
Lithuania's main routes are work (the EU Blue Card, standard employment, in-demand professions), business and startup options, plus student, family reunification and permanent residence after five years.
Lithuania's immigration system is run by the Migration Department, and almost every application now goes through its online platform, MIGRIS. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens move freely without a permit; other (third-country) nationals generally need a national long-term (D) visa and/or a temporary residence permit tied to a specific purpose.
For skilled workers the headline routes are the EU Blue Card and ordinary employment permits, with a simplified path for in-demand professions on the official shortage list that skips the labour-market test. Entrepreneurs are well served too: the business / lawful-activity permit suits owners of a genuinely operating company, while Startup Visa Lithuania is built for innovative founders.
Beyond work and business there are student permits with post-study options, family reunification for relatives of residents and citizens, and permanent residence / EU long-term resident status after five years of continuous lawful residence. Salary thresholds, fees and the shortage list all change over time, so it is wise to confirm current details before applying. ACME can talk through your background and goals and point you to the route that fits best.
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Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.