Citizens of New Zealand planning to relocate to Lithuania can enter the country for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, individuals who intend to immigrate to Lithuania from New Zealand for a longer period are required to obtain a long-term visa or a Lithuanian residence permit. Our immigration lawyers in Lithuania offer below information for New Zealand nationals planning to reside, work, study or conduct business in this European country.
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Eligibility criteria to move to Lithuania from New Zealand
Eligibility for relocation to Lithuania from New Zealand typically depends on one or more of the following conditions:
- a confirmed employment offer from a Lithuanian company;
- enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Lithuania;
- intention to establish or invest in a business in Lithuania;
- family reunification with a Lithuanian citizen or legal resident.
Applicants must also demonstrate: a clean criminal record, valid travel documentation, and sufficient financial means to support their stay. Our specialized immigration attorneys in Lithuania can offer support in this matter.
Types of visas and permits in Lithuania
Lithuania offers several pathways to move to Lithuania from New Zealand based on the purpose of stay, including:
- National visa (Type D) which is issued for stays exceeding 90 days, commonly used for: employment, education, or other long-term activities. It is valid for up to one year;
- Temporary residence permit which is granted to individuals intending to immigrate to Lithuania for extended periods, including for: work, study, or family reunification.
- EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified professionals with a job offer and recognized academic or professional qualifications.
- The startup visa which is available for non-EU entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative businesses in Lithuania.
Each visa/ permit type is subject to specific conditions and documentation requirements and our specialized immigration attorneys in Lithuania can offer assistance in the preparation process.
Documentation requirements to move to Lithuania from New Zealand
While the specific documents vary depending on the visa type, the general requirements to immigrate to Lithuania from New Zealand include:
- a valid New Zealand passport, with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended stay;
- a completed application form for the relevant visa or permit;
- recent passport-style photographs;
- proof of adequate financial resources;
- valid health insurance covering the duration of stay in Lithuania;
- purpose-specific documentation (e.g., employment offer, university enrollment, business plan);
- a criminal record certificate issued by New Zealand authorities.
Our Lithuanian law firm offers support during the entire process of document preparation in order to move to Lithuania from New Zealand.
Residency and citizenship aspects in Lithuania
New Zealand citizens wishing to stay in Lithuania on long-term must first obtain a temporary residence permit, typically granted for: work, study, business, or family reunification. After five years of continuous legal residency in Lithuania, New Zealand nationals may apply for a permanent residence permit.
Furthermore, to obtain Lithuanian citizenship through naturalization, the applicant must have lived in the country for at least ten years and demonstrate: Lithuanian language skills, knowledge of the Constitution, and possess a clean criminal record and stable income.
If you have moved to Lithuania from New Zealand and wish to apply for Lithuanian residency or citizenship, our specialized immigration attorneys can offer professional assistance in this matter.
Data on immigration to Lithuania
The latest data from the Migration Department of Lithuania, provides a detailed overview of the country’s evolving immigration trends:
- The total number of foreigners living in Lithuania as of January 1st 2025 was 217,290;
- There were 106,400 foreigners owning temporary residence permits for work in 2024;
- The total number of foreign students in 2024 was 9,000.
For more information and support regarding immigration to Lithuania from New Zealand, contact our specialized team of Lithuanian immigration lawyers.