Lithuania limits in-country permit applications for workers and students

Some foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply in Lithuania for a temporary residence permit based on employment or bachelor’s studies from November 1, LRT reported, citing the Migration Department.

The restriction applies to people who entered Lithuania with a Schengen visa issued by Lithuania or another Schengen country, or with a national visa issued by another country. They will be able to apply in Lithuania only if they hold a valid Lithuanian temporary residence permit, a Lithuanian national visa, a residence permit issued by another European Union or Schengen country, or the right to stay in Lithuania without a visa.

Other applicants will have to submit their applications at VFS Global external service centres. The new procedure does not apply to foreign nationals planning to take highly qualified jobs in Lithuania, whose applications will continue to be accepted under the usual procedure while they are legally in the country.

The rules for applying to change a temporary residence permit remain unchanged. Applicants may do so if they hold a valid permit based on employment and no more than six months remain before it expires. Belarusian citizens may apply for a work-based temporary residence permit at VFS Global offices in Armenia and Georgia.