How to Hire Foreign Workers in Lithuania?

Lithuania, a growing hub for manufacturing, logistics, IT, and service industries, is experiencing a demand for qualified professionals that often exceeds the local labor market supply. To meet this demand, Lithuanian employers are increasingly turning to foreign workers—both from the EU and third countries. However, hiring foreign nationals involves a set of legal steps governed by immigration and labor laws.

This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide for employers in Lithuania looking to hire foreign nationals legally and efficiently.

Categories of Foreign Workers

1. EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals

No work or residence permit required.
Must register their residence with the Migration Department if staying longer than 90 days in 180 days.
Employers must inform the Employment Service about the employment of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

2. Non-EU Nationals (Third-Country Citizens)

These individuals must obtain a residence permit (with work authorization) before beginning employment, unless exempt. There are several types of permits, depending on the job and worker profile.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Third-Country Nationals

Step 1: Conduct a Labor Market Test (if required)

Before offering a job to a third-country national, the employer must:

Register the vacancy with the Lithuanian Employment Service for at least 5 working days.
This checks whether a Lithuanian or EU citizen is available for the role.

Exemptions from the labor market test include:

Highly qualified workers (eligible for EU Blue Card)

Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List

Seasonal work under specific agreements

Step 2: Offer the Job

Once the labor market test is passed (or if exempt), the employer can issue a binding job offer. Required job offer details include:

Job title
Salary and working hours
Employment conditions
Work location

The job offer must comply with Lithuania’s minimum wage and labor law standards.

Step 3: Worker Applies for a Residence Permit

The foreign worker applies for either:

A. Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for employment

Issued by the Migration Department based on the employer’s job offer. Valid up to 2 years, renewable.

B. EU Blue Card

For highly skilled non-EU workers with a higher education degree and a salary threshold (typically 1.5x average gross wage).

Application Process:

Submitted at the Lithuanian embassy in the worker's home country, or

At the Migration Department (if the person is already in Lithuania legally)

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Employment contract or job offer
Proof of qualifications
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation
Criminal record certificate

Step 4: Decision and Arrival

Processing time: 2 to 3 months, faster for certain high-demand roles
If approved, the worker can enter Lithuania and collect the residence card
Within 3 working days of starting employment, the employer must notify the Employment Service

Step 5: Registration and Onboarding

Foreign workers must register with local authorities and provide biometric data
Employers must:
- Maintain employee records
- Comply with tax and social security obligations
- Ensure equal treatment and working conditions

Fast-Track and Simplified Procedures

Lithuania has bilateral agreements and simplified procedures for certain countries (e.g., Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova) and job sectors:

Faster processing
Partial exemption from labor market tests
Short-term work permits (up to 1 year)

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Employers hiring foreign nationals must:

Report employment to the Employment Service
Provide contracts in both Lithuanian and a language understood by the employee
Respect labor, tax, and migration laws
Monitor permit expiry dates and renewals

Failure to comply can result in:

Fines
Ban on hiring foreign workers
Criminal liability in severe cases

Hiring foreign workers in Lithuania is a strategic solution to talent shortages in various industries. The process is manageable with proper planning, accurate documentation, and respect for legal procedures. Employers are encouraged to work closely with certified immigration advisors or recruitment agencies, especially when hiring at scale.

By following this guide, Lithuanian companies can successfully integrate international talent while contributing to a more dynamic and competitive workforce.