
Startup Employee Visa is a migration procedure designed to facilitate attracting highly skilled workers from third countries to Lithuanian companies that create high added value and have great technological potential (start-ups). The purpose of the measure is to promote attracting, retaining, and integrating foreign talents in Lithuania. This program also aims to create a business environment that is favorable to innovative activities and developing a start-up ecosystem in Lithuania.
This procedure is open to all Lithuanian startups that:
meet the official start-up definition. As defined under the law, a “start-up” is a micro or small enterprise with a large and innovation-based business development potential and registered in the Register of Legal Entities for up to 5 years”*.
a start-up that seeks to hire a highly qualified professional must also be registered in the official start-up database of Startup Lithuania. If an innovative company meets the definition of a start-up but is not registered in the database, it should visit the official website and sign in by pressing a button “sign-in”. If you have any inquiries, please contact paulius@startuplithuania.com.
The process of this program is as follows:
Post a job ad on Lithuania Labor Exchange’s website. Wait for 5 days and get verified to hire a foreigner.
Submit documents to Lithuania’s Labor Exchange to get issued a work permit for the employee. Documents need to be submitted physically. You can apply for a work permit on a few different grounds: regular qualification, high qualification – Blue Card, scarce profession (Together with High qualification) in Lithuania – Blue card. Don’t need to apply for the work permit in Lithuania’s Labor Exchange for this option. Go to step 3. (List of professions below)
Employees can register to get a TRP simultaneously while waiting for the work permit.
Here’s how to book a meeting: Migracija.lt -> For foreigners (choose your citizenship) -> I want to get a residence permit in Lithuania -> I want to receive a temporary residence permit -> Work -> (Regular qualification) I intend to work under an employment contract, my profession is not..; -> (High qualification) I am a high qualified employee (professional activity is not regulated and the decision of Employment service is needed.); -> (Scarce profession) I am a high qualified employee (professional activity is not regulated and the decision of Employment service is not needed.; And apply for a permit.
If you’re hiring a worker who is either Temporary or Works Remotely or is not a worker but an Intern, then you don’t need to post a job ad on Lithuania’s Labor Exchange website. You can skip step 1.
For a broader description, list of necessary documents and related questions reach out to paulius@startuplithuania.com
*Start-up definition, Article 2(16)