Located in the Baltic region of Europe, Lithuania shares boundaries with Poland, Latvia, Belarus, and Russia. Its capital is Vilnius, which is the largest city in the country and the most populous. With a population of 2.8 million people dwelling on an area of 65,300Km2, the republic of Lithuania is a developed country with an advanced economy and rich cultural heritage. The spoken language of the people is Lithuanian; closely related to the Baltian language. The land is blessed with magnificent valleys, lush forests, and rivers flowing into the Baltic Sea. The GDP of the country has grown significantly over the years and this has improved the standard of living of the people. Gradually growing towards a service economy, with improvement in the healthcare system, the country may not be on the same standard as other developed European countries, but the Lithuanians have many things to look forward to.
Immigration purposes in Lithuania
People around the world migrate to Lithuania for various reasons. Some to study, some to work, some to visit family members, and others for business reasons.. Whatever the purpose of migration is, Lithuania is always open and friendly to migrants coming for residence.
Immigration programs in Lithuania are targeted on the following:
- Immigration of Persons with Lithuanian Origins/Descent
- Immigration of Family Members
- Immigration of European Union Citizens
Immigration of Persons with Lithuanian Origins/Descent
Persons with Lithuanian origins are entitled to Lithuanian citizenship and issued a document certifying their origin or a certificate to confirm their right to the restoration of their citizenship. They have the right to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit or a Permanent Residence Permit while in Lithuania. They can also be issued a Schengen Visa.
A person holding a birth certificate or citizenship has the right to migrate to Lithuania. One whose parents, grandparents, or descendants were citizens of Lithuania before 15 June 1945 qualifies for this program.
Immigration of Family Members
Family members of a Lithuanian citizen, who have satisfied all requirements provided, may be issued a Temporary Residence Permit or a Permanent Residence Permit in Lithuania based on reunification.
Family or business:
Family reunification: the immigration of family members of a person with a resident permit or a citizen of Lithuania. 4 conditions must be satisfied in this case.
- The family member must be directly related to the citizen of Lithuania or a person with a Residence permit.
- The family member must be living in Lithuania
- The family member should possess a Permanent residence Permit and other requirements asked for.
- The family member should possess a Temporary Residence Permit and other requirements asked.
Immigration of European Union Citizens
EU citizens may come to Lithuania without a visa and live for up to 3 months, without any special permits. Those who want to stay longer than that can apply for the issuance of a certificate of a citizen of an EU member state on the basis of studies or employment, etc.
Immigration programs in Lithuania
Immigration For Work
This requires getting a job in a Lithuanian company as a foreigner. Any foreigner looking to work and live in Lithuania must have the qualifications required and the necessary experience needed. The issuance of a permit depends on the job, the qualifications, monthly income, and other factors.
Having satisfied all requirements of the job, the person will be issued a Work Permit, a Residence Permit, either temporary or permanent depending on the duration of employment, and a national Visa D.
Business Immigration
Emphasis is usually placed on the business running, the net worth of the business, the size of their salaries, and other factors. In order to be issued a permit, either temporary or permanent, the applicant must be involved in the running of the business.
Investment immigration program
This program is dedicated to business representatives looking to expand their business in Lithuania. A Residence Permit and Work Permit are usually issued, depending on the duration of stay.
Representative office or branch immigration program
The immigration of a head or director of the Representative Office or Branch of a company in Lithuania may also include the family members of such persons for a duration of up to 3 years, after providing all the required documents.
Immigration For Study
To study in Lithuania, a person must firstly choose the university and the program that he’s interested in. If he/she satisfies the requirements of the institution for admission, then he/she may apply for the issue of a Temporary Residence Permit.
Students, who want to work while studying, may apply for a work permit.
Other immigration programs include; Blue Card, Highly qualified Specialist, Family member of EU citizens, etc.
