What is temporary protection for Ukrainians in Lithuania? 

Temporary protection is a legal measure that offers protection to Ukrainian war refugees who have arrived due to military actions in their country. It grants the right to reside, work, and receive social benefits in Lithuania.  

In Lithuania, a digital temporary residence permit is issued, which allows temporary residence in the country and confirms that the individual has been granted temporary protection under the EU Council Directive 2001/55/EC. While this document confirms the status of temporary protection, it is not a travel document. When traveling abroad, the holder of this permit must have a valid passport or other travel document. 

How to obtain temporary protection in Lithuania? 

Steps to obtain temporary protection in Lithuania: 

• Hold a valid biometric passport: You must have a valid biometric passport to apply 
• Submit an application through the MIGRIS system: After logging into the MIGRIS system, select your citizenship and choose the application "I am a person who has left Ukraine due to hostilities." More information about the process can be found in the instructional video here 
• Book an appointment: After submitting your application and uploading the digital copies of your documents, schedule an appointment at the Migration Department
• Visit the Migration Department: Within 4 months of submitting the application, you must personally visit the Migration Department to provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) and present the original documents 
• Permit issuance: Once the decision to issue a permit is made, it will be sent to your MIGRIS account in PDF format. You can either print the document or keep it on your smart device. The digital permit is valid until the specified date  

How to renew temporary protection in Lithuania? 

If you already have temporary protection, it's essential to monitor the expiration date of your permit and submit a renewal application via MIGRIS well in advance. The Migration Department advises submitting your renewal application 4 months before the current permit expires. Due to increased demand, the processing time may be longer, and if you submit your application too late, there may be a gap where your permit is no longer valid before a new one is issued, potentially affecting your stay in Lithuania. Difficulties may arise when requesting social assistance, child benefits, or applying for compensation for housing heating, hot, and cold water expenses, etc. 

How long does the decision take? 

Generally, the decision to issue the first permit is made within 3 months, and the decision to renew the permit is made within 2 months. The accuracy of the information you provided can affect the processing time. If any information needs to be clarified, the decision may be delayed.