The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that, effective November 1, 2026, nationals and permanent residents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan intending to travel to Lithuania for studies or other long-term stay purposes will be able to submit applications to the Migration Department for the issuance of national (D) visas or temporary residence permits through the VFS Global Visa Application Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. This change does not apply to individuals applying for Schengen visas (Type C).
The VFS Global visa application centers representing Lithuania in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan will continue to accept applications for Schengen visas, which are intended for short-term stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) in the Schengen Area for purposes such as tourism, business, official visits, family visits, medical treatment, and similar activities. Schengen visas do not provide a basis for long-term residence, studies, or employment in Lithuania. Applications for Schengen visas are examined and decisions on their issuance are made by the diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Republic of Lithuania abroad.
A Schengen visa is not an alternative to a national (D) visa or a residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania, and possession of a Schengen visa does not confer the right to work in Lithuania. Although both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Migration Department cooperate with the same external service provider, VFS Global, the procedures for issuing Schengen visas and for issuing national (D) visas and temporary residence permits are separate, and cooperation with VFS Global is carried out under different contractual arrangements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible solely for the organization of the Schengen visa issuance process, whereas policy and application intake arrangements for national (D) visas and temporary residence permits fall within the competence of the Ministry of the Interior.
Individuals planning to submit applications after November 1, 2026, are encouraged to familiarize themselves in advance with the updated procedures and document submission requirements.
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