Republic of Lithuania · residence general · Leads to settlement
Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If you have lived in Lithuania lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - EU long-term resident rights and a stepping stone toward citizenship.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the Migration Department decides complete applications within a published period; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a state fee applies; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Longer-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Permanent residence in Lithuania takes the form of EU long-term resident status, generally available after five years of continuous lawful residence. It gives you secure, longer-term residence with rights recognised across the EU and is a stepping stone toward naturalisation, which is a separate process under citizenship law. The Migration Department assesses your residence history, means of support, health insurance and, in most cases, a Lithuanian-language and constitution-basics examination. Good to know: permanent residence is not citizenship, and not all temporary permits (for example some study time) count in full toward the five years.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You have resided lawfully and continuously in Lithuania for five years on qualifying temporary permits.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓You can evidence the continuity of your lawful residence over the qualifying period.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓You can show stable means of support, health insurance and, in most cases, pass the language and constitution-basics examination.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and are not a threat to public policy, security or health.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
Common blockers
- !Broken or insufficient continuous lawful residence below the five-year requirement.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- !Reliance on time that does not count in full, such as some study periods.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- !Not passing the required Lithuanian-language and constitution-basics examination where it applies.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) ↗
- ·Evidence of five years of continuous lawful residence.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ·Proof of stable means of support and valid health insurance.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ·Proof of passing the language and constitution-basics examination where required.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you meet the five-year continuous-residence rule on qualifying permits.
Build the evidence pack
Prepare for and pass any required language and constitution-basics examination, and compile your residence history.
Submit through the official channel
Apply to the Migration Department and pay the fees.
After approval
Maintain the conditions on continued residence and, if you wish, pursue citizenship later as a separate process.
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 Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania).
Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) · verified
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EU Blue Card (Lithuania)
If you are a highly qualified professional with a Lithuanian job offer at the required salary, the EU Blue Card is a recognised route with EU-wide mobility.
Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Lithuania)
If a close family member lives lawfully in Lithuania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I live in Lithuania first?+
Generally five years of continuous lawful residence, with some permit types not counting in full toward that period. Confirm the current rule on the official page.
Do I have to take a language test?+
In most cases you must pass a Lithuanian-language and constitution-basics examination for EU long-term resident status. Confirm the current requirement 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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