Employment in Lithuania for Ukrainians

How can Ukrainians legally find employment in Lithuania?

As of July 1, 2024, foreigners who come to Lithuania on a visa-free basis, with a national visa, or under the Schengen Agreement have lost the right to work without a permit. Now, a residence permit is required to work.

However, Ukrainians who have temporary protection in Lithuania can start working immediately after applying for an electronic Temporary Residence Permit.

How to obtain a temporary residence permit to work in Lithuania: a step-by-step guide for Ukrainians

Step 1. First, you need to prepare the necessary documents to obtain a temporary residence permit in Lithuania

To obtain a Temporary Residence Permit, you will need the following documents:

1. A foreign passport valid for the entire period of stay.

2. A signed contract or job offer

- The contract must include: job responsibilities, place of work, schedule, salary, and occupational safety conditions.

3. Mediator letter number, which the employer submits through MIGRIS and pays a €50 fee for its submission.

The letter confirms:

- full-time employment for at least 6 months;

- your qualifications match the job;

- at least 1 year of work experience in the last 3 years;

- salary not less than the minimum wage per month.

4. Application in the MIGRIS system.

5. Proof of residence in Lithuania.

6. Medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Lithuania.

7. Photo for documents.

8. Documents on education or qualifications if the job requires special education.

9. Certificate of no criminal record (if you are applying for the first time)

- Issued by the competent authorities of the countries where you have lived for the last 2 years.

- If necessary, a translation into Lithuanian or English, legalization/apostille is required.

10. Additional documents from the employer, if necessary

- Proof of company registration, operating license, additional certificates.

💡To save time searching for a translation agency, you can order translation and apostille of documents directly through Visit Ukraine.

Step 2. Then you need to submit an application through the Lithuanian migration system MIGRIS

• You can submit your application online on the official website
• You must attach digital copies of all necessary documents to the application.
• After filling out the form, you need to schedule a date and time for a personal visit to the Migration Department.
• You have 4 months from the date of filling out the form to submit your application.

Step 3. To continue the application process, you must pay a state fee

• Standard procedure: €160
• Urgent procedure: €320

Step 4. Visit the Migration Department to submit your biometrics and documents

• You must provide originals of all documents and submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
• You must be in Lithuania legally at the time of your visit.
• If you are outside Lithuania, you can apply through an external service provider (e.g., partner visa centers such as VFS, which accept documents on behalf of the Migration Department).

🛡️ Before submitting your documents, be sure to take out an insurance policy that covers medical treatment and, if necessary, repatriation, as you will not be able to obtain a residence permit without it. You can take out insurance for your trip to Lithuania online on the Visit Ukraine website in just a few minutes.

❗️ After submitting your application, you can check its status in the MIGRIS system and find out the date of receipt of the card.

Processing time for a temporary residence permit application in Lithuania

Once you have submitted all the documents and visited the Migration Department in person, your application will be reviewed. The processing time depends on the procedure you have chosen:

- Standard procedure — decisions are usually made within 3 months.

- Urgent procedure — in case of urgent need, documents can be reviewed faster, within 45 calendar days.

How long is a temporary residence permit in Lithuania valid for?

The validity period of the permit depends on the basis on which it is issued:

• For work under an employment contract — a TRP is usually issued for up to 2 years.
• For highly qualified specialists (EU Blue Card) — the permit is issued for up to 3 years.
• For Ukrainians with temporary protection — the TRP is linked to the temporary protection regime, which is extended by an EU decision.

After the TRP expires, you can apply for an extension if all the requirements and conditions for employment remain valid.

How can Ukrainians do business in Lithuania?

Ukrainians who want to do business in Lithuania have several options: Startup Visa for innovative projects and Business Residency for traditional businesses or investments.

Both options allow you to register a company, legally reside in Lithuania, and gain access to the EU market.

Why choose Lithuania for business?

• Ease of opening a company for foreigners.
• The opportunity to be the sole owner and director of the company, even without permanent residence in Lithuania.
• Small start-up capital for UAB — from €2,500.
• The ability to run a business remotely.
• Access to the EU market and tax advantages for small and medium-sized businesses.

Main forms of business in Lithuania

• UAB (Private Limited Company)

- The most popular form for foreigners.

- Limited liability.

- Authorized capital: from €2,500.

- Can have one founder/director.

• MB (Small Partnership)

- Well suited for small businesses and freelancers.

- Simplified accounting and low costs.

- Rarely used for startups.

• Individual activity (natural person)

- For self-employed individuals and service providers.

- Only available to those who have a residence permit in Lithuania.

- Not suitable for obtaining a TRP.

• Remote business registration

- UAB or MB can be registered remotely through a power of attorney.

- Personal presence is only required at the TRP application stage.

Startup Visa — how to launch an innovative startup

Who it is suitable for:

• Ukrainians who are launching an innovative or technological startup: IT solutions, artificial intelligence, SaaS, mobile applications, creative industries, engineering products, etc.

What is required:

• Prepare a business plan.
• Confirm the innovation of the project through an official Startup Lithuania expert.
• MVP or prototype (preferable, but not always required).

What the visa gives you:

• Obtaining a residence permit (TRP) to work on a startup.
• The TRP is issued for 1 year and can be extended to 3 years.
• You can bring your family.

For detailed information about the Lithuanian Startup Visa, follow the link.

💡To safely open a company in Lithuania, use the legal consultation service at Visit Ukraine. Business lawyers will advise you on the optimal scheme and help you prepare a package of documents.

Business Residency — how to run a traditional business or invest

Who it is suitable for:

• Entrepreneurs who want to open a traditional company or invest in a Lithuanian business. Suitable for trade, services, manufacturing, and scalable projects.

What you need:

• Register a company in Lithuania (UAB or MB).
• Contribute capital and make a contribution to the country's economy — approximately from €14,000.
• Conduct real activities: accounting, taxes, operations.
• Submit a business plan, articles of association, and investment documents for TRP registration.

What it gives you:

• Legal residence in Lithuania.
• The opportunity to do business, hire employees, and develop your company.
• The opportunity to move your family with you.

How do business visas and residence permits work in Lithuania?

Business visas and TRPs are issued on the basis of:

• Startup Visa (innovative business)
• Business Residency (investment and real activity)

Validity period:

• Startup Visa: TRP for 1 year, with the possibility of extension up to 3 years.
• Business Residency: TRP is issued for 1–2 years, renewable provided that the company is actively operating and meeting investment requirements.

What affects the extension of the TRP:

• The company's income or activity.
• Payment of taxes.
• Fulfillment of investment obligations.

Remote submission:

• Some documents can be submitted through a representative.
• However, for biometrics and the issuance of a TRP, you must come to Lithuania in person.

Legal support for Ukrainians in Lithuania

Visit Ukraine provides advice and legal support to Ukrainians who plan to work in Lithuania. We help with:

• preparing all necessary documents;
• obtaining a work permit;
• obtaining a visa and registering in Lithuania.

Follow the link and get legal assistance now!