Visitors to Lithuania seeking work or study permits must apply from abroad from Nov 2026

Lithuania has tightened access to its temporary residence permits: from 1 November 2026, certain foreign nationals can no longer lodge applications inside the country on the grounds of employment or undergraduate studies. Under the new legal amendments, people who entered on Schengen or foreign national visas are no longer able to apply while in Lithuania.

Key facts

• In-country applications for work or bachelor's study permits are now restricted to specific categories of applicant
• Everyone else must apply through VFS Global external service centres abroad
• Highly qualified workers keep the existing procedure
• Renewals of existing permits are unchanged
• Belarusians applying on employment grounds can use VFS Global centres in Armenia and Georgia

What is changing?

The restriction covers foreigners who entered Lithuania on Schengen visas — whether issued by Lithuania or by another Schengen state — or on national visas issued by another country, according to the Migration Department.

Who can still apply inside Lithuania?

Applications submitted in the country are now limited to foreigners holding a valid Lithuanian temporary residence permit, a Lithuanian national visa, a residence permit issued by another European Union or Schengen state, or a right to visa-free entry.

Highly qualified workers are not affected: their applications continue to be accepted under the existing procedure, provided they are legally present in Lithuania.

Where do other applicants apply now?

All other foreign nationals seeking residence permits on the grounds of employment or bachelor's studies must apply through VFS Global external service centres abroad. Belarusian citizens applying on employment grounds will be able to apply at VFS Global centres in Armenia and Georgia.

Are renewals affected?

No. The procedure for renewing existing temporary residence permits remains unchanged. Foreigners may apply for a renewal if they hold a valid work-based residence permit with no more than six months remaining before it expires.

What this means for travellers

Foreign nationals planning to move to Lithuania for work or bachelor's-level study should check which document they will be entering on before making plans. If it is a Schengen visa or a national visa from another country, an application from inside Lithuania is no longer an option, and the process has to be started through VFS Global outside the country.

The Migration Department has not outlined any further changes to the process in this announcement.