Lithuania, nestled in the picturesque Baltic region of Europe, beckons with its lush greenery and captivating landscapes. Before embarking on a journey to this charming country, understanding the intricacies of obtaining a Lithuania visa is crucial.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Lithuania?
If you are from an EU/EEA or Schengen country, or your country has a visa-free agreement with Schengen, rejoice – no visa is required. However, non-EU/EEA citizens intending to work or study in Lithuania must obtain a visa.
Types of Lithuania Visas
- Lithuania Schengen (Tourist) Visa: A short-stay type C visa for 90 days, ideal for tourism.
- Lithuania Transit Visa: Required if your flight connects through Lithuania.
- Lithuania Work Visa: For those seeking employment.
- Lithuania Student Visa: Essential for foreign students with additional documentation requirements.
- Lithuania Family Visa: Facilitates the reunion of family members residing in Lithuania.
Lithuania Visa Application Process
To apply for a Lithuania visa, follow these steps:
- Book an Appointment: Schedule a visit to the Embassy of Lithuania.
- Complete the Application Form: Accessible online or at the embassy/consulate.
- Collect Required Documents: Including a recent passport photo, valid passport, travel insurance, detailed flight itinerary, invitation letter, cover letter, accommodation proof, and financial statements.
- Submit the Application: Attend a short interview, providing biometric information.
Document Checklists
Ensure you have the following for your Lithuania visa application:
- Visa application form
- Recent passport photo
- Valid passport with two blank pages
- Travel insurance covering the entire stay
- Detailed flight itinerary and proof of purchased flight tickets
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Cover letter
- Accommodation proof
- Financial statements demonstrating financial capability.
Lithuania Visa Processing Time
Under normal conditions, a Lithuania visa is issued in 15 days, but extenuating circumstances can extend this period up to 45 days.
Lithuania Visa Duration
The Lithuania Schengen visa is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. Overstaying may result in penalties such as fines and deportation.
How to Pay Lithuania Visa Fee?
Pay the €80 fee for a Lithuania Schengen tourist visa and €120 for a long-stay national visa at the embassy or consulate. Only euros with a credit card are accepted.
What Can I Do If My Application Is Refused?
If your Lithuania visa application is rejected, you can appeal within fourteen days. Submit the appeal form to the Vilnius Regional Administrative Court, translated to Lithuanian, with a stamp duty fee of around €30.
Entering Lithuania After Receiving a Visa
Upon entering Lithuania, check if a visit to a foreign office is required to inform authorities of your arrival. Confirm this requirement with the embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.
Lithuania Visa Extension
Extend a Lithuania visa for reasons such as strong personal reasons, humanitarian reasons, force majeure, or late entry into the Schengen area. The fee for a Schengen visa extension is €30, waived for humanitarian reasons and force majeure.
Difference Between Lithuania Schengen Visa and Long-Term Visa
- Lithuania Schengen Visa:
- Short-stay visa, up to three months.
- Recommended for travel purposes.
- No residence permit can be issued.
- Lithuania D-Type Long Term Visa:
- Long-stay visa, up to one year.
- Suitable for studying and working in Lithuania.
- A residence permit is necessary for longer stays.
Fun Facts About Lithuania
For those seeking extra motivation to visit Lithuania:
- Oldest Language in Europe: Lithuanian, dating back 5,000 years, remains one of the oldest languages.
- Distinctive Scent: Lithuania has a unique national scent, featuring wildflowers, berries, ginger, wood, and musky fragrances.
- Fast Internet: Known for having the fastest internet globally, available free throughout every city.
As you embark on your Lithuania visa journey, armed with this comprehensive guide, navigating the application process becomes a seamless experience. From document checklists to visa duration, this guide ensures you’re well-prepared for your Lithuanian adventure.
If you’ve been accepted to a Lithuanian university or have a potential job offer from a Lithuanian employer, navigating the intricacies of long-stay visas is crucial. This article aims to be your go-to resource for understanding Lithuania’s long-stay visa types, application processes, and requirements.
What is a Lithuania D Visa?
A Lithuania Type D Visa is a long-stay or national visa, granting you permission to stay in Lithuania for more than three months. It is essential for study, work, and family reunification purposes. Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for this visa at the Lithuanian embassy and also obtain a temporary residence permit.
D Visa vs. Schengen Visa
Distinguishing a Lithuania Type D Visa from a regular Schengen Visa is vital. While a Schengen Visa allows a 90-day stay, the Type D visa permits a longer stay of up to one year. Moreover, it provides the flexibility to work and study in Lithuania, a privilege not granted by a Schengen Visa.
Types of Lithuania Long-Stay Visas
1. Student Visa
The Lithuania student visa facilitates the commencement of studies at a Lithuanian university. However, its validity is limited to a year, necessitating the application for a temporary residence permit to continue studies.
2. Work Visa
A Lithuania work visa is mandatory for those aspiring to work in Lithuania. In addition to the long-stay visa, obtaining a temporary residence permit is a prerequisite.
3. Family Visa
For family reunification, the Lithuania family visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to bring their family members to Lithuania. A residence permit is crucial for family members to join and engage in studies.
How to Apply for a Lithuania D Visa
1. Schedule an Appointment
Initiate the application process by scheduling an appointment with the Lithuanian embassy or consulate. Ensure this step precedes any visa application efforts.
2. Complete the Application Form
Access the Migration Department website and fill out the online application form under “New Application.” If online submission is unavailable, complete the form at the embassy or consulate.
3. Document Collection
Gather the necessary documents, which may vary based on the visa type. Common requirements include a valid passport, civil status documents, proof of accommodation, and more.
4. Visa Fee Payment
Before submitting your application, pay the long-stay visa fee. Ensure you complete the payment and submit proof along with your application at the embassy or consulate.
5. Submission
Submit the application, including the completed form and required documents, and patiently await the processing of your visa application.
Lithuania D Visa Requirements
For a successful Lithuania national Type D visa application, meet the following requirements:
General Requirements
- Visa application form (online or in-person).
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months’ validity beyond the visa period.
- Recent colored photo (taken within the last six months).
- Proof of means of subsistence for the entire stay.
- Long-term health insurance in Lithuania.
Student Visa Requirements
- Mediation letter.
- University acceptance letter.
- Proof of English or Lithuanian language proficiency.
Work Visa Requirements
- Work permit.
- Work contract.
Family Visa Requirements
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate.
Transitioning to Residence Permits in Lithuania
As the long-stay visa’s validity is limited, individuals planning to work or study in Lithuania beyond this period must apply for a residence permit. Lithuania offers two types:
1. Temporary Residence Permit
Valid for one to two years, this permit is renewable and can be obtained by those with a long-stay visa.
2. Permanent Residence Permit
Issued after five consecutive years with a temporary residence permit, granting the right to permanent residency in Lithuania.
Can My Family Join Me?
To reunite with your family in Lithuania, secure a long-stay visa for work purposes. Family members may need to apply for a family reunification permit.
What if My Visa Application Is Rejected?
In the unfortunate event of visa rejection, consider the following options:
- Appeal for the decision within ten days, with a non-refundable fee of approximately €30.
- Re-apply for the visa, ensuring all documents are approved and translated into Lithuanian.
From understanding the visa types to meeting stringent requirements, this comprehensive guide aims to empower individuals seeking to make Lithuania their temporary or permanent home. For further insights, explore the possibilities of special residence permits like the Lithuania EU Blue Card for professional workers