How do I apply for a Lithuanian residence permit, and what is MIGRIS?

Lithuania has moved its immigration procedures online through MIGRIS (the Lithuanian Migration Information System). You register, complete the application for your chosen purpose — work, business, study or family — and then attend an appointment at the Migration Department or a Lithuanian diplomatic mission to give biometric data and present originals. For work routes the employer usually files a mediation letter. Standard processing is up to about four months, but an urgent (paid) procedure can cut this to roughly two months.