Background information

With the entry into force of amendments to the Law "On the Legal Status of Foreigners" (Official Gazette, 2004-04-30, No. 73-2539), which aim to regulate labour migration flows more effectively, the employment procedure for foreign nationals has become stricter. As of 1 July 2024, foreigners who previously entered Lithuania using the visa-free regime or holding national or Schengen visas or residence permits issued by other countries will no longer be able to work in Lithuania. From July 1, 2024, such persons are required to obtain a temporary residence permit issued in Lithuania. In addition, the practice applied before the amendments to the law, when a foreigner was given a residence permit if he appealed in court the decision of the Migration Department to cancel his permit, has been abandoned. The law also tightened transparency requirements for Lithuanian companies employing foreign nationals.

Content of measure

Persons who have arrived in Lithuania using the visa-free regime or holding national or Schengen visas or residence permits issued by other states must obtain a temporary residence permit issued in Lithuania from 1 July 2024. Working without a valid residence permit in Lithuania is illegal, and in such cases, the employer who has violated the legislation is subject to administrative liability. In addition, an employer who has been fined for allowing illegal or undeclared work or violating the procedure for employing foreigners cannot employ new foreigners for one year. From 1 July 2024, it is mandatory to conclude an employment contract with a foreigner employed for a minimum of 6 months, as well as to set a full-time working rate for him/her. The employer must indicate this when completing the 'mediation letter', committing to pay the foreigner a monthly salary not lower than the average monthly gross salary, or provide information about the foreigner's qualifications and at least one year of work experience over the past three years.

Use of measure

The impact of the measures has not yet been assessed.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Migrants or refugees in employment	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Company / Companies	No special funding required

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Consulted	Consulted
Form	Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies	Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: Unknown

Involvement

Social partners were involved during the mandatory consultation via the national tripartite social dialogue body.

Views and reactions

No information on social partners' views was identified.

Sources

• 01 January 2025: LR įstatymas dėl užsieniečių teisinės padėties (Valstybės žinios, 2004-04-30, Nr. 73-253 (e-seimas.lrs.lt)