Republic of Lithuania · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Startup Visa (Lithuania)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the business-idea evaluation is processed quickly, in roughly fifteen working days, before the residence step; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - state fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Commonly issued for one year first and extendable while the startup progresses - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 11 July 2026, the Startup Visa (Lithuania) for Republic of Lithuania is an unsponsored Lithuania immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Lithuania government pages, reviewed 11 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/lithuania/startup-visa#answer
What is the Startup Visa (Lithuania) in Republic of Lithuania?
Startup Visa (Lithuania) is an unsponsored Lithuania route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - state fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - the business-idea evaluation is processed quickly, in roughly fifteen working days, before the residence step; confirm current processing on the official page; typical duration is Commonly issued for one year first and extendable while the startup progresses - 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
The Startup Visa is a Lithuanian government route for non-EU entrepreneurs launching innovative, scalable businesses, typically in technology. An expert panel assesses your idea, and on a positive evaluation you receive a temporary residence permit to set up and run the company in Lithuania. Good to know: this route is known for being fast - the evaluation of your business idea is processed in roughly fifteen working days - and it does not require you to put up a large fixed capital sum in the way an ordinary company route can. Lawful time on it counts toward EU long-term residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You are a non-EU national with an innovative, scalable business idea, typically in technology.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓Your business idea passes evaluation by the designated expert panel.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓You intend to set up and actively run the startup in Lithuania.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and can show means of support and health insurance.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
Common blockers
- !A business idea that is not genuinely innovative or scalable.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- !A negative evaluation from the expert panel.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- !Treating the route as passive - it requires you to actively build the company.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) ↗
- ·A description of the innovative business idea and plan for the panel.Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) ↗
- ·Proof of means of support during the startup phase.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 idea is innovative and scalable and prepare it for the expert-panel evaluation.
Build the evidence pack
Submit the business idea for evaluation, which is processed quickly, and gather your supporting documents.
Submit through the official channel
On a positive evaluation, apply through MIGRIS for the startup residence permit and pay the fees.
After approval
Build the company in Lithuania, extend while it progresses, 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 Startup Visa (Lithuania) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Startup Visa (Lithuania).
Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior (Lithuania) · verified
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If you have a Lithuanian job offer, this is the main route - a temporary residence permit for work, with a faster, quota-free lane for highly qualified roles.
Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania)
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.
Frequently asked questions
How fast is the Startup Visa?+
The evaluation of your business idea is processed quickly - in roughly fifteen working days - which makes this one of Lithuania's faster founder routes. Confirm the current timeline on the official page.
Do I need a lot of capital?+
The Startup Visa is built around an innovative idea assessed by an expert panel rather than a large fixed capital sum, unlike an ordinary company route. Confirm the current requirements on the official page.
Does the Lithuania Startup Visa need an employer or sponsor?+
No - the Startup Visa does not require employer sponsorship; an expert panel assesses your innovative business idea, and on a positive evaluation you receive a temporary residence permit to set up and run the company yourself. Confirm the current process on the official page.
How long is the Lithuania Startup Visa valid and do I have to renew it?+
It is commonly issued for one year first and is extendable while the startup progresses, so you renew it as your company develops, and lawful time on it counts 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