Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania: Complete Legal Guide (2025)

A Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania is the main legal status that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to live in Lithuania longer than 90 days for a specific purpose such as work, business, studies, or family reunification. In 2025, most applications start online through MIGRIS and then continue with an in-person appointment for biometrics and original document review.

This guide explains the legal framework, the practical step-by-step process, required documents, and common mistakes—especially for applicants dealing with Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.

Legal Background in Lithuania

Lithuania regulates foreigners’ entry, stay, and residence mainly through the Republic of Lithuania Law on the Legal Status of Aliens. This law defines when a temporary residence permit can be issued, renewed, refused, or revoked, and what obligations foreigners must follow.

What a temporary residence permit legally means

A temporary residence permit is not a general “permission to live in Lithuania.” It is issued for a specific legal ground, and your rights depend on that ground.

Common legal grounds include:

• Employment (including highly skilled routes)
• EU Blue Card (highly qualified employment route)
• Business / entrepreneurship
• Investment (depending on the legal route used)
• Studies
• Family reunification
• Other special grounds provided by law

Institutions you may deal with

• Migration Department (Migracijos departamentas): examines applications and makes decisions.
• MIGRIS: the official system used for e-application, uploads, and appointment booking.
• External submission partner (abroad cases): in some countries, in-person submission is done through an authorised service provider, depending on local practice.

Step-by-Step Legal Process

Below is the typical process for most applicants in 2025. Specific steps and documents vary by legal ground, but the structure is similar.

1. Choose the correct legal ground

   • Work, EU Blue Card, business, study, family reunification, etc.
   • Your ground determines required documents and the permit conditions.

2. Prepare documents in the correct form

   • Check validity dates, signatures, translations, and legalisation/apostille requirements (if applicable).

3. Submit the online application via MIGRIS

   • Fill out the form and upload scans.
   • Select your office area (often based on declared residence) and book an appointment.

4. Pay the state fee

   • Fees depend on the procedure type (standard vs urgent) and your legal ground.

5. Attend the in-person appointment

   • Bring original documents.
   • Provide biometrics (photo/fingerprints/signature).
   • Ensure you are in lawful stay status at the time of appearance.

6. Wait for examination and decision

   • The Migration Department may request additional information if documents are missing or unclear.

7. Collect the residence permit card

   • After approval, you will receive instructions on when and where to collect the permit card.

8. Complete post-approval obligations

   • In many cases, you must declare your place of residence (address declaration) after permit issuance, depending on your situation.

Key Legal Requirements & Documents

The exact list depends on the legal ground, but these are commonly required.

Core documents (often required)

• Valid passport
• Completed MIGRIS application
• Biometrics submission (in person)
• State fee payment confirmation
• Proof of lawful stay (if applying/appearing in Lithuania)
• Health insurance (when required by your route)
• Proof of accommodation / suitable dwelling in Lithuania (when required)

Work / employment (typical examples)

• Employment contract or official job offer (as required by the route)
• Employer documents (registration and compliance documents may be requested)
• Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates, experience) if relevant

EU Blue Card (highly skilled) (typical examples)

• Proof of higher professional qualification
• Employment contract meeting Blue Card conditions (including salary rules)
• Additional evidence if requested by the Migration Department

Business / entrepreneurship (typical examples)

• Company registration documents
• Proof of role (director/manager/shareholder)
• Evidence of real activity and/or investment (route-dependent)

Studies (typical examples)

• Acceptance/admission from a Lithuanian education institution
• Proof of sufficient funds (if required)
• Accommodation and insurance evidence (as required)

Family reunification (typical examples)

• Marriage/birth certificates proving relationship
• Sponsor’s legal status documents (TRP/PRP/citizenship)
• Additional financial/accommodation documents depending on the case

Common Legal Mistakes to Avoid

These are frequent reasons for delay, refusal, or later problems.

• Choosing the wrong legal ground

  • Example: applying as “business” without meeting legal criteria for that route.

• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents

  • Different spellings of names, missing signatures, unclear translations, or missing pages.

• Treating the online submission as the final step

  • The in-person appointment is mandatory for biometrics and original document review.

• Assuming application submission automatically legalises stay

  • Always confirm your lawful basis to remain in Lithuania if you are close to visa/90-day limits.

• Weak proof of accommodation

  • “I will find housing later” is not enough where proof of dwelling is required.

• Not updating obligations after approval

  • Address declaration and compliance with the permit purpose are important to avoid risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania?

A Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania is a legal status allowing a foreign national to live in Lithuania longer than 90 days for a specific purpose (work, study, business, family reunification, etc.) under Lithuanian law.

How do I apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania in 2025?

Usually, you apply through MIGRIS (online form + document uploads), then attend an in-person visit for biometrics and original document submission at the Migration Department (or an authorised partner abroad, depending on country).

How long does the process take?

Timeframes depend on the legal ground and whether you use a standard or urgent procedure. Complex cases may take longer if additional checks or documents are required.

Can I apply from outside Lithuania?

Yes. Many applicants submit online via MIGRIS and then complete in-person submission abroad through an authorised partner, depending on local rules.

Do I need health insurance?

In many cases, yes—especially during the application stage. Some routes may have different insurance rules depending on employment and national health coverage.

What happens after I get the permit?

You may need to declare your Lithuanian address and must continue meeting the conditions of your permit (for example, continuing the job, studies, or business activity that formed the legal basis).

Conclusion

A Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania is a legal status tied to a specific purpose and evidence. In 2025, successful applicants usually focus on three things: choosing the correct legal ground, preparing consistent documents in the correct format, and completing the in-person stage properly through MIGRIS scheduling.

Because the exact requirements vary by route and personal situation, treat your TRP preparation like a legal file: structured, verified, and evidence-based.