Foreigners who want to relocate to Lithuania must consider several formalities, including the residence permit in Lithuania. It is important to mention that the temporary residence permit in Lithuania is valid for about 2 years, but under certain conditions, it can be extended for 5 years. Learn from our immigration lawyers in Lithuania how to obtain this document in 2026, following the important steps. Moreover, our specialists can tell you more about immigration to Lithuania if you have such plans.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types |
TRP for Lithuania |
|
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) |
Around 4 months |
|
Temporary residence permit validity |
2 years |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence |
– personal ID or passport, – bank statements, – health insurance
|
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) |
Yes |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder |
Yes |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes |
Startup visa for investments of at least EUR 50,000 |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | At least 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence |
– TRP, – passport, – language and constitution test |
| Naturalization requirements |
– proof of financial means, – basic Lithuanian language, – clear criminal record |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | After 10 years with permanent residence |
Table of Contents
How to obtain residency in Lithuania
Foreigners who want to move to Lithuania can apply from their country of origin for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania, or TRP as it is known. The necessary documents can be submitted either to the Lithuanian Embassy or to the Migration Department, but you can also do this in Lithuania, with the help of our immigration lawyers. Here’s what you need to know about temporary residence permit formalities in Lithuania:
- Lithuanian Migration Information System accepts applications for residency in Lithuania on a scheduled basis.
- It is then up to the applicant to bring the rest of the documents, such as copies of the passport and marriage and birth certificates, accompanied by the original ones.
- The fee of approximately EUR 120 must be paid.
- The financial situation for living in Lithuania will be proved.
- Authorities also require health insurance with coverage of at least EUR 6,000.
Although a temporary residence permit in Lithuania is issued in 2-4 months, there is a possibility that this document will come into your possession much faster. We remind you that our Lithuanian lawyers are at your disposal with legal advice for the formalities imposed by the authorities in 2026. This way, you will be sure that you will have the necessary support to obtain residency in Lithuania. Moreover, we can help you with the formalities if you want to relocate to Lithuania.
Applying for the Lithuanian permanent residence in 2026
A temporary residence permit in Lithuania is valid for 2 years. Lithuanian permanent residence is obtained after the foreign citizen proves that he/she has lived in this country for at least 5 years. However, there is also the possibility of renewing the temporary residence permit in Lithuania whenever needed.
Among the documents solicited for getting a residence permit in Lithuania is a valid certificate delivered by a relevant authority of the foreign country in which you have lived for the last 2 years before you arrive in Lithuania. Such a document should confirm that you do not have any convictions.
Below you can find an infographic on the main steps to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania:
Blue Card in Lithuania – What are the benefits
The Blue Card in Lithuania is the same as the temporary residence permit, which certifies that the foreign citizen can live and work in this country legally. Moreover, he/she can use the Blue Card to work in another country in the European Union as a highly-skilled worker, also valid for Lithuania. Our immigration lawyers in Lithuania can provide the required support and advice.
Dependents of a family member who applies for a Lithuanian residence permit can submit the family member’s obligation to support, and the documents confirming that he/she has enough funds and/or receive a regular income for the entire family residing in Lithuania.
Below is a video presentation about Lithuanian residence permits:
Having a Lithuanian permanent residence allows you to travel without restrictions
If you have a Lithuanian permanent residence, you can freely travel all over the world without losing this status, as long as you return to the country. However, there are certain restrictions on citizens residing in Lithuania but living in a non-EU country for more than 12 consecutive months. They may lose their right of permanent residence in Lithuania, and that document may be revoked. The same is the case for foreigners who obtain a residence permit in a country other than Lithuania. You can learn more about residence permits in Lithuania from our experienced immigration lawyers in Lithuania.
Immigration statistics for Lithuania
There are many reasons why a foreign citizen would like to relocate to Lithuania, and among them is the desire to access a better health and education system, multiple business opportunities, and better living conditions. Lithuania is a country where over 63% of the population is optimistic about their future, while 69% of respondents said they are confident in the future of their children. Here are some statistics about immigration to Lithuania:
- According to data for 2024 provided by the Migration Department, around 217,988 foreign citizens were living in Lithuania with proper documents.
- The same data indicated that around 77,000 Ukrainians were living in Lithuania in 2024.
- Over 57,500 Belarusians were living in Lithuania, according to data for 2024.
- Of the total population of Lithuania, around 7.52% are immigrants.
- Over 78,000 temporary residence permits were issued in Lithuania during the first 6 months of 2024.
- Lithuania provided temporary protection to over 35,000 refugees in 2024.
- Lithuanian authorities continue to replace the physical residence permits with digital format permits for Ukrainians living in Lithuania.
Key updates for Lithuanian residency in 2026
If you want to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania in 2026, here are some of the most important updates:
- The Ministry of Social Security and Labor in Lithuania limits the number of residency permits to approximately 1.4% of the total population in 2026.
- Skilled workers relocating to Lithuania must prove that they have a salary of at least 1.2 times higher than the national average monthly wage.
- It is recommended that residence permits in Lithuania be renewed at least 2-4 months before expiration.
- The EU Blue card continues to be the most attractive permit in Lithuania and the most sought after by highly qualified professionals from abroad. This permit guarantees residency for at least 3 years, depending on the profession and qualifications.
Would you like to learn more about how to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania in 2026? Interested in citizenship in Lithuania? We invite you to contact our law firm in Lithuania for information about the legal services offered. We are here to help you move to Lithuania in a fast manner.