Guide to Visas for Expats in Lithuania: Application and Renewal Process
One of life’s greatest adventures is moving to a new country, whether temporarily or permanently. However, if you are moving to Lithuania for more than 3 months, then you will need to go through the visa process in some shape or form. This page is dedicated to helping you understanding what that looks like.
Visa Application Process
Applying for a visa in Lithuania involves several steps, and each requires careful attention to detail to ensure a successful outcome.
Determine the Visa Type: Begin by identifying the type of visa you need based on the purpose and duration of your stay in Lithuania. For non-EU citizens, a short-stay Schengen visa (for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period) is required, while for longer stays — such as work or study exceeding 90 days — a national (D) visa is appropriate. EU citizens, however, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but require temporary residence for stays longer than 90 days.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Lithuanian visa application form accurately and completely — this can typically be completed online via Lithuania's Electronic Visa Application System (EPM). Include essential details such as your personal information, purpose of travel, planned entry and exit dates, and intended accommodation. Double-check the information for accuracy, as errors could delay or complicate the application process.
Gather Required Documents: Assemble all the necessary documents to support your application. Commonly required items include a valid passport (with at least two blank pages and validity extending at least three months beyond your planned departure), two recent passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, evidence of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and proof of financial means (such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter). However, the required documents depend on the type of visa/permit you’re applying for.
Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Lithuanian embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center in your country. Appointments are typically scheduled online or by contacting the relevant office directly. Ensure you allow lots of time before your intended travel date, as appointment slots can fill quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Attend the Appointment: On the day of your appointment, visit the embassy, consulate, or visa application center in person. Bring all required documents printed out, as you will submit your application during this visit. You may also need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, and answer questions in a short interview about your travel plans. Be prepared to pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the visa type and your nationality.
Await Processing & Collect Your Passport: Visa processing typically takes up to 15 calendar days but may take longer during busy periods or if additional documentation is required. You can track the status of your application online in many cases. Once your visa is approved, collect your passport in person or through courier services if available. Review the visa sticker for accuracy, ensuring the dates and type of visa granted align with your travel plans.
Proper preparation and understanding of the requirements will significantly increase your chances of a successful visa application.
Different Types of Visas in Lithuania
Visas in Lithuania are very straightforward. Lithuania broadly only issues two types of visa: the Schengen Visa (for stays up to 90 days) and the National Visa (D) (for stays longer than 90 days and shorter than a year). Anyone staying longer than a year (or EU citizens staying longer than 90 days) is required to get a Temporary Residence Permit, while those who’ve held a Temporary Residence Permit for five years can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit.
While an invitation is optional for Schengen Visas, the National Visa (D) and Temporary Residency both require proof of being there for an official purpose from a relevant organisation (workplace, educational institution, etc.).
Below is a list of common visa types and which Lithuanian visa they’d match to.
Tourist Visa - Schengen Visa
Lithuania’s equivalent of a tourist visa, the Schengen Visa, is available for those who want to visit Lithuania for up to 90 days in an 180 day period and aren’t eligible for visa-free travel into the country (i.e. EU citizens and citizens of some other countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ukraine, and so on).
Work/Business Visa - Schengen Visa or National Visa (D)
Whether travelers require a work or business visa will depend on their citizenship. Those visiting for fewer than 90 days will either require a Schengen Visa or nothing (depending whether they can visit Lithuania visa-free or not), while non-EU workers visiting for longer than 90 days and shorter than a year while require Lithuania’s National Visa (D). Non-EU workers visiting for longer than a year and EU citizens visiting for longer than 90 days will require Temporary Residency.
Student Visa - National Visa (D) or Temporary Residence Permit
Students who plan to study in Mexico for more than three months require either a National Visa (D) or a Temporary Residence Permit, depending how long they will stay in the country. As a general rule: those on exchange from non-EU countries will require the National Visa (D), while international students or EU students on exchange will require a Temporary Residence Permit.
Find out more about health insurance for overseas students
Family Visa - Temporary Residence Permit
The family of a Lithuanian/EU citizen residing in Lithuania/many non-EU citizens holding a TRP are entitled to be settled with them in the country, and as such can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. This applies for both spouses/legally registered partners and dependants.
Permanent Residence Permit
Those who have lived in Lithuania on a Temporary Residence Permit continuously for five years are entitled to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. This gives expats greater freedoms, such as qualifying for benefits similarly to Lithuanian citizens, voting in local elections, and changing jobs without involving migracija (the migration service), and also simplifies the process for moving to other EU countries. However, getting a PRP requires doing a constitution exam and a language test.
Lithuania’s Visa Renewal Process
Application Timing: Apply for renewal several months before your current visa expires. Overstaying can lead to ineligibility for future visas.
Check Eligibility for Renewal: Determine whether your visa type is eligible for renewal. Schengen visas are rarely renewable except under exceptional circumstances (e.g., humanitarian reasons or unforeseen delays), but long-term visas, such as for work, study, or family reunification reasons, are usually renewable, provided your circumstances meet the required criteria.
Complete Your Renewal Application: Fill out the appropriate renewal application form, ensuring all details are accurate. Provide updated information about your stay, such as the reason for the extension and your plans, as this will be key to determining eligibility. Obtain the form from the Lithuanian Migration Department or the consulate handling your case.
Gather Updated Documents: Assemble updated supporting documents in hard copy, including your current valid visa, passport, recent photograph, proof of your continued purpose for staying (e.g., employment contract, proof of enrollment, or sponsorship), medical insurance, and evidence of financial means. Ensure all documents are current and meet the specified criteria.
Visa Appointment: Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the relevant Lithuanian authority, such as the Migration Department or consulate, before your visa expires (at least 15 days in advance). Attend any required appointments for biometric data submission or interviews, where you may need to answer questions about your extended stay. Pay the applicable renewal fee during this step.
Wait and Collect Updated Visa: Wait for the authorities to process your application, which typically takes a few weeks. Once approved, collect your updated visa or residency confirmation. Carefully review the details for accuracy, ensuring the validity period and permissions match your needs.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Renewal Process in Lithuania
Start Early: Begin the visa application or renewal process well in advance. It’s advisable to start gathering documents and scheduling appointments at least two to three months before your planned travel or visa expiration date. This allows ample time to address any unexpected issues or delays.
Stay Informed: Visa regulations and requirements can change. Check the Migration Department’s website or contact their local office for any updates or changes in the renewal process.
Accurate and Complete Applications: Ensure all information in your application is accurate and complete to avoid delays or denials.
Prepare for Interviews: If an interview is required, be honest, clear, and concise in your answers.
Keep Records: Maintain copies of all documents submitted and received during the visa process. This ensures you have a backup in case any issues arise.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider hiring a legal or immigration consultant if you find the process complex. Professionals can provide valuable guidance and help avoid common pitfalls.
Obtaining a visa for Lithuania requires careful planning, adherence to specific requirements, and a clear understanding of the different types of visa.
Whether you moving to Lithuania permanently, or traveling for tourism, business, or study, it is essential to gather all necessary documents, complete the appropriate application forms, and follow the outlined procedures to ensure a successful application.
Starting the process well in advance of your intended travel date and staying informed about any updates or changes in visa regulations can significantly streamline your experience. Additionally, understanding the renewal process for maintaining your visa status is crucial for those planning longer stays.
