Illegal Work 

Illegal work refers to employment where a person works without an official employment contract and without informing Sodra (Lithuania's social insurance institution) about the employment. This means such a worker does not pay taxes and does not receive crucial social guarantees such as health insurance, pension contributions, or workplace safety protections. Employment of a third-country national in violation of employment regulations (e.g., without a work permit, if required, or residence permit in Lithuania) also constitutes illegal work. Cases of illegal work are recorded across various sectors, but most violations are identified in construction. Employers can face various types of liability, including criminal liability, for illegal employment. 

To ensure work is legal, a foreigner must reside legally in Lithuania, have a work permit (or be exempt from needing one), and sign an employment contract. You can check if you are working legally by logging into your personal Sodra account. You can report illegal work here. 

Why is working legally important? 

Working without an employment contract harms both the worker and the employer. By working illegally, a worker risks many negative consequences. Often, wages go unpaid or are significantly lower than expected. Such workers can be dismissed without notice, and the labor protections outlined in the Labor Code are practically nonexistent. Additionally, they do not accumulate work experience, pay taxes, or contribute to their future pensions. 

Risks of Working Illegally 

Illegal work carries numerous risks: 

• No social protection: Without an official contract, the worker loses the right to social guarantees, meaning no compensation for medical expenses or lost income in case of illness or injury. 
• Violation of labor rights: Illegally employed individuals are often exploited—paid below the minimum wage, forced to work unpaid overtime, or made to work in unsafe conditions. 
• Human trafficking for forced labor: Illegal work creates dangerous conditions where individuals are unprotected from forced labor. Such situations are favorable for human traffickers who exploit workers’ vulnerability, deceiving or coercing them into work against their will. 

How to Protect Yourself from Illegal Work 

• Know your rights: Upon arriving in Lithuania, familiarize yourself with local laws. Information about labor rights and conditions can be found on the State Labor Inspectorate (VDI) website. 
• Obtain a work permit: Foreigners wishing to work legally in Lithuania must obtain residence and work permits. Although this process may take time, a legal employment contract ensures protection and full social insurance coverage. 
• Sign an employment contract: Before starting work, sign an official employment contract that clearly states working conditions, responsibilities, hours, and salary. 
• Seek help from organizations: If you have doubts about working conditions or are offered illegal work, seek assistance. 

What to Do if Your Employer Doesn’t Pay Your Salary 

For completed work, payment must be made within ten working days after the end of the month unless otherwise specified in the contract or by law. If payment is delayed, first contact your employer in writing. If the issue cannot be resolved, you can contact the Labor Dispute Commission. Submit a request along with your employment contract, payslips, and other relevant documents. Filing a claim with the Labor Dispute Commission is free for employees. Additionally, if payment is delayed, employees have the right to demand not only the overdue amount but also late payment penalties of 0.08% for each day of delay. 

Human Trafficking for Forced Labor 

Forced labor involves any work a person is compelled to perform against their will through threats, violence, or deception. If you suspect that you are being forced to provide services or work against your will due to exploitation, fraud, violence, or threats, report it immediately to law enforcement authorities or the State Labor Inspectorate (VDI) by phone at +370 5 213 9772 or email at [email protected]. You can also contact the National Association Against Human Trafficking through their 24/7 hotline at +370 616 91119. More information about human trafficking risks can be found here. 

Psychological Violence at Work 

Violence and harassment in the workplace are prohibited. Psychological violence often manifests as threats, belittling achievements, slander, humiliation, insults, and more. It can be direct or indirect, verbal or non-verbal. Employers must take all necessary measures to prevent violence and harassment. If you believe you are experiencing psychological violence at work, it is essential to act and protect your rights. Collect evidence that supports claims of inappropriate behavior, such as documents, text messages, emails, photos, video or audio recordings, and witness statements. 

Who Can Help? 

• If you feel your employee rights are being violated, you can contact the State Labor Inspectorate (VDI). 
• Workers’ interests in Lithuania are protected by trade unions, such as the Lithuanian Trade Union Alliance, the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, the Lithuanian Transport Workers' Trade Union, and others. 
• If you are a victim of human trafficking or forced labor, contact the nearest territorial VDI office by phone at +370 5 213 9768 or email at [email protected]. 
• If you suspect you are a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Association Against Human Trafficking at +370 616 91119.