ukrainians are Canada and the USA. Our company is an expert in the field of migration legislation and based on the most popular immigration destinations, we have selected the following countries in which we are ready to accompany clients when applying for a residence permit:
- USA
- Canada
- Great Britain
- New Zealand
- Australia
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(044) 222-88-11
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The cost of a consultation is indicated for up to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issue; the expert can revise the cost of any service.
A residence permit in Lithuania is a document permitting legal residence for Ukrainians and citizens of other countries. You can obtain a temporary residence permit for more than 3 months with a one-year validity period of the document. Registration of a residence permit is also the main and decisive factor for obtaining permanent residence (permanent residence) in the future.
There are many different reasons for obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania: from starting university studies or getting a job, to starting your own business or getting married. But in any of these cases, before obtaining a residence permit, you will have to acquire an apartment on the territory of this state. Real estate will be the main confirmation that you will have a place of residence for the entire period of your stay in the Republic of Lithuania. Therefore, submitting an application for a residence permit without registration or other document confirming the existence of private property is impossible.
Submitting an application and other documents for a residence permit is a very serious procedure, since a properly prepared package of documents will play a final role in the decision to open a residence permit. Therefore, it is very important to choose specialists with whose support you can count on a guaranteed receipt of a residence permit.
Running your own business
The organizer of his own business can choose companies of any type of ownership. The cheapest option is a closed joint stock company, the authorized capital of which is 2,900 euros. But immigration to Lithuania in this way is possible if the applicant has a share of 14,900 euros. This money is deposited into an open savings account at the bank. Banks may check a foreign applicant for debts and monetary irregularities. The period for company registration is from 3 to 7 days. It will cost up to 600 euros in Lithuania itself or 1500 euros in Russia. All standard contributions to the tax office (15%) and social security were also required.
If you don’t want to register your company, you can buy shares of a Lithuanian company (at least 10%).
Buying housing and land
The laws on the purchase of real estate and land by foreigners for further registration of residence permits have also undergone changes. It became possible to personally purchase housing and land. The market for new buildings is poorly developed, but purchasing old apartments is inexpensive. Basically, 1 square meter costs from eight hundred euros. On the sea coast and in the center it is correspondingly more expensive. But in the Russian Federation the situation is the same in this area.
To obtain a residence permit for Lithuania, you need to buy 7 sq. meters for each person and pay up to 200 euros in various fees. The buyer's standard of living is not checked. The condition in which the purchased property is is absolutely not important. The apartment may not be entirely suitable for living. The main thing is to get real estate from a citizen of Lithuania or one of the EU countries, as well as a person who has a residence permit in Lithuania.
Despite relatively low housing prices, utility bills are high. The number of these services varies depending on the house plan. Most Russians are trying to buy housing in a new building. In general, the rent can be up to two hundred euros.
After the purchase, they submit an application for a residence permit in Lithuania. The Migration Service checks all documentation. The right to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania also applies to children.
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania
The collection of documents for emigration to Lithuania is very different from the list when obtaining a regular entry visa to Lithuania. To begin with, you should clearly and clearly understand the reason for applying for a residence permit in Lithuania.
The following reasons may be justification for obtaining a residence permit:
- organization of private business in this country;
- the applicant has convincing evidence that he (she) is originally of Lithuanian origin;
- employment in a Lithuanian company requiring permanent presence in the country;
- full-time studies in Lithuanian educational institutions or scientific activities;
- family reunion;
- being under constant medical supervision in Lithuanian clinics.
It is important to note that the purchase of real estate in the country is not a sufficient reason to apply for a residence permit.
Having one of the above advantages in your arsenal, you can plan to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania. A temporary residence permit is the first document on the way to permanent residence in Lithuania for Russians. Because only 5 years after successfully living in the country using temporary documents, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Once it becomes clear how to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania, it is worth moving on to more detailed preparation.
Attention! In Lithuania, a residence permit called “permanent” is issued for 5 years. And every five-year period it is necessary to document the reasons for extending this permit. But Lithuanian citizenship already has a permanent basis.
Where to submit documents
The Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania is the institution that accepts documents for issuing a residence permit, and there you can also obtain Lithuanian citizenship.
There are two ways to submit a package of required papers:
- self-referral to this institution;
- dispatch through the police department dealing with migrants.
It is important to note that obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania is only possible through personal application. Accordingly, this rule says that it is necessary to take care in advance of obtaining permission to visit the country. The visa gives the right to legally stay in the territory of Lithuania.
Recording for submission of documents
The new rules say that you must make an appointment to submit a package of documents on the official website. This registration provides the opportunity to submit documents.
The procedure is quite simple:
- link “Time reservation”;
- transition to the section related to issues of residence in Lithuania;
- independent choice of time and number of service visits;
- entering captcha and making a reservation;
- You must also respond to the letter sent by email within an hour. If a person does not confirm his intention with an answer, then the filling will be considered invalid.
What documents need to be provided
If the applicant has goals within the intended time frame and for this it is necessary to have a positive decision on the issue of residence permit, then he should prepare in advance. The fact is that consideration of the application can last up to 6 months. But in order to minimize the risks of refusal, you should carefully prepare all the necessary papers.
List of documents:
- An application filled out on an official form. This form consists of 10 pages. For Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians, there are forms with both Russian and English translations. The form must be filled out meticulously; not a single item can be missed.
- Photo. To ensure that the photographs are suitable, it is worth using the services of a photo studio in Lithuania.
- International passport.
- Certificates reflecting the financial viability of the applicant. You must show 3,600 euros per year.
- The passport must contain a valid Schengen visa (otherwise it will be extremely difficult to submit documents).
- A residential rental agreement or a certificate of ownership of residential premises in Lithuania.
- Medical insurance (it must be valid for the entire period of stay in the country).
- No criminal record (must be documented). The statute of limitations is six months, and it must be issued by the state authorities in whose territory the person has lived for the last 2 years.
- The following is the package of documents that confirms the right to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania.
This list is not exhaustive, since the migration service has the right to request additional certificates at its discretion.
Attention! Each document must be translated into Lithuanian by a certified translator and on the territory of Lithuania.
Time frame for reviewing a request
Usually the period does not exceed 4 months, but the resolution of the issue may take longer. A delay may occur due to the fault of the applicant, due to incorrect or insufficient information. An early decision can only be made on the basis of a request and in exceptional cases. But the registration period can be reduced as much as possible to only two months.
Mandatory biometrics
Since 2012, confirmation that a person has been granted the right of temporary residence in the country is a card (electronic medium) with information about biometric data and a photograph of the owner. The applicant undergoes a mandatory dactyloscopy procedure (fingerprinting), and is also photographed and this data is entered into a digital storage.
In addition to biometrics, you must attach a receipt for payment of the state fee to the package of documents.
Citizen of two countries
Since 2014, the Lithuanian authorities have legislated that Lithuanian citizenship can only be issued in tandem with the citizenship of one of the EU countries, for example Estonia. Russian citizenship and Lithuanian citizenship are two things that are mutually exclusive.
Study and employment
Admission to local universities is a very real opportunity to obtain a residence permit card. You need to submit documents to one of the Lithuanian universities and receive an invitation to study there. Sometimes you will need to pass mandatory exams for admission. In addition, parents will be required to prove their ability to pay for accommodation and tuition (if a scholarship is not awarded). Income certificates must be for the last three months. Also, the parents of the future student write a receipt for the provision of money to him monthly (in terms of half the minimum salary in Lithuania at the time of admission).
Working in the country is also possible in order to obtain permission to reside in it. The level of wages for immigrants is higher compared to some countries of the post-Soviet space, and the payment is also stable. You need to receive an invitation from a Lithuanian company and present it along with a package of documents.
Visa to Lithuania. Residence permit and permanent residence.
Lithuania, as one of the Baltic states that is actively developing business and tourism ties with Belarus and other neighboring countries, willingly opens the doors of its country to Belarusians. To travel to Lithuania, Belarusians need a visa. Obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania is a mandatory condition for foreigners from the CIS countries who expect to stay on Lithuanian territory for a long period.
Schengen visa to Lithuania
To travel to Lithuania, you must obtain a Schengen visa, which are divided into several categories: A, B, C and D. The Schengen Agreement applies in Lithuania. Therefore, a Schengen visa to Lithuania issued by the applicant will also allow you to visit other Schengen countries.
The Schengen area includes 26 countries, namely: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Holland, Norway , Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. These countries apply a common visa policy for short-term trips.
Transit visas categories A and B
Transit visas mean that on the territory of Lithuania, visitors can either stay in a certain area within the Lithuanian airport (type A visa) or stay in Lithuania for no more than 5 days (type B).
Visa to Lithuania by invitation
A visa to Lithuania by invitation or visitor visa gives the holder the right to a longer stay on the territory of the state, but also imposes additional conditions and requirements for its registration. You can receive a request to visit Lithuania from relatives or Lithuanian business partners.
Invitation to Lithuania from relatives
In addition to the basic documents for obtaining a visa, you will also need an invitation from a relative certified by the Lithuanian Migration Service and a copy of a document that confirms the legal residence status of the inviting party. In case of close relationship, official documentary confirmation is required.
Business invitation
A written request from the inviting company, organization, firm or office in Lithuania is added to the basic package of documents. If there is none, then you must provide a request from a company in Russia indicating the business events or meetings that you are attending for the purpose of traveling to Lithuania.
Multiple entry visa
In order to visit the territory of Lithuania more than once over a certain period of time, you must obtain a multiple-entry visa or multivisa, usually valid for up to six months. This type of visa permit is also called a business or business visa and is most often issued for professional trips, contracts and various business agreements. But those receiving a visa must keep in mind that it is still not possible to work in Lithuania.
To directly work on the territory of the state, you will need to obtain a long-term national visa, which is no longer a Schengen visa.
How long can I stay in Schengen countries on a visa?
The Schengen visa is a short-term visa. The definition of “short-term visa” implies a stay in the territory of the Schengen countries for no more than 90 days within 180 days.
The exact duration of the visa is indicated on the visa itself, pasted into the travel document under the column “Duration of visa”.
With a single entry visa you can enter the Schengen countries only once. A double or multiple entry visa allows you to visit a given territory two or more times during the validity of the visa. Such information is displayed on the visa as “01”, “02” or “MULT” under the column “Number of entries”.
The following are exempt from paying the consular fee:
- children under 12 years of age;
- family members of citizens of the European Union, including family members of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania;
- schoolchildren, students and accompanying teachers or teachers traveling for educational or educational purposes - upon presentation of supporting documents;
- researchers – citizens of third countries traveling for the purpose of scientific research;
- representatives of non-profit organizations under the age of 25 who participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations;
- holders of diplomatic and service passports;
- foreigners arriving in the Republic of Lithuania to participate in official meetings organized by the President of the Republic, the Seimas, the government or ministries.
- persons traveling to visit a seriously ill close relative or family member or to attend the funeral of a close relative or family member upon presentation of supporting documents;
- persons of Lithuanian origin, upon presentation of supporting documents;
- persons who have retained the right to Lithuanian citizenship upon presentation of supporting documents;
The final decision on whether to waive the visa fee is made by the representative office through which the visa is requested. []
Documents required to obtain a visa to Lithuania
To obtain a visa to Lithuania you need the following package of documents:
- A completed application form;
- photograph 35x45 mm;
- passport;
- certificate from work about the position held and salary;
- medical insurance;
- bank card account statement.
Immigration to Lithuania
A residence permit (RP) in Lithuania for Belarusians is a good opportunity to immigrate to Europe and receive almost equal rights with Europeans.
Obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania is a mandatory condition for foreigners from the CIS countries who expect to stay on Lithuanian territory for a long period. Accordingly, there must be a specific reason for issuing the document.
How to get a residence permit in Lithuania
In order for a Belarusian to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania, it is necessary to have a legal basis for this. Most often, foreigners move for the purpose of employment, education, business and family reunification.
The presence of real estate in Lithuania by a foreigner does not automatically grant the right to a residence permit. However, this will allow you to obtain a so-called multiple visa with the right to continuously stay in Lithuania for up to six months. Also, documents on the purchase of real estate can be attached to the application for a residence permit as confirmation of the availability of a place of residence.
Basically, the process of obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania is carried out in the immigrant’s country through the Lithuanian Consulate. The decision to grant a temporary residence permit is made by the Lithuanian Migration Department. The procedure may take from 3 to 6 months. Initially, a residence permit in Lithuania is issued for one year with the right to extend up to 5 years. After this, it becomes possible to obtain permanent resident status, and after continuous residence in the country for 10 years, Lithuanian citizenship.
Residence permit in Lithuania for the purpose of employment
Working in Lithuania is one of the most popular ways for foreigners to obtain a residence permit. By analogy with other EU countries, this requires finding a Lithuanian employer in advance, obtaining a work permit and obtaining a visa. The main difficulty is competing with locals and Europeans, for whom a work permit is not required.
Within a month, the vacancy is posted on the local labor exchange and if there are no candidates, a foreigner can get the job. The decision to issue a work permit is made no later than 60 days. Drivers, engineers, builders, and agricultural workers are mainly needed in Lithuania. The average salary is about 550 euros per month.
Residence permit in Lithuania for the purpose of studying at a university
Obtaining a quality education at one of the Lithuanian universities opens the way to successful employment not only in this country, but also in other developed countries in Europe and the world as a whole. Upon admission to a higher education institution in Lithuania, a foreigner is granted a residence permit . Many Lithuanian universities offer education not only in English, but also in Russian.
Medical and technical specialties are the most popular among foreigners. The cost of training on average ranges from 1000 to 5000 euros per year, while up to 500 euros per month is enough for a student to live in Lithuania. To enter a Lithuanian university, you will need a certificate of secondary education and language skills, but much depends on the program of study and the educational institution.
Residence permit in Lithuania for the purpose of doing business
In recent years, the investment climate in Lithuania has improved significantly. The country has a fully qualified workforce, a favorable geographical location and a dynamic market economy. Local authorities help attract foreign entrepreneurs who are ready to open their own company in Lithuania. There are enough areas for business in the country, including industry, the agricultural sector, tourism and the information technology sector. According to the Doing Business agency, in 2021, out of 189 countries in the world, Lithuania ranks 20th in terms of accessibility and ease of doing business, and tax rates are among the lowest in Europe.
The main requirements for entrepreneurs from the CIS countries to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania for the purpose of doing business are to open a company that has been operating in the country for at least 6 months and employ at least 3 local citizens.
The minimum amount of authorized capital is 28 thousand €, at least 14 thousand € of these funds must be investments. Additionally, to obtain a residence permit, you must provide the constituent documents and charter of the enterprise, as well as papers confirming economic and commercial activities.
Documents that need to be prepared include:
- an extract from the unified register of legal entities (certificate of a registered private enterprise);
- cooperation agreement with an accountant;
- receipt of payment of state duty;
- documents required for obtaining a residence permit: passport, photographs, application.
Important: The applicant may be refused if problems with the tax authorities are discovered. First of all, this applies to business immigrants. An entrepreneur faces a negative answer if the tax debt exceeds the amount of one social contribution.
Residence permit in Lithuania for the purpose of family reunification
One of the ways to immigrate to Lithuania and obtain a residence permit is the family reunification procedure. Who can apply for a residence permit in Lithuania based on family ties:
- spouses (partners) of a Lithuanian citizen or a foreigner residing in the country for at least 2 years with a residence permit.
- children whose parents have a Lithuanian passport and permanently reside in the country.
- parents, if a child with Lithuanian citizenship or refugee status with a permanent residence permit lives in Lithuania.
- children if their parents are of retirement age or in a state of disability in Lithuania, subject to the status of permanent residents in the country.
Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania
- Completed application in the prescribed form.
- Color photograph (40x60 mm).
- Identity document and copies. A foreign passport is usually required.
- Open and valid visa.
- Proof of sufficient funds to live in the country (bank statement, employment contract, etc.).
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Confirmation of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit (for example, employment, study, business).
- Documents for real estate for living in Lithuania (rent, purchase and sale agreement).
- Receipt for payment of the state fee.
Depending on the circumstances, employees of the Lithuanian Migration Department have the right to request additional information.
What does a residence permit in Lithuania provide?
- Unhindered movement within the territory of the Schengen countries and a simplified mechanism for obtaining a visa to the developed countries of North America.
- Access to European loans with attractive interest rates.
- Opportunity to work in one of the Lithuanian companies or run your own business.
- Quality education for the immigrant and family members.
- Access to large European markets for goods and services.
- High level of medical care and the right to social benefits.
- purchase of a car, duty-free use of it in the European Union and the CIS.
Obtaining permanent resident status in Lithuania
A permanent residence permit (PRP) is issued for a 5-year period and can be extended if an application for citizenship is not submitted. The grounds for issuing permanent residence are:
- the Lithuanian origin of the applicant;
- maintaining the right to obtain Lithuanian citizenship;
- the applicant’s residence in Lithuania or another EU country with a residence permit status for at least five years.
To obtain permanent residence, you must submit an application to the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania in Vilnius or at one of the migration service departments at your place of residence.
There are different ways to move to Lithuania from Belarus and neighboring countries. The process of obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit takes about 4 months. All documents must be translated into the state language. After 5 years of residence as a temporary resident, an immigrant has the right to obtain permanent residence.
Package of documents and deadlines for obtaining a residence permit
To obtain a permit to live in the country you will need the following documentation:
- Application issued by the Migration Department;
- Original // copy of personal passport;
- Copies of documents on kinship - marriage or birth certificate;
- Various documentation confirming the right to stay in a given country for a long time (from the place of work, local university, documents of a guardian, documents on the creation of a business, acquired real estate, and others);
- Statements of income sufficient to live in Lithuania (minimum - the amount of the minimum Lithuanian salary at the time of application);
- Receipt of paid state duty;
- Insurance.
After granting a residence permit, you need to pay a state fee for the permit itself. The civil passport must expire no earlier than 3 months from receipt of the card.
Obtaining a residence permit quickly is not an easy task. You will have to submit your application in Lithuania itself, and wait up to six months for a final response. Documents are issued for a year. Then you need to renew them until you receive permanent residence (five years). The extension of the permit is considered within two months from the date of filing the application.
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit
So, we have figured out the grounds and conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania. Now let's move on to the description of the procedure for obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit for Russians. The described procedure is the same for all foreigners. Obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania takes place in several stages:
- Collection of papers.
- Contact the migration service to submit an application.
- Passing the interview.
- Review of papers for residence permit.
- Receiving a document.
Preparation of documentation
You can become the owner of a Lithuanian residence permit only if you have a correctly collected package of documents. The list of main securities includes:
- Application for a residence permit can be found on the website www.migracija.lt.
- A valid foreign passport and photocopies of all completed pages.
- A copy of a Schengen visa that is still valid.
- Photos for documents of standard size (35x45 mm) – 2 pcs.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Documents that confirm the basis for obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit. This could be an employment contract, a contract for studying with a Lithuanian university, papers on kinship, a marriage certificate, etc.
- Documents about housing and the availability of the required living wage.
- Health insurance policy in the amount of 6 thousand euros.
- Receipt of payment of the state fee for consideration of the application for a residence permit.
Please note that the documents confirming the basis for obtaining a residence permit will be different for each category of applicant. A complete list of required documents can be found on the website of the Lithuanian Migration Department.
Where to contact
Papers must be submitted to the Lithuanian Migration Department. To visit the institution, a preliminary online appointment is required on the website https://epolicija.lt/rezervacija/. Additional advice can be obtained by calling +370 5 271 7112. Calls are accepted from Monday to Friday, from 07:30 to 11:30 (Mon-Fri) and from 12:15 to 16:30 (Mon-Thur), from 12: 15 to 15:15 (Fri). Consultations are provided, including in Russian.
If you need to obtain temporary residence for members of the same family, then the documents are submitted simultaneously. Children receive a residence permit automatically when their parents receive a residence permit.
Terms and cost of document preparation
Consideration of documents on an application for a Lithuanian residence permit can be carried out in a regular or accelerated manner. Of course, you will have to pay extra for expedited processing. In standard mode, documents for obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania are processed within 4 months. In an expedited manner, documents will be examined within 5 days.
The price for obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit consists of:
- The cost of considering the application and making a decision.
- The cost of producing the document in case of a positive decision.
In the standard procedure, consideration of documents and the cost of obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit will be:
- 4 months to review papers, state fee – 86 euros.
- If the decision is positive, you must pay another 28 euros for the production of the document. The plastic card will be ready within 10 days.
In an expedited manner, consideration of documents and the cost of obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit will be:
- 5 days to review documents, state fee – 172 euros.
- If the answer is positive, you need to pay another 56 euros for the production of a plastic card, which will be ready in 5 days.
Validity and extension of the Lithuanian residence permit
Initially, a residence permit is issued for one year. Then it can be extended. There is also a longer validity period for the initial application:
- Foreigners who can obtain citizenship receive a residence permit for 5 years.
- Managers and shareholders of CJSCs and JSCs, university teachers, researchers, employees under an employment contract - for 2 years.
- Highly qualified workers – for three years.
- By origin - for five years.
You need to collect documents to renew your residence permit 2-4 months before its expiration. Applications are submitted to the migration service at the applicant’s place of residence.
Reasons for refusal
- Hiding taxes or refusing to pay them.
- Violation of customs or migration rules while crossing the border.
- Termination of guardianship.
- Graduation from university.
- Divorce.
- End of the employment contract.
- Loss of refugee status.
- Change of personal data and failure to declare it to the relevant authorities within 7 days.
- Living outside Lithuania for more than six months.
- Conclusion of a fictitious marriage.
Not only the applicant, but also all his relatives who live with him receive a refusal to extend a residence permit. This occurs only on the basis that kinship was the only reason for living together and staying in Lithuania.
Refusal to provide a residence permit
About 5% of foreigners are denied a residence permit due to incorrect payment of taxes, or a fictitious company or marriage. Various serious offenses may also prevent you from obtaining a permit or renewing it.
Traveling to Lithuania is possible for citizens of the Russian Federation and provides enormous opportunities. Marriage with a Lithuanian, education or business immigration to Lithuania - all these methods must be legal and documented. It is also necessary to be attentive to the deadlines for registration, so as not to be left without a confirmed right to stay in the country.
Advantages of a Lithuanian residence permit
A residence permit in Lithuania opens up new paths for Russians for personal and economic growth, as well as for improving their quality of life.
It is worth getting a residence permit in order to have:
- the right to legal employment in the Baltics;
- opportunities to open debit accounts in various EU banks, as well as to obtain loans and mortgages;
- the right to free movement within the countries included in the Schengen area;
- the possibility of obtaining a work or other visa to the United States based on a residence permit under a simplified scheme;
- the right to legally reside throughout the territory of the state;
- quality social and medical care;
- opportunities for quick purchase of real estate and land plots in the state.
Obtaining a residence permit means improving your quality of life and opening up access to the EU.