Overview
The Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for Specified Nationalities is a streamlined immigration pathway designed for citizens of seven high-income and strategic partner countries. Officially categorized under Article 40, Part 1, Point 16 of the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, this route offers a "fast-track" into Lithuania for those intending to work, conduct business, or engage in other legal activities.
This pathway is distinct from the standard "Blue Card" or general work permits because it removes several major bureaucratic hurdles. It is specifically designed to facilitate the relocation of professionals and entrepreneurs from countries with which Lithuania maintains close economic and security ties, allowing for a much simpler transition into the Lithuanian labor market or business environment.
Rights as a TRP Holder (Specified Nationalities)
Holding a residence permit under this simplified scheme grants you a robust set of rights within Lithuania and the broader Schengen Area.
- Duration of Stay: Permits are typically issued for 3 years. If your employment contract or activity is shorter, the permit is issued for that duration plus an additional 3 months.
- Work Rights: You have the right to work for the employer specified in your application or manage the business entity listed.
- Family Reunification: You have an immediate right to bring family members (spouse, registered partner, minor children, and dependent parents). They can apply for their permits at the same time as you and will receive the same duration of stay.
- Schengen Travel: You may travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Path to Permanent Residency: Time spent on this permit counts toward the 5-year residency requirement for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). To transition to permanent status, you must pass a basic Lithuanian language and Constitution exam.
- Access to Services: You gain access to Lithuanian healthcare (if employed), social services, and the ability to open local bank accounts and register vehicles.
Eligibility Quiz
Are you a citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, or the United States?
Key Developments
The list of countries where applicants can submit residence permit documents through external service providers was updated, closing units in five countries (including the UAE and Albania) while opening new ones in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
migracija.lt ↗A strict annual quota system for temporary residence permits based on employment was introduced, significantly reducing the number of permits available for non-highly qualified workers to 24,830 for the year.
newlandchase.com ↗New regulations restrict the ability to apply for temporary residence permits through external service providers solely to citizens of the country where the service provider is located, with specific exemptions maintained for "specified nationalities" such as Australia, Japan, the UK, and the USA.
ey.com ↗