Lithuania•EuropeEU Blue Card - Highly Qualified Employment (ES mėlynoji kortelė)
At a Glance
Varies
EUR €160
3 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Residence permit for up to 3 years for highly qualified workers meeting education and salary thresholds, no labour market test required.
The EU Blue Card is a specialized residence and work permit designed to attract highly qualified professionals from outside the EU to Lithuania. It offers a streamlined pathway for experts, managers, and specialists whose skills are in high demand. Unlike the standard employment TRP, the Blue Card provides enhanced rights, including easier mobility within the EU and simplified family reunification processes. It is intended for individuals who have secured high-level employment with a salary that meets specific national thresholds, reflecting the high value of their professional contribution to the Lithuanian economy.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate their high professional qualifications, either through a recognized university degree or significant professional experience equivalent to higher education. The permit is typically issued for up to three years and is renewable. It serves as a key instrument for Lithuania to compete in the global race for talent, particularly in sectors like IT, engineering, and management. By providing a clear and harmonized legal framework, the EU Blue Card ensures that highly skilled workers can integrate effectively into the Lithuanian labor market while enjoying the benefits of EU-wide professional recognition.
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
LithuaniaPermanent Residence Permit - 5-Year Continuous Residence (Leidimas nuolat gyventi)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Higher professional qualifications (university degree or equivalent professional experience)
Valid employment contract or binding job offer for at least 6 months
Salary threshold: at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary (or 1.2 times for professions on the shortage list)
Health insurance covering all risks
Clean criminal record
Not a threat to public order or national security
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
3+ years
Min. Income
37,980 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photographs
University degree
Employment contract
Salary confirmation
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation
Criminal record certificate
Company registration (sponsor)
Employment contract (sponsor)
Salary authorization (sponsor)
Application Process
Secure employment contract
Obtain job offer from Lithuanian employer meeting salary threshold (1.5x average wage or 1.2x for shortage occupations)
Prepare documentation
Gather education credentials, employment contract, salary documentation
Submit residence permit application
Apply to Migration Department with employment documents
Pay fee
Pay EUR 160 residence permit fee
Await decision
Decision made within 1 month (standard) or 15 days (expedited)
Receive Blue Card
EU Blue Card issued with residence and work authorization
Change employer (after 2 years)
After first 2 years, can change employers with notification to authorities
Related visas
More visas in Lithuania
Work visas in other countries
- Innovator Founder Visa
United Kingdom
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Australia
- Temporary Stay Visa for Independent Work
Portugal
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