Temporary Residence Permit for Studies (Laikinas leidimas gyventi studijų pagrindu)

The Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for Studies is governed by the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania, which aligns with EU Directive 2016/801 regarding the entry and residence of third-country nationals for study purposes. This permit was established to provide a structured legal framework for non-EU/EEA nationals to pursue full-time education in Lithuania. It fills the gap for international students requiring long-term legal status beyond the 90-day Schengen visa-free limit, ensuring they can reside, study, and integrate into the Lithuanian academic environment for the duration of their degree programs or research-based studies.

This permit is designed for international students admitted to recognized Lithuanian higher education institutions, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral candidates. It is also available to those participating in formal vocational training or student exchange programs. The TRP is distinctive because it requires a mediation letter from the host institution, confirming the student's enrollment, and it offers specific benefits, such as potential state levy reductions for qualifying students. It serves as the primary gateway for international talent to access Lithuania's academic system and eventually transition to the local labor market.