Travel to Lithuania for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Lithuania to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Lithuania is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-relatedbusiness-related thingsactivities without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings. TheseIt aredoes usuallynot coveredmatter byhow many countries you visit in the Schengen visaarea. waiver.Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re goingstaying for longer, or for other types of workwork, you may need a visa,visa work permit or residence permit.

Lithuania’sThe Lithuanian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

If you’re working in more than one countrycountry, you’llyou need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Lithuania. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities or embassy.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• ‘legalised’ (apostillised)(with an apostille) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Lithuania, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Lithuania’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

Certain types of work don’t require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

BritishYou citizensdo cannot workneed ina visa if you’re travelling to Lithuania for up to 90 days in a 180-day period becausefor they’respecific exempt.business-related Thisactivities. meansThese you do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Lithuania for work-related activities including:can include:

• carrying out business activities, such as meeting clients and colleagues
• transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Lithuania
• working for a company in Lithuania on a Lithuanian contract
• providing services to a client
• carrying out self-employed work

Notify the authorities

For employed work, your employer in Lithuania has to submit an online LDU notification to the Social Security Fund Board (SoDra).

For assignments or construction work, your UK employer has to submit an online notification to the Lithuanian State Labour Inspectorate if you’re working:

• on assignment – for more than 30 days
• in construction – for any length of time

On assignment includes:

• working under a service or performance agreement between a UK company and customer in Lithuania
• transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Lithuania
• carrying out temporary work

Employers have to notify the authorities no later than one working day before you start work.

You don’t need to notify the authorities if you’re self-employed.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• a travelling document, such as a valid passport
• health insurance that covers your entire stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter from the Lithuanian company that explains your trip
• employment confirmation or contract

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit you can get advice from Lithuania’s immigration authoritiesembassy or embassyimmigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you have a family and want them to join you.you. It depends on the type of permit you have.

Find out about family reunification.

Short and long-term residence permits

You need to apply for a National D visa if you want to work in Lithuania for up to 6 months.

If you’re working for more than 6 months, you’ll need to extend your visa or apply for a temporary residence permit instead.

National D visa

You need a D visa if you’re in Lithuania for between 3 and 6 months because you’re:

• transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Lithuania
• working for a company in Lithuania on a Lithuanian contract
• providing services to a client in Lithuania
• carrying out self-employed work
• a shareholder or head of a company operating in Lithuania – as specified in formal company documentation, such as the incorporation certificate
• carrying out any other work activities

A national D visa can take 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for up to 6 months and you can extend it once. You can apply for a temporary residence permit to extend your stay longer if you need to.

Your family may be able to join you under the Schengen visa waiver. They can also apply for their own national D visa. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Lithuania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a national D visa application to the Lithuanian embassy, or to the Lithuanian Migration Department if you’re already in Lithuania.

2. The Lithuanian company submits an online LDU notification to SoDra no later than one working day before you start work.

3. If you’re on assignment or a construction worker your UK employer submits an online notification to the Lithuanian State Labour Inspectorate no later than one working day before you start work.

Application documents

Lithuania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• passport photo (35mm x 45mm) taken within 6 months of applying
• health insurance
• proof you can support yourself financially for at least 3 months
• mediation letter from the Lithuanian company or a declaration confirming the purpose of your stay

Temporary residence permit

You need a temporary residence permit if you’re in Lithuania for 6 months to 3 years because you’re:

• transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Lithuania
• working for a company in Lithuania on a Lithuanian contract
• providing services to a client in Lithuania
• carrying out self-employed work
• engaging in other work activities
• a shareholder or head of a company operating in Lithuania – as specified in the company’s incorporation documents

A temporary residence permit can take 23 to 4 months to get. In urgent cases, the application can be processed in 1.5 months.

It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Lithuania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You create an online account and apply for a temporary residence permit.

2. The Lithuanian company submits an online LDU notification to SoDra no later than one working day before you start work.

3. If you’re on assignment or a construction worker your UK employer submits an online notification to the Lithuanian State Labour Inspectorate no later than one working day before you start work.

4. You book an appointment and submit your biometrics and application to your local immigration office in Lithuania.

5. You collect your temporary residence permit from the immigration office.

6. You declare your place of residence to the Migration Department or municipality (local authority) within 1 month of collecting your permit.

Application documents

Lithuania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• UK passport for you and any dependants
• confirmation of health insurance cover
• proof you have enough money to support yourself
• proof of accommodation in Lithuania
• legalised (apostilised) police clearance certificate
• (legalised (apostilised)with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if married and your spouse is joining you
• (legalised (apostilised)with an apostille)
• birth certificates for any children joining you (legalised with an apostille)

They may also need additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit, such as:

• employment contract or offer
• documents confirming the company is carrying out the activities it’s registered to carry out
• proof that you’re working as a performer or in sports, if applicable
• journalist’s accreditation card, if applicable
• certificate showing you’re accredited for your profession, if applicable
• a description of the work activity you’re intending to carry out
• compliance certificate if your profession is regulated

Lithuanian government guidance

Read official Lithuanian government information on visas and permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Lithuania on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.