The decision of the Ministry, which became effective on December 1, 2024, means that foreigners can now submit an application for a Lithuanian residence permit or national visa only to the external service provider located in their home country.
However, the Ministry emphasised that some exemptions would be applied in this regard. The exemptions include certain categories of foreigners, such as those applying for family reunification and studies, as well as those planning to work in highly qualified jobs or teaching or research.
The Ministry argues that the new amendments will not impact the arrival of priority categories of foreigners but will regulate the flow of those arriving to work. The changes, according to Lithuania’s Ministry of the Interior, will facilitate the services for citizens of the country where the external service provider is located.
The Minister of the Interior, Agnes Bilotaitė, considered the decision necessary to enhance national security, taking into account the increasing immigration flows and the ongoing attempt to violate immigration procedures.
40% of Applications for Temporary Residence Permits Rejected
According to data provided by the Ministry, about 40 per cent of requests for temporary residence permits in Lithuania are rejected during preliminary screenings. As a result, Minister Bilotaitė has called the companies to work together with institutions to apply stricter control measures.
However, through a statement, the Ministry emphasised that all applications received before December 1 through the Lithuanian Migration Information system and registered for an appointment at an external service provider’s office will be processed under the previous procedure.
More Than 116,200 Work-Based Temporary Residence Permits Valid
The figures provided by the Migration Department have revealed that a total of 116,246 work-based temporary residence permits in Lithuania are valid at present.
In spite of the fact that previously, the country tightened labour migration rules, a total of 58,176 temporary residence permits were issued for employment in 2023. This year, the number has already reached 42,398, based on the statistics from the same source.
