What Is Already in Force Since 22 May 2026?
Amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners entered into force, transposing EU directives and addressing practical issues. (Source: Migration Department)
- Study permits: the total period of residence permits issued for studies may not exceed 8 years (applies to permits issued from 22 May 2026);
- Right to stay: foreigners who applied to change their permit, or for a permit on different grounds, may remain in Lithuania and keep working for the same employer until the Migration Department decides;
- Student work limits: first- and second-year bachelor students — up to 20 hours per week; later years, master’s and doctoral students keep 40 hours;
- For employers: hiring a foreign national may now rely on one of three criteria — qualification, experience, or a monthly salary not lower than the published average wage.
What Changes from 1 November 2026?
Applications for work- or study-based residence permits filed inside Lithuania will require an existing valid residence permit or lawful presence under a Schengen document.
What Reform Is Being Considered?
In July 2026 the Seimas received a presidential initiative to overhaul labour immigration: a separate temporary work permit model (decoupling short-term work from residence permits) and Lithuanian language requirements for foreigners staying longer. This remains a draft — deliberations are expected in the autumn session. (Source: Alkas.lt, 15 July 2026)
Our Advice
Employers of foreign nationals — and foreigners planning to change the basis of their permit — should file applications before 1 November, after which in-country filing options narrow. We advise in Lithuanian, English and Russian.
