Each year, numerous foreign individuals choose to relocate to Lithuania from different countries across the globe, including Canada. The main grounds related to immigration to Lithuania from Canada include: family reunification, employment, business ventures and education. Find below a comprehensive guide on relocation offered by our specialized lawyers in Lithuania.
Table of Contents
Moving to Lithuania from Canada on short-term
The European country is part of the Schengen Zone since 2007, allowing Canadian citizens to immigrate to Lithuania without the need of a visa. However, this visa exemption is limited to visits up to 90 days within any 180-day timeframe, with total days counted across all Schengen countries.
If you intend to remain in the Schengen Zone for more than 90 days, you’ll need to acquire a visa. It is important, in this case, to reach out to the embassy or high commission of Lithuania to secure the necessary visa before your trip.
If you are looking for assistance regarding the immigration procedures to Lithuania from Canada, the professional team from our law firm in Lithuania is at your disposal.
Relocation to Lithuania from Canada on long-term
If you are planning to move to Lithuania from Canada for a period longer than 90 days, you will need to secure either a national visa (D) or a residence permit. The national visa (D) permits entry and residence in Lithuania for a defined duration, valid for up to 12 months. If you receive a 1-year national visa, you can only apply for another one after 180 days from the expiration of your last visa. It is important to verify the documentation requirements for this type of visa:
- Valid travel document (passport): your passport must be issued within the last ten years, have at least two blank pages, and be valid for at least three months beyond the requested visa’s expiration date;
- Proof of financial stability: you must demonstrate you have sufficient funds for living expenses throughout the national visa duration and for your return to your home country or another country of entry. The minimum required amount for living costs per month is equivalent to the minimum wage in Lithuania (€924/ month in 2024), and an additional amount equal to one minimum wage is needed for return funds;
- Health insurance: the insurance must be valid in Lithuania and all Schengen countries, providing coverage of at least €30,000.
Residence permits in Lithuania
If you are considering relocating to Lithuania from Canada, one of the first things you will need to address is obtaining a residence permit. This document is essential for anyone planning to move to Lithuania for an extended period, especially if he/she is not a citizen of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). Generally, those seeking to obtain residency in Lithuania can apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP), which is issued for various purposes. These may include: family reunification, employment, higher education, self-employment, or other legal activities.
Obtaining permanent residency (PRP) in Lithuania provides numerous advantages, including the ability to live and work in the country without the extra steps required for holders of temporary residence permits. With a permanent resident card, you can travel visa-free throughout the EU and Schengen Area, access public healthcare, bring your family to live with you in Lithuania, and qualify for state benefits under conditions similar to Lithuanian citizens. Additionally, after residing in Lithuania for 10 years, Canadian nationals may apply for citizenship in Lithuania. However, it’s important to note that there may be additional requirements for permanent residency applicants, such as passing a language and constitution exam.
For more information related to the immigration to Lithuania procedures, our Lithuanian attorneys can provide specialized guidance.
Citizenship in Lithuania as a Canadian national
As mentioned above, obtaining citizenship in Lithuania as a Canadian national is possible only after residing in Lithuania for more than 10 years and the process is called naturalization. Furthermore, there are other options to obtain citizenship in this country, such as: by birth, by marriage or by descend. As an important advantage, Lithuania is one of the few countries which offer the possibility to have dual citizenship.
Our immigration lawyers in Lithuania can assist and offer professional support in any relocation procedure you need.
Data on immigration to Lithuania
As Lithuania offers various advantages to immigrate here and easy procedures, official data shows some impressive numbers in this matter:
- In 2022, approximatively 87,400 people immigrated to Lithuania, two times more than the previous year;
- Over the period 2013-2022, 353,300 people immigrated to Lithuania, from which 169,800 were foreigners (48,1% from the total immigrants).
For more information and support regarding immigration to Lithuania from Canada, do not hesitate to contact our Lithuanian lawyers.