In efforts to impose tighter control on immigration rates, Lithuanian authorities have decided to tighten rules regarding applications for residence permits – a move expected to impact thousands of foreigners who have plans to live in the Baltic country.
According to a press release by the Lithuanian Interior Ministry, as of December 1, 2024, only citizens in countries with external service providers can apply for residence permits in Lithuania. For example, only Indian nationals will be allowed to apply for such permits in the external service provider located in India, Schengen.News reports.
Such a decision was made taking into account modern migration trends and possible threats to the security of our state. Migration policy must meet national security interests, foreign policy priorities, labour market needs and the institutional capacities of our state.
Agnė Bilotaitė, Lithuania’s Interior Minister
Lithuania closed four external service provider offices in 2024 – those in Lebanon, Jordan, Nepal and Sri Lanka – which indicates that the new measure will directly affect applicants from these countries.
Candidates for These Types of Permits Will Be Allowed to Apply for Lithuanian Residency From Another Country
This measure applies to the majority of applicants from countries that do not have a branch for external service providers. However, applicants for residence permits that fall into the following categories are allowed to apply to a branch located in another country:
- Applicants for family reunification
- Applicants for highly skilled jobs.
- Applicants with study invitations from Lithuania universities, including candidates for doctorate studies.
- Applicants who are transferring jobs, such as joining as teachers or researchers with local institutions or visiting large investors.
- Applicants who are part of a collective relocation under Lithuania’s Investment Law.
Service Provider Branch in Nepal To Remain Open Until End of December
Due to the closure of the external service provider’s office in Nepal, different rules will apply to applicants to this branch.
According to the press release, foreigners who submitted their applications for residence permits before September 1, 2024, may schedule appointments in the same branch until December 31, 2024.
They will be able to collect their documents after January 2025. This service provider’s branch was closed in early September due to national security concerns.
No Changes Will Apply to Citizens From These Countries
The Lithuanian authorities pointed out that citizens of India, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea can continue to file their applications for residence permits as they always have, and no changes have been made.
However, it is noted that citizens without an external provider office can still apply for national visas in another country, except those applying for roles like posted employees or seasonal workers in Lithuania.
After closing four outsourcing offices in four countries, the number of such branches dropped from 34 to 30.