Lithuania — work permit for non-EU nationals

Lithuania runs a two-track system. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work freely with only a residence registration if staying over three months. Third-country nationals must secure either a work permit combined with a national visa, or a temporary residence permit based on employment.

Main categories

1. Standard Work Permit + National Visa (D) — the route for most foreign workers hired by Lithuanian companies.
2. EU Blue Card — for highly qualified roles. The salary threshold is 1.5x the national average wage, or 1.2x for roles on the shortage occupation list (110 occupations in 2026, spanning construction, manufacturing, IT and healthcare). Blue Card applicants skip the standard labour market test.
3. Intra-Corporate Transferee permit — for employees transferred from a foreign branch into a Lithuanian office of the same company.
4. "Decision on Compliance with Labour Market Needs" — an alternative for high-level professional qualifications, issued by the Migration Department using a similar process to the standard permit.

The labour market test
Before hiring a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, the employer generally must show they couldn't find a suitable candidate within the EU/EEA/Switzerland, by advertising the vacancy for at least 5 working days through the local labour exchange. Only after that window closes can the work permit application move forward.

Step-by-step process

1. Job offer — a signed employment contract, or at minimum a binding offer letter.
2. Vacancy registration — the Labour Exchange registers the vacant position at least 5 working days before the work permit documents are submitted.
3. Work permit application — the employer files with the Lithuanian Labour Exchange, including a copy of the worker's passport, personal details, and proof the role is genuinely needed locally. Decision usually within seven business days.
4. Mediation letter — once approved, the employer fills out a mediation letter in the MIGRIS system, enabling the worker to apply for the National Visa (D).
5. National Visa (D) application — submitted at a Lithuanian consulate abroad (for a Tunisian applicant, likely Tunis), with issuance taking up to 15 working days.
6. Entry & Sodra registration — the employer must notify the State Social Insurance Fund Board (Sodra) via the EDAS system no later than one business day before the employee's start date; work can only begin after this.

Documents typically required

For the work permit:

• Passport valid at least 15 months after planned departure from the EU, with at least two blank pages
• Proof of qualifications: diplomas, certificates, employment/experience records
• Signed employment contract with the Lithuanian employer
• Criminal record certificate, issued no earlier than six months before application, with certified Lithuanian translation if not in English
• State-fee payment confirmation from MIGRIS

For the National Visa (D):

• Completed electronic visa application, valid passport and photo, the mediation letter, the work permit itself, proof of financial resources, and health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000

Documents issued abroad generally need an Apostille (or consular legalisation) and certified Lithuanian translation. Since Tunisia is a Hague Apostille Convention member, Tunisian-issued documents can go through the standard apostille route.

Timelines
Most applicants should budget 6–8 weeks from initial application to final approval — roughly 7 business days for the work permit, 15 working days for the national D visa, plus the upfront 5-day vacancy posting and time to gather/apostille/translate documents.

Financial checks
Both the applicant and employer must have no overdue tax liabilities in Lithuania, and employers in licensed sectors (road freight, medical, security) must hold current Lithuanian operating licenses.