Work Permit and Immigration Support For Expat Hiring in Lithuania via EOR

Expanding your workforce in Lithuania requires compliance with work permit regulations, employer sponsorship obligations, and residency requirements. Businesses hiring foreign employees must navigate visa processes, tax compliance, and legal obligations, ensuring all employment contracts align with Lithuanian labour laws.

Acumen International’s Employer of Record (EOR) solution provides a fully compliant way to hire expats in Lithuania without setting up a local entity. We manage work permit applications, payroll administration, and HR compliance, allowing businesses to expand seamlessly while meeting all regulatory requirements.

Key Considerations for Hiring Foreign Employees in Lithuania

Lithuania’s growing technology, business services, and manufacturing sectors attract foreign investment and skilled professionals. Employers hiring expatriates must comply with:

Work Permit & Visa Requirements – Non-EU/EEA nationals must obtain both a work permit and a temporary residence permit before legally working in Lithuania.
New Quota System – As of 2025, Lithuania has introduced an annual cap on residence permits for non-highly qualified third-country nationals, requiring salary adjustments if the quota is exceeded.
Employer Sponsorship Obligations – Companies must register as an employer sponsor and ensure that employment contracts align with Lithuanian labour laws.
Payroll & Tax Compliance – Employers must register foreign employees with Sodra (Lithuanian Social Security) and handle payroll tax deductions and social contributions.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in visa rejections, legal penalties, and hiring restrictions.

Types of Work Permits in Lithuania

1. Standard Work Permit

Required for non-EU/EEA nationals.
Valid for up to two years, with renewal options.

2. EU Blue Card

Available for highly skilled professionals.
Requires a university degree and a high salary threshold.

3. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit

For employees relocating within a multinational company.
Requires a minimum of six months of prior employment with the company.

4. Temporary Work Permit

Issued for seasonal work, short-term projects, or specialist roles.
Typically valid for up to one year, with renewal options.

Each permit type has specific eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and processing timelines, which require employers to comply carefully.

Lithuania’s Work Permit Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Employers or an Employer of Record (EOR) must handle work permit and residence permit applications before a foreign employee can legally work in Lithuania.

1. Work Permit Application Submission

Employers submit applications to the Lithuanian Employment Service.
Required documents include job offer, qualifications, and employment contract.

2. Work Permit Approval

Processing time: 7 to 30 working days.
If approved, the employee receives a work permit linked to the sponsoring employer.

3. Temporary Residence Permit Application

Submitted to the Lithuanian Migration Department.
Processing time: 30 to 90 days.

4. Arrival & Registration in Lithuania

Employees must register with Sodra (Social Security) and the Lithuanian Tax Authority.
Employers must handle payroll, tax withholding, and social contributions.

5. Compliance & Renewal

Work and residence permits must be renewed before expiration.
Employers must maintain compliance with Lithuanian labour laws throughout employment.

1111- Comprehensive Business Immigration Support

Businesses aiming to employ international talent can often be challenged by the complexity of immigration regulations and procedures. These can lead to possible delays or rejections in issuing work permits and visas. Our Global Employer of Record (EOR) service offers a vital advantage with our established global employment infrastructure for sponsoring work permits for your company.

Our immigration specialists in Lithuania can assist you in every step of the immigration process, from gathering the necessary documentation to submitting your application accurately and on time.

Avoidance of Costly Mistakes and Rejections

One of the most significant challenges in the immigration process is the risk of costly mistakes and rejections. These mistakes can result in substantial delays and additional costs for your business. With Global EOR’s assistance, you can avoid these costly mistakes and ensure that your applications and supporting documents meet all legal requirements. Our team of experts can review your documentation to ensure everything is in order before submitting your application, saving you time and money.

Up-to-date expertise and Compliance with Immigration Requirements

Keeping up with changing immigration laws and policies can be challenging, but Global EOR can ensure you stay up-to-date and compliant with all immigration requirements. Our team is constantly monitoring any changes in immigration regulations in Lithuania and will keep you informed of any updates that may affect your business. With our comprehensive immigration support, you can focus on your core business objectives while leaving us to manage international talent.

Streamlined and Efficient Process, Saving Time and Effort

The application process for work permits and visas in Lithuania can be time-consuming and tedious, but with Global EOR, you can streamline the process and save time and effort. Our team can guide you through the process and ensure all necessary documentation is gathered and submitted accurately and on time. We can simplify the management of your international workforce and minimise the effort and cost of global hiring.

Business Immigration Challenges and How Global EOR Can Address Them

Business Immigration Challenges	Benefits of Global EOR
Navigating complex immigration laws	Expert guidance and support throughout the process
Costly application mistakes and rejections	Avoidance of costly mistakes and rejections
Keeping up with changing immigration laws and policies	Up-to-date knowledge and compliance with legal requirements
The time-consuming and tedious work permit and visa application process	Streamlined and efficient application processes, saving time and effort

Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for a work permit application:

A completed work permit application form
A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
Two passport-sized photographs
A copy of your birth certificate
A copy of your educational qualifications
A medical certificate attesting to your good health
A police clearance certificate from your home country
A letter of recommendation from your previous employer (if applicable)
A copy of the employment contract with your Lithuanian employer.

Fees

The fee for a work permit application is €300 (approximately $320).

Additional Considerations

Visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may also require a separate entry visa to enter Lithuania. Check with your home country’s Lithuanian embassy or consulate for visa requirements.
Professional assistance: It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or other qualified professional for assistance with the work permit application process, especially if you have any complex or unique circumstances.

Updates as of 2025

Electronic Application: The work permit application process has been streamlined and more efficient.
Online Tracking: Applicants can now track the status of their work permit applications online.
Reduced Processing Times: The processing time for work permit applications has been reduced to an average of 30 to 90 days.
Transparency and Accessibility: The Migration Department has made significant efforts to improve the transparency and accessibility of the work permit application process, providing clear instructions and online resources for applicants.
Regular Updates: The Migration Department regularly updates its website and information channels to provide applicants with the latest information and requirements.

Contact our team to let us handle your foreign employees’ immigration matters. We will work with our local partners to organize and obtain all the necessary permits and provide you with a detailed update on the progress of the process, relieving you of the responsibility of getting a work permit.

Contact us for more details about how you can get a work permit for your expatriate staff and employ them through Acumen International in Lithuania.

All-In-One Global Employment Solution

Employing globally is no longer a maze of local setups and legal hurdles. With Express Global Employment, you can build a global team seamlessly. Benefit from our comprehensive, compliant, and efficient global employment solutions that eliminate the complexity of international hiring. From contract generation to seamless integration, we ensure that your expansion is as limitless as your ambition.

Global Mobility Support

Our global mobility support is about turning complexity into simplicity. We expedite onboarding and immigration procedures, ensuring your global talent is ready to engage and deliver results swiftly. By eliminating red tape and administrative burdens, your team can focus on what they do best, propelling your business forward in every corner of the globe.

Global Payroll & Benefits, Handled

Financial well-being is critical to employee satisfaction. That’s why we navigate the intricacies of international payroll and benefits with expertise. Our solutions offer your workforce a competitive and fully compliant financial package, wherever they may be. With Express Global Employment, you can assure your team that their compensation is globally competitive.

Borderless Expansion, No Entity Needed

Launch your workforce in 190+ countries without the burden of establishing local entities. Our all-in-one global employment solution allows quick, compliant onboarding and talent management. You can immediately scale up your operations and seize international opportunities with Express Global Employment as your guide.

New Markets. Zero Risks.

Expanding your business’s horizons should not multiply its risks. Protect your global ventures from compliance pitfalls with our expert guidance. We manage the complexities of employee classification and permanent establishment risks, ensuring that your expansion is secure and strategically sound. With us, new markets mean new opportunities, not new worries.

Global Payroll Calculator Helps You Assess Total Hiring Cost

By creating the Global Payroll Calculator, we’ve done the global payroll and tax math and compliance for you.

Eliminate the time-consuming and costly process of doing your manual calculations.
Gain instant access to up-to-date salary cost breakdowns based on local tax laws and regulations and update in real-time with the latest employment and tax legislation changes across 190+ countries.
Stay compliant on all international payroll matters, including local taxes, labour rules, and benefits.
Minimised the risk and global cost-of-hire.