Illegal work

Illegal work happens when you work without an official job contract, and your employer hasn’t informed SoDra about your employment. This means you don’t pay taxes and miss out on important social benefits, like health insurance, pension contributions, or workplace protection. If you are a third-country national, illegal work also includes being employed without the necessary permits, like a work or residence permit (when applied). While illegal work can occur in various sectors, most violations are found in construction.

To work legally in Lithuania you must have a valid residence permit, a work permit (if required), and a signed employment contract. You can check if you’re working legally by logging into your SoDra account. If you suspect illegal work, you can report it here.

Why is it important to work legally?

Working without a contract can harm both you as an employee and your employer. If you work illegally, you might face many negative consequences, such as not receiving your salary or being paid much less than you expected. You could also be dismissed without notice, and your rights under the Labor Code won’t apply to you. Additionally, you won’t accumulate work experience or pay taxes, which can reduce your future pension.

Risks of Working Illegally

• No social protection: When you don’t have an official contract, you won’t have access to social benefits. In case of accidents, like illness or injury, there won’t be any compensation for your medical costs or lost income
• Violation of labor rights: If you’re working illegally, you might be exploited, receiving less than the minimum wage, working overtime without extra pay, or facing unsafe working conditions
• Forced labor: Illegal work can create dangerous conditions that make you vulnerable to forced labor. Human traffickers often exploit this insecurity, manipulating workers into doing jobs against their will

How to Protect Yourself from Illegal Work

• Know your rights: When you arrive in Lithuania, take the time to learn about the country’s labor laws
• Get a work permit: If you want to work legally in Lithuania, you need to obtain a residence and work permit. While this process might take some time, having a legal contract ensures you’re protected and have access to full social insurance
• Sign a work contract: Before you start working, make sure to sign an official contract that clearly outlines your job conditions, duties, working hours, and salary. This will help protect your rights
• Seek help from organizations: If you have doubts about your work conditions or if your employer offers you illegal work, don’t hesitate to seek help from support organizations

What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Pay You

Your employer must pay you within ten working days after the end of the month unless your contract or the law specifies otherwise. If your payment is delayed, the first step is to contact your employer in writing. If the issue isn’t resolved, you can turn to the Labor dispute Commission. To do this, submit a request along with your work contract, payslips, and any other relevant documents. This process is free for employees. Additionally, if your payment is late, you have the right to request both the overdue amount and late fees—0.08% for each day of delay.

Human Trafficking for Forced Labor

Forced labor is any work that someone is made to do against their will, often through threats, violence, deception, or by taking advantage of their vulnerability. If you suspect you are being forced to work or provide services against your will, it’s crucial to act quickly. You should report this situation immediately to law enforcement or contact the State Labor Inspectorate (known as Valstybinė darbo inspekcija - VDI) at +370 5 213 9772 or via email at [email protected]. You can also reach out to the National Association Against Human Trafficking through their 24-hour helpline at +370 616 91119. For more information about human trafficking risks, click here.

Mobbing at Work

Violence and harassment in the workplace are not tolerated. Common forms of workplace violence include threats, undermining achievements, slander, humiliation, insults, and more. Recognizing psychological violence can be challenging, as it may be expressed directly or indirectly, verbally or non-verbally. Employers have a responsibility to take necessary measures to prevent violence and harassment. If you believe you are experiencing psychological violence at work, it’s important to stand up for your rights. Collect all evidence that supports inappropriate behavior, such as documents, text messages, emails, photos, and video or audio recordings, along with witness statements.

Who Can Help?

• Contact VDI: If you feel your rights as a worker are being violated, you can always reach out to the State Labor Inspectorate (VDI)
• Support from Trade Unions: Workers’ interests in Lithuania are protected by unions, including the Lithuanian Trade Union Alliance, Lithuanian Confederation of Trade Unions, the Lithuanian Carrier's Trade Union and others
• For Human Trafficking Victims: If you are a victim of human trafficking for forced labor, get in touch with the nearest VDI office, call +370 5 213 97 68 or email [email protected]
• If You Suspect Human Trafficking: If you suspect you are a victim of human trafficking, don’t hesitate to contact the National Association Against Human Trafficking at +370 616 91119