Changing Employer in Lithuania: Legal Process for Foreign Workers (2025 Guide)

Changing employer in Lithuania is not just an HR decision — for most foreign workers, it is a migration-law event. Your temporary residence permit (TRP) or EU Blue Card may be linked to your employer, job function, salary, and the conditions under which your right to stay was granted. If you start work for a new employer without following the correct legal steps, you risk loss of legal status, refusal of future applications, and employer sanctions.

This 2025 guide explains the changing employer in Lithuania rules, the official process through MIGRIS, key documents, timelines, fees, and the most common mistakes foreign employees and employers make.

Legal Background for Changing Employer in Lithuania

Lithuania regulates foreign employment mainly through the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and related implementing procedures handled by the Migration Department. In practice, this means:

Many work-based TRPs are issued based on an employer’s formal commitment (a mediation letter submitted through MIGRIS).
A change of employer (or sometimes a change of job function with the same employer) may require prior permission from the Migration Department.
In many cases, you do not need to apply for a brand-new TRP card, but you must obtain the authorization/decision allowing the change.

The 6-month rule (2025)

For non–highly qualified foreign workers holding a TRP on a work basis, changing employer is generally allowed only after 6 months from the TRP issue date.

EU Blue Card and highly skilled workers

For EU Blue Card holders, employer change rules are stricter during the first 12 months. Depending on the case, prior permission may be required, or notification must be submitted within a short deadline.

Annual quotas and timing risks

Lithuania applies annual employment-related quotas. Late-year employer changes may be affected if quotas are close to exhaustion.

Step-by-Step Legal Process for Changing Employer in Lithuania

1) Identify your residence permit type

Confirm whether you hold:

A work-based TRP (non–highly qualified)
A highly skilled worker permit / EU Blue Card
Another residence basis with work rights

Different timelines and obligations apply.

2) Secure a compliant job offer

Ensure the new job meets Lithuanian migration requirements:

Full-time work (where applicable)
Salary compliance with national thresholds
Qualifications and relevant experience alignment

3) Employer submits mediation letter via MIGRIS

The new employer must submit a mediation letter in MIGRIS and pay the EUR 50 stamp duty.

4) Submit application for permission

The employee submits the application via MIGRIS, referencing the mediation letter number.

State fee: EUR 100
Typical processing time: up to 1 month
Highly skilled cases may be processed faster

5) Attend Migration Department appointment

Book and attend the appointment with original documents at the assigned Migration Department office.

6) Observe validity deadlines

The decision approving the employer change is usually valid for 1 month. Failure to act within this period may require reapplication.

7) Start work only when legally allowed

Do not start working for the new employer until legal authorization is granted (unless notification-only rules apply).

8) Terminate current employment correctly

Standard resignation notice under Lithuanian labour law is 20 calendar days, unless otherwise agreed.

Key Legal Requirements & Documents

Valid passport
Temporary residence permit
Mediation letter submitted by new employer
Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates)
Proof of relevant work experience
Regulated profession approval (if applicable)

Employer requirements commonly include:

Active business operation for at least 6 months
Full-time employment commitment
Salary compliance with Lithuanian standards

Common Legal Mistakes to Avoid

Applying before completing the mandatory 6-month period
Starting work before authorization
Relying on informal job offers without employer readiness
Missing qualification or experience documentation
Ignoring Blue Card notification or permission rules
Poor timing near annual quota limits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a new residence permit after changing employer?

Usually no, provided proper authorization is obtained.

How long does the employer change process take?

Typically up to 1 month; highly skilled cases may be faster.

Can I change employer within my first 6 months?

Generally no for non–highly qualified TRP holders.

What is a mediation letter?

A formal employer submission via MIGRIS confirming employment compliance.

How long is the approval valid?

Usually 1 month from the decision date.

What notice must I give my current employer?

Standard notice is 20 calendar days unless otherwise agreed.

Conclusion

Changing employer in Lithuania requires careful legal compliance. Foreign workers should verify permit restrictions, ensure employer readiness, submit accurate documentation, and respect authorization timelines. Early planning and legal clarity can prevent delays, refusals, and immigration risks, especially in regulated professions or quota-sensitive periods.