Having permanent residency (PRP) in Lithuania offers the advantage of living and working in the country without the additional procedures required for temporary residence holders. Moreover, if you hold a permanent resident card, you can travel visa-free throughout the EU and the Schengen Area, have access to free medical care, bring your family to live in Lithuania, and qualify for state benefits under similar conditions as Lithuanian citizens. Moreover, after living in Lithuania for 10 years, foreign citizens can apply for citizenship. For those interested in permanent residency, additional requirements may apply. For example, passing a language and constitution test in Lithuania may be necessary. 

There are several grounds to obtain a permanent residence permit in Lithuania, which is valid for 5 years and can be renewed. Those include: 

Family

If you are moving to Lithuania to join a Lithuanian citizen who is your family member, and you have been living abroad before this, you can apply for a permanent residence permit immediately. Just make sure to apply within 3 months of your arrival This also applies if you are coming with a family member who can reclaim Lithuanian citizenship or has Lithuanian ancestry. If you are a minor with a Lithuanian parent or if your parent has a permanent residence permit, you can also apply under this category. Apply here. 

Long-term residence

You have lived in Lithuania for five years with a temporary residence permit or you have lived in an EU country for five years and in Lithuania for two uninterrupted years, you lost Lithuanian citizenship, but you live in Lithuania. During your stay in Lithuania, you can travel abroad for a brief period, but trips from the territory of Lithuania may not last longer than 6 months in succession and may not exceed 10 months in a consecutive and total period of 5 years.  Apply here. 

Lithuanian descent

If you have the right to reclaim Lithuanian citizenship or if you are of Lithuanian descent, you may qualify for a permanent residence permit. This includes individuals whose parents or grandparents were Lithuanian and who identify themselves as Lithuanian, declaring this in a written statement. It also applies for individuals who were Lithuanian citizens before June 15, 1940, and their descendants, if did not obtain Lithuanian citizenship before April 1, 2011. Apply here. 

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, you'll need to schedule an appointment at the Migration Department to provide your biometric data. Remember to do it within 4 months once the online application is submitted
• 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
• Once your application is approved, you can collect your permanent residence permit

What document will I need?  

• Valid passport 
• Documents confirming the right of permanent residence (they depend on the type of permit you are applying for, it could be marriage certificate, proof of long-term residence in Lithuania, proof of Lithuanian descend etc.) 
• Certificate showing you don’t have a criminal record
• Health insurance (if applicable)
• Financial stability. You'll need to show you can support yourself financially. This might be a bank statement, a work contract, or proof that you have enough funds for the duration of your TRP (or at least for one year). In 2024, the required amount per month is equal to the minimum wage in Lithuania (€924) and half the minimum wage for minors   
• Other documents, if applicable (f.e. documents confirming that you have passed the Lithuanian language and the Basics of the Constitution exams)
• Proof of paid state fee for your residence permit

Processing times and fees 

A request is typically reviewed and decided upon 45 days to 4 months. The fee for the acceptance and review of your application is €160 (general procedure) or €320 (fast track). 

During the validity of your permit, you are allowed to travel to and from Lithuania. However, your right to permanent residence and your permit may be revoked if you live in a non-EU country for more than 12 months, reside in another EU member state for more than 6 years, or acquire long-term resident status in another EU member state.