Republic of Lithuania · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If you set up or run your own company in Lithuania, this route gives you residence tied to that genuine business activity.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the Migration Department decides complete MIGRIS applications within a published period; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - company-registration and state fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Commonly issued for up to two years and renewable while the business stays genuine and active - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 12 July 2026, the Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania) for Republic of Lithuania is an unsponsored Lithuania immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Lithuania government pages, reviewed 12 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/lithuania/business-self-employment-residence#answer
What is the Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania) in Republic of Lithuania?
Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania) is an unsponsored Lithuania route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - company-registration and state fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - the Migration Department decides complete MIGRIS applications within a published period; confirm current processing on the official page; typical duration is Commonly issued for up to two years and renewable while the business stays genuine and active - confirm current validity on the official page. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
This route is for non-EU nationals who own and run a company in Lithuania, or who are otherwise lawfully self-employed there. You register the business, show it is genuine and operating, and apply through MIGRIS for a temporary residence permit on the basis of your role as owner, manager or self-employed person. Good to know: because Lithuania has no dedicated digital-nomad visa, remote workers and freelancers who want to base themselves here typically use this business or self-employment route, registering a local company or activity rather than relying on a nomad permit. Lawful time on it counts toward EU long-term residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You own and run, or are lawfully self-employed through, a company registered in Lithuania.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓The business is genuine and operating, not registered solely to obtain residence.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓Your role as owner, manager or self-employed person supports a temporary residence permit.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and can show means of support, accommodation and health insurance.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
Common blockers
- !A company that exists only on paper, with no genuine activity.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- !Expecting a digital-nomad permit - Lithuania has none, so remote workers use this route instead.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- !Inability to evidence the business, means of support or accommodation.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and a recent photograph meeting the official format.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ·Company registration documents showing your owner, manager or self-employed role.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ·Evidence that the business is genuine and operating.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ·Proof of accommodation and valid health insurance.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your business plan and register your company, or set up as self-employed, in Lithuania.
Build the evidence pack
Gather the company documents, evidence the business is operating, and prepare your passport and supporting documents.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through MIGRIS to the Migration Department for residence on the basis of your role and pay the fees.
After approval
Collect your permit, keep the business active, renew on time, and track time toward EU long-term residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania).
Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a digital-nomad visa in Lithuania?+
No - Lithuania has no dedicated digital-nomad visa, so remote workers and freelancers who want to be based here typically register a local company or self-employment and use this route. Confirm the current options on the official page.
Is registering a company enough on its own?+
No - the residence is granted for a genuine, operating business, so the company must really trade, not just exist on paper. Confirm the current requirements on the official page.
Should I use the Startup Visa or register my own company to move to Lithuania?+
The Startup Visa is built around an innovative, scalable business idea (typically in technology) assessed by an expert panel, while the business or self-employment route is for owning and running a genuine, operating company and is the route most remote workers use since Lithuania has no digital-nomad visa. Confirm which fits your situation on the official page.
How long does the Lithuanian business or self-employment residence permit last?+
It is commonly issued for up to two years and is renewable while the business stays genuine and active, with lawful time counting toward EU long-term residence. Confirm the current validity on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in LithuaniaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania)
Last checked: 1 June 2026