Lithuania, a dynamic European Union member in the Baltic region, is increasingly becoming a hub for international talent, especially in technology, engineering, and manufacturing. For qualified non-EU nationals, securing a job with visa sponsorship is the key to accessing this growing market. The process is employer-driven, meaning a Lithuanian company must sponsor your application, making the job search the most critical first step.
The primary requirement is a formal job offer from a registered Lithuanian employer who will then apply for your work permit. As the employee, you will need to provide proof of your qualifications, relevant experience, and a clean passport.
The benefits of working in Lithuania include a competitive European salary, the opportunity to live and travel within the Schengen Area, and a relatively fast and straightforward visa processing time. If you have skills that match the country’s economic needs, Lithuania offers a compelling pathway to a European career.
Read Also: Visa Sponsorship Gardening Jobs in Lithuania 2025
Corrected List of In-Demand Jobs for Foreigners in Lithuania
The following sectors frequently hire foreign talent and are more likely to sponsor visas. You should search for these roles specifically in Lithuanian cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.
- Information Technology (IT) & Tech:
- Software Developer/Engineer (Java, C#, Python, .NET)
- DevOps Engineer
- Cloud Specialist (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Data Scientist / Data Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- IT Project Manager
- Engineering & Manufacturing:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Automation & Robotics Engineer
- Production/Manufacturing Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Finance & Business Services:
- Financial Analyst
- Accountant (with international standards expertise)
- Business Development Manager
- Shared Services Center Specialist (in HR, Finance, IT support)
- Healthcare (for qualified professionals):
- Medical Doctors (especially in specialized fields)
- Researchers in Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Other Specialized Fields:
- Sales Manager (for international markets)
- Marketing Manager
- Senior Logistics & Supply Chain Specialist
Requirements for Foreign Workers in Lithuania
If you are a non‑EU/EEA citizen and want to work in Lithuania, these are key things you’ll typically need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Permit / Decision on Labour Market Compliance | Usually, the employer must apply for a work permit, unless in certain exempted professions (e.g. those in a shortage list, highly qualified occupations). |
| Residence Permit / Visa | You’ll usually need a national long‑term visa (Visa D) or a temporary residence permit when the job is intended to last beyond short terms |
| Job Offer | You must have a formal job offer/employment contract from a Lithuanian employer. The employer often needs to provide certain documentation |
| Qualifications / Experience | Depending on the job: either relevant education credentials or sufficient work experience (commonly 1‑3 years) in the field in question. For highly qualified roles, you might need higher education and relevant work experience |
| Salary Thresholds | There are minimum salary requirements. If the job/salary is below a certain level or not in a shortage occupation, you may need to meet higher salary thresholds to get the permit. |
| Quota System | In 2025 there is a quota of available work permits for non‑EU workers. If quotas are exceeded, exceptions apply (e.g. higher salaries or shortage occupations) |
| Document Authentication | Foreign qualifications may need recognition, translation, and apostille/legalization |
| Legal Stay | You must have legal status/permit/visa for residence. Some recent law changes require that even if previously working under visa‑free or other regimes, foreigners must now get temporary residence permits to work |
| Special Rules for Highly-Qualified Workers | There are special fast‑track or easier rules for “highly qualified” workers (high education, in‑demand fields, salaries above certain multiples of the average). Some requirements are relaxed for them. |
Benefits of Working in Lithuania (with Visa Sponsorship)
Working in Lithuania as a foreigner can come with multiple advantages:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Protection & rights | Once you have a permit/residence status, you are protected by Lithuanian labor laws: contracts, working hours, rest, safety, etc |
| Access to Public Health Insurance & Social Services | Employers enroll employees in the state insurance system (“SODRA”), so you have public healthcare, pension contributions, other benefits |
| Possibility of Permanent Residence / Long‑Term Stay | With continued legal work and residence permit renewals, there’s a path to longer‑term residence. Highly qualified workers and EU Blue Card holders have more options. |
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified non‑EU citizens may qualify. Benefits include work permit, the possibility to bring family, mobility within EU under certain conditions |
| Competitive Salaries in Some Sectors | For skilled or in‑demand fields, salaries must meet thresholds well above the average, which may be more favorable than many home country opportunities |
| Financial Incentives / Relocation Support | There are some incentives for attracting foreign talent: relocation payments for newcomers and reduced administrative burdens for certain categories |
| Quality of Life | Lithuania offers a relatively lower cost of living compared with many Western European countries, modern infrastructure especially in cities, and increasing opportunities in tech, services, etc. |
Work Visa and Permit Process (Accurate Summary)
The process involves two main steps and is primarily initiated by your future employer.
Step 1: Work Permit (Handled by Employer)
- The Lithuanian employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf at the Lithuanian Labour Exchange.
- They must prove they couldn’t find a suitable candidate from Lithuania or the EU for the role.
- The permit is typically issued within 7 business days.
Step 2: National (D) Visa (Handled by You)
- Once the work permit is approved, you apply for a National (D) Visa at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- This visa allows you to enter and live in Lithuania for the purpose of work.
- Processing usually takes around 15 working days.
Required Documents for Visa Application:
- Completed national visa (D) application form.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Work Permit issued by the Labour Exchange.
- Employer’s Letter of Mediation (invitation).
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
Key Factors and Important Notes
- EU Citizens: Do not need a work permit or visa.
- Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): If your employment is intended to be longer-term, you should apply for a TRP after arriving in Lithuania with your national visa. This replaces the visa and is a more stable residence document.
- Changing Jobs: If you are on a work visa/TRP tied to a specific employer, you cannot freely change jobs. You must inform the Migration Department, and your new employer must start a new work permit application process.
- Costs: As stated, the costs for the work permit are typically covered by the employ
How to Find a Job in Lithuania from Abroad
- LinkedIn: Use the job search feature and set your location to “Lithuania.” Use keywords like “visa sponsorship,” “relocation package,” and “international.”
- Specialized Job Boards:
- CV.lt and CVbankas.lt (Major local job boards). Use Google Translate).
- CV-Online.lt (Another popular local site).
- International Companies: Target multinational corporations with offices in Lithuania (e.g., Western Union, Nasdaq, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Wargaming, Unity, etc.), as they have established processes for hiring and relocating international staff.
- Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like “Devbridge,” “Not Perfect,” and “Rekon” often handle roles for international candidates.
Conclusion
Securing a work visa for Lithuania is a structured process that hinges on finding an employer willing to sponsor your application. For professionals in high-demand fields like engineering and IT, the path is well-defined and efficient, with processing times often under a month. By targeting your job search strategically, preparing your qualifications, and understanding the dual process of the work permit and national visa, you can successfully launch your career in this innovative and welcoming Baltic nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the visa process take?
The work permit is typically processed within 7 business days. Once you have it, the National (D) Visa application takes about 15 working days at a Lithuanian consulate
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, after you obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (which you can apply for after arriving in Lithuania on a D Visa), you can sponsor residence permits for your spouse and minor children.
Can a foreigner work in Lithuania?
Yes, but non-EU citizens must first secure a job offer from a Lithuanian employer who is willing to sponsor their work permit and provide a mediation letter for the visa.
