Entrepreneur visa routes in Republic of Lithuania
Thinking about Republic of Lithuania as a place to work? Below are the 2 Republic of Lithuania visa routes that most commonly fit entrepreneurs, with what each one needs and a link to the official government source. Always confirm the current rules on the primary source before acting.
Also searched as: startup founder, business owner, company director.
What this means for entrepreneurs
Of the 2 Republic of Lithuania routes that commonly fit entrepreneurs, 0 need a sponsoring employer and 2 do not, and 2 can lead to permanent residence. Entrepreneurs are not usually a licensed profession, so your main gates are securing a qualifying job offer where a route needs a sponsor, and meeting any salary or points threshold, rather than re-credentialing.
The most-used skilled route into Republic of Lithuania overall is the Temporary Residence Permit for Employment (Lithuania); it is not specific to entrepreneurs but is worth understanding as the benchmark route.
Routes that fit entrepreneurs
Startup Visa (Lithuania)
If you are a non-EU founder with an innovative business idea, Lithuania's Startup Visa is a fast route to residence to build your company.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Commonly issued for one year first and extendable while the startup progresses - confirm current validity on the official page.
Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania)
If you set up or run your own company in Lithuania, this route gives you residence tied to that genuine business activity.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Commonly issued for up to two years and renewable while the business stays genuine and active - confirm current validity on the official page.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa routes suit entrepreneurs moving to Republic of Lithuania?+
Republic of Lithuania has 2 routes that commonly fit entrepreneurs: Startup Visa (Lithuania), Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania). The best fit depends on whether you already have an employer sponsor, your salary, and your qualifications — open any route below for its full eligibility criteria and primary government source.
Do entrepreneurs need a job offer to move to Republic of Lithuania?+
Not always. 2 of the 2 matched Republic of Lithuania routes can be pursued without an employer sponsoring you (such as the Startup Visa (Lithuania)), while 0 need a sponsoring employer or a confirmed job offer. If you do not yet have an offer, start with the no-sponsor routes.
Can entrepreneurs settle permanently in Republic of Lithuania?+
Yes. 2 of the 2 matched routes lead toward settlement or permanent residence. Permanent-residence timelines vary by route, so check the settlement detail on each visa page.