The Blue Card in Lithuania is the same as the temporary residence permit which certifies that you can live and work in this country legally. This kind of temporary residence is specifically designed for highly-qualified non-EU citizens. 

General requirements for obtaining a Blue Card

• Work contract: You need a work contract with a Lithuanian company
• Employment period: The work contract should be for at least 6 months
• Education or experience: You should have higher education in the relevant field or at least five years of relevant work experience within the last 7 years. For IT specialists, three years of relevant work experience is sufficient. If you do not have a higher education diploma, your future employer needs to contact the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation to obtain a certificate confirming the suitability of your qualifications
• Salary: Your salary should be at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary for the last calendar year in Lithuania (currently around €3,033). Alternatively, if your position is on the list of high value-adding professions with a shortage of workers in Lithuania, the salary requirement is at least 1.2 times the average monthly salary (around €2,427). If you are a Managing Director of a company registered in your salary should be 1.5x the average monthly gross salary for the last calendar year in Lithuania (~€3,033)

How to apply? 

To start the application process, fill out the online application form and upload digital copies of the required documents. Submit your application through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS).

After submitting your e-application via MIGRIS, you'll need to schedule an appointment to provide your biometric data. You have three options for this: 

1. At the VFS Global Application Centre abroad

2. At the Migration Department in Lithuania 

3. Through "Virtual window" allowing you to submit an application online without attending in person. You must also notify this request via email to [email protected]. 

Pay the public fees. Once you've submitted your biometrics, you'll need to wait for the decision. You can track the progress of your application through your personal MIGRIS account. Notifications about the decision will be sent to your MIGRIS account and email. It can take from 15 days to 2 months. Once your application is approved, you can collect your temporary residence permit. You can choose to pick it up at a Migration Department office in Lithuania or at an external service provider's office while abroad. Keep in mind that it may take longer to receive your permit if you choose to collect it while abroad. 

What documents do I need? 

• A valid passport
• Employers' mediation letter confirming that you have a suitable professional qualification that meets the requirements of the job description
• A commitment to declare place of residence in Lithuania
• Criminal background certificate (required only if you have criminal convictions) . Otherwise - affirmation that you were not convicted

 The application processing period is from 15 days to 1 month. The application process through VFS Global may take from 1 to 2 months. The fee for the acceptance and review of your application is €160eu (general procedure) or €320 (fast track). 

To renew a Blue Card, make sure to submit your application and all required documents at least 1 workday before your current permit expires. However, you can’t apply earlier than 4 months before the expiration date. 

Advantages of having a Blue Card

• Start working right away: You can begin working as soon as your application is accepted and being processed in MIGRIS (when the status says prašymas priimtas)
• No need for Employment Service approval
• Longer validity: The Blue Card is valid for up to three years
• Family benefits: You can bring your family members, and their residence permits will be issued for the same period as yours. You can submit all the documents together at the same time
• Easier process to change jobs or employers: You can change your position within the same company without government approval or starting a separate application process