Effective July 1, 2024, foreign nationals arriving in Lithuania using the visa-free regime, national or Schengen visas, or residence permits issued by other countries will no longer be able to work in Lithuania without first obtaining a temporary residence permit issued in Lithuania, according to the Migration Department.
The following exceptions apply:
- Foreign nationals who are sent to Lithuania to work as employees of a company established in a member state of the European Union or the European Free Trade Association;
- crew members of ships sailing international routes under the flag of Lithuania;
- foreign nationals coming to Lithuania for no more than three months a year to conduct affairs related to the conclusion and execution of contracts, staff training or equipment installation;
- entrepreneurs who are shareholders and managers of companies;
- highly skilled athletes;
- performers;
- journalists accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- individuals officially engaged in religious activities;
- foreign nationals who come to Lithuania to carry out governmental or voluntary programs recognized by the European Union or its member states;
- lecturers and researchers who come to conduct scientific research as researchers, having labour or copyright contracts signed with scientific or research institutions;
- nationals of economically developed countries (Australia, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea) who come to work or engage in other legal activities.
Foreign nationals who started working in Lithuania before the amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens came into effect will have the right to work until the end of their legal stay or until they acquire the right to work on other grounds provided for by the said law.
The submission of an application for a temporary residence permit does not grant the permission to stay and work in Lithuania if the previously held permit has already expired. Working without a valid permit is illegal, and in such cases the employer who violates the legislation will become subject to administrative liability. In addition, the employer fined for allowing illegal or undeclared work or violations of the procedure for employment of foreign nationals will be prohibited from hiring new foreigners for one year.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.