Overview
The Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for Family Reunification is a pathway designed to allow non-EU citizens to live in Lithuania with their family members. This permit is intended for those joining a "sponsor"—a family member who is either a Lithuanian citizen or a foreign national already holding a valid Lithuanian residence permit.
Unlike a standard visitor visa, this permit grants long-term residency and, in most cases, the right to integrate into the Lithuanian labor market. The application process is managed through the MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System) electronic portal, which is the mandatory starting point for all applicants.
Important Limitations and Pitfalls
- Address Registration: Once you receive your TRP card, you must formally declare your place of residence within 1 month. Failure to do so can result in fines or the revocation of your permit.
- Changes in Status: If the sponsor dies or the marriage ends in divorce, the family member may be allowed to keep their permit for 1 year under specific conditions, such as having minor children or facing "serious circumstances" like a medical emergency.
- Strict Housing Rules: The 7-square-meter rule is a hard requirement. If the living space is too small for the number of residents, the application will be denied.
Rights as a TRP Holder for Family Reunification
- Work Rights: Most family members joining a Lithuanian citizen or a resident for reunification have the right to work in Lithuania without needing a separate work permit or a labor market test.
- Schengen Travel: You may travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Duration and Renewal: The permit is typically issued for 2 years and can be renewed for up to 4 years at a time, provided the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
- Path to Permanent Residency: Years spent in Lithuania on a TRP count toward the residency requirement for a Permanent Residence Permit (usually 5 years of continuous residence).
- Access to Services: You generally have access to public services, including healthcare (if insured) and education for minor children, on the same basis as other residents.
Eligibility Quiz
Do you have a family member who is a Lithuanian citizen or a legal resident of Lithuania?
Key Developments
Lithuania tightened the conditions for submitting temporary residence permit applications through external service providers to ensure more effective control of immigration flows.
migracija.lt ↗State fees for migration services increased significantly, with the fee for a temporary residence permit rising to €160 for the general procedure and €320 for the urgent procedure.
migracija.lt ↗