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
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.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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