Work in Lithuania: New Permit Requirements for Foreign Nationals

Lithuania has tightened up its rules on hiring foreign workers, rolling out new policies that took effect on July 1, 2024. These changes are part of the new Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, which is designed to better control labor migration in the country.

Key Changes

As of July 1, 2024, foreign nationals can’t work in Lithuania under visa-free arrangements, national or Schengen visas, or residence permits from other countries anymore. If they want to keep working in Lithuania, they now need a temporary residence permit specifically issued by Lithuania.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, though. Foreigners who enter Lithuania legally and meet certain criteria won’t need a work permit. These exceptions include:

• Foreigners employed by a company based in an EU member state.
• Those who are in Lithuania for less than three months per year.
• Entrepreneurs and shareholders of Lithuanian companies.

Impact on Existing Workers

Foreigners who were already working in Lithuania before these changes can continue working until their current legal stay ends or until they secure the right to work under the new conditions. For example, Belarusian nationals with a Polish visa working in Lithuania under the shortage occupation list can keep working until their visa runs out.

The Migration Department advises foreigners wanting to continue working in Lithuania to apply for a work-based temporary residence permit at least four months before their current visa expires.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

The Lithuanian government is serious about enforcing these new rules. Working without a valid permit is now considered illegal, and employers who break these rules will face penalties. Companies caught employing illegal or undeclared foreign workers might even be banned from hiring new foreign employees for a year.

Changes in Residence Permit Appeals

The new law also changes how residence permit cancellations are handled. Previously, foreigners could keep their residence permits while appealing a cancellation decision. However, from July 1, 2024, this is no longer the case. If a foreigner’s residence permit is canceled and they appeal, the permit will still be declared invalid during the appeal process. If the foreigner doesn’t leave Lithuania within 14 days after the permit is canceled, they will receive a return decision. Failure to comply with this decision could lead to deportation and a ban on re-entering Lithuania.

Avoiding Abuse of the System

These stricter rules are also aimed at stopping foreigners from exploiting the system by using tactics like fake marriages, finding new employers, or enrolling in studies just to stay in the country. The government’s new approach ensures that foreigners who don’t meet the legal requirements for residence can’t delay their departure by exploiting loopholes.

Conclusion

With these new changes, foreign workers in Lithuania will need to navigate a much stricter legal landscape. It’s crucial for those affected to act quickly to secure their legal status before the new rules fully take hold. Employers also need to make sure they’re following the new regulations to avoid penalties and restrictions on hiring foreign workers in the future.

FAQs

1. What happens if I don’t apply for a new residence permit in time?
   If you don’t apply for a new residence permit before your current visa expires, you could be working illegally, which might result in penalties for both you and your employer.
2. Are there any exceptions to the new permit requirements?
   Yes, there are some exceptions. For instance, if you’re working for an EU-based company, in Lithuania for less than three months a year, or are an entrepreneur and shareholder of a Lithuanian company, you might not need a new permit.
3. What are the consequences of working without a valid permit?
   Working without a valid permit is illegal under the new rules. Employers found hiring workers without the proper permits could face fines and might be banned from hiring foreign workers for a year.