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Europe · Visa Guide

How to Move to Lithuania

Lithuania offers low living costs, a central EU/Baltic location and growing demand in tech, logistics and services. Non-EU workers get a national (D) visa and a temporary residence permit, usually based on a job offer; graduates can use the EU Blue Card. The Migration Department handles applications.

How to use this guide

1

Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).

2

Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.

3

Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.

Official Lithuania immigration website

Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.

Lithuania embassies in Africa — addresses & directions

Lithuania has limited African embassies, so you may apply through a partner embassy or visa centre. Use the directory to find where to apply for your country.

Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.

🇿🇦 South Africa · Pretoria

235 Grosvenor Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028

+27 12 760 9000 Open in Google Maps
🇳🇬 Nigeria · Lagos

14B Adedeji Adekola Street, off Freedom Way, Lagos (Honorary Consulate)

Open in Google Maps

Don’t see your country? Lithuania has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.

How long it takes

Around 1–3 months.

How much it costs

Fees roughly €120–€200 (visa + permit).

How long it lasts

Usually up to 2–3 years, renewable; pathway to permanent residence.

Difficulty: Moderate Can lead to permanent stay

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

  • A job offer from a Lithuanian employer.
  • A work permit or exemption (shortage occupations are easier).
  • Qualifications for the role.

What to do, step by step

  1. 1

    Get a job offer

    A Lithuanian employer offers you a role and (where needed) gets a work permit.

  2. 2

    Apply for the national visa/permit

    Apply for the D visa and temporary residence permit.

  3. 3

    Biometrics & decision

    Give biometrics and await the decision.

  4. 4

    Travel & collect your card

    Enter Lithuania and collect your residence card.

Papers you need

Valid passport.
Employment contract.
Work permit (if required) and qualifications.
Proof of accommodation.
Log in to save your checklist progress

Helpful tips

  • Shortage occupations (e.g. IT, transport) face simpler rules.
  • Low living costs make salaries stretch further.

Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free

1

Create your MIGRIS account first

Applications for Lithuanian residence permits are submitted electronically through MIGRIS. After submitting, you book an appointment at your nearest Lithuanian embassy/consulate (or the Migration Department if already in Lithuania) to give biometrics.

Create account
2

Start your Work residence permit application

This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.

Start application
How long it takes

Around 1–3 months.

How much it costs

Fees roughly €120–€200.

How long it lasts

Renewable; pathway to long-term residence.

Difficulty: Moderate Can lead to permanent stay

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

  • A recognised university degree.
  • A job offer meeting the Blue Card salary level.
  • A contract of at least 6 months.

What to do, step by step

  1. 1

    Get a qualifying job

    Receive a higher-paid skilled job offer.

  2. 2

    Apply for the Blue Card

    Submit your application for the D visa/Blue Card.

  3. 3

    Biometrics & decision

    Give biometrics and await the decision.

  4. 4

    Travel & collect your card

    Enter Lithuania and collect your Blue Card.

Papers you need

Valid passport.
Recognised degree.
Job contract meeting the salary level.
Log in to save your checklist progress

Helpful tips

  • Blue Card eases EU mobility later.
  • Keep proof your degree is recognised.

Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free

1

Create your MIGRIS account first

Applications for Lithuanian residence permits are submitted electronically through MIGRIS. After submitting, you book an appointment at your nearest Lithuanian embassy/consulate (or the Migration Department if already in Lithuania) to give biometrics.

Create account
2

Start your EU Blue Card application

This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.

Start application
How long it takes

Around 1–2 months.

How much it costs

Fees roughly €120; plus tuition and proof of funds.

How long it lasts

Course length; can switch to work afterwards.

Difficulty: Easier

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

  • Admission to a Lithuanian institution.
  • Proof of funds and accommodation.
  • Health insurance.

What to do, step by step

  1. 1

    Get admitted

    Receive admission from a Lithuanian university.

  2. 2

    Show funds & insurance

    Prove you can support yourself and have cover.

  3. 3

    Apply for the visa/permit

    Apply for the national visa and residence permit.

  4. 4

    Travel & collect your card

    Enter Lithuania and collect your residence card.

Papers you need

Valid passport.
Admission letter.
Proof of funds, accommodation and insurance.
Log in to save your checklist progress

Helpful tips

  • Affordable tuition and living costs.
  • Students can work part-time.

Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free

1

Create your MIGRIS account first

Applications for Lithuanian residence permits are submitted electronically through MIGRIS. After submitting, you book an appointment at your nearest Lithuanian embassy/consulate (or the Migration Department if already in Lithuania) to give biometrics.

Create account
2

Start your Student visa application

This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.

Start application
How long it takes

A few months.

How much it costs

Fees roughly €120–€200.

How long it lasts

Linked to your sponsor; renewable.

Difficulty: Moderate Can lead to permanent stay

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

  • Your relative holds a valid Lithuanian residence permit.
  • Stable income and housing.
  • A genuine relationship.

What to do, step by step

  1. 1

    Check sponsor status

    Your relative must hold a qualifying permit.

  2. 2

    Apply for the visa/permit

    Apply for family reunification.

  3. 3

    Travel & collect your card

    Enter Lithuania and collect your residence card.

Papers you need

Valid passport.
Marriage/birth certificate (legalised).
Sponsor's permit, income and housing proof.
Log in to save your checklist progress

Helpful tips

  • Reunited spouses can usually work.
  • Legalise/translate documents early.

Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free

1

Create your MIGRIS account first

Applications for Lithuanian residence permits are submitted electronically through MIGRIS. After submitting, you book an appointment at your nearest Lithuanian embassy/consulate (or the Migration Department if already in Lithuania) to give biometrics.

Create account
2

Start your Family reunification application

This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.

Start application

Most Lithuania work visas need a job offer first

Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Lithuania — both completely free.

Questions about Lithuania visas

How much does the Lithuania Work residence permit cost?

The Lithuania Work residence permit costs: Fees roughly €120–€200 (visa + permit). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.

How long does the Lithuania Work residence permit take?

Processing for the Lithuania Work residence permit takes around 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.

How long is the Lithuania Work residence permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?

The Lithuania Work residence permit is valid for usually up to 2–3 years, renewable; pathway to permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.

How much does the Lithuania EU Blue Card cost?

The Lithuania EU Blue Card costs: Fees roughly €120–€200. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.

How long does the Lithuania EU Blue Card take?

Processing for the Lithuania EU Blue Card takes around 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.

How long is the Lithuania EU Blue Card valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?

The Lithuania EU Blue Card is valid for renewable; pathway to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.

How much does the Lithuania Student visa cost?

The Lithuania Student visa costs: Fees roughly €120; plus tuition and proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.

How long does the Lithuania Student visa take?

Processing for the Lithuania Student visa takes around 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.

How long is the Lithuania Student visa valid for?

The Lithuania Student visa is valid for course length; can switch to work afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.

How much does the Lithuania Family reunification cost?

The Lithuania Family reunification costs: Fees roughly €120–€200. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.

How long does the Lithuania Family reunification take?

Processing for the Lithuania Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.

How long is the Lithuania Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?

The Lithuania Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.

Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.