The BLUE CARD in Lithuania is an EU-wide work and residence permit designed to attract highly qualified specialists from third countries to the European Union labour market. Established under Council Directive 2009/50/EC, the Blue Card allows citizens of third countries to live and work in Lithuania and across the EU under streamlined conditions. It provides a faster and easier alternative to a standard work permit, ensuring legal access to the Lithuanian labour market for qualified professionals.
The Blue Card is an EU work and residence permit for highly qualified specialists. It allows legal employment and residence in Lithuania and other EU countries, providing mobility and professional recognition across the European Union.
Eligibility Criteria for the Blue Card
To qualify for a Blue Card in Lithuania, the applicant must have a valid employment contract with a Lithuanian employer and meet one of the following profiles:
• Higher education diploma
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience
• Salary of at least 1.5 times the average monthly wage (AMW), or at least 1.2 AMW for IT sector positions
• At least 5 years of similar work experience within the last 7 years (or 3 years for IT sector positions)
• Salary of at least 1.5 AMW, or 1.2 AMW for IT positions
• A document from the Ministry (EIMIN) certifying higher professional qualifications must be obtained prior to submitting the application
Important: Unskilled workers without education or work experience are not eligible for a Blue Card and cannot be recruited through this pathway.
To apply for a Blue Card in Lithuania, the following documents are typically required:
Valid Passport – minimum 6 months validity.
Employment Contract – confirming position and salary (the employee will be covered by the employer’s health insurance upon employment).
Proof of Qualifications:
Note: Some documents may require translation into Lithuanian and certification (notarized or apostilled).
Gather all required documents and ensure translations and certifications are complete.
Submit the Blue Card application either at the Migration Department of Lithuania or via an authorized service provider abroad (e.g., VFS Global).
The authorities review the application and all supporting documents before issuing the Blue Card.
Standard processing time for a Blue Card in Lithuania is 1–2 months.
If additional documents or clarifications are needed, processing may take longer.
Please note: VFS Global services are not available for Russian nationals. Special conditions apply in those cases — please contact us for further guidance.
The Blue Card in Lithuania is generally issued for up to 3 years, depending on the employment contract duration.
Family members of the Blue Card holder may accompany the principal applicant.
They are granted Temporary Residence Permits in Lithuania, valid for the same duration as the principal holder’s Blue Card.
This ensures family unity and legal residence rights while the main applicant works in Lithuania.
Family members who hold a Temporary Residence Permit based on family reunification have free access to the Lithuanian labour market and can be employed immediately.
Fast-track access to the Lithuanian labour market;
Legal work and residence across EU member states;
Higher wages compared to standard work permits;
Eligibility for family reunification;
Recognition as a highly qualified professional, improving future immigration prospects.
For guidance on obtaining a Blue Card in Lithuania, including eligibility assessment, required documents, and application procedures, contact MIGRATION LAW CENTER:
Email: info@migration.lt
Phone: +370 6 1861886
We assist highly qualified specialists and their families in navigating the Lithuanian immigration process efficiently and legally.
A1: Highly qualified specialists from third countries with a valid employment contract in Lithuania and proof of professional qualifications can apply for the Blue Card.
A2: Yes, spouses, minor children, and dependents may apply for Temporary Residence Permits to accompany the Blue Card holder for the same duration.
A3: Standard processing usually takes 1-2 months, depending on document completeness. Complex cases or requests for additional documents may extend the timeline.
A4: Yes, applicants can submit their Blue Card application through authorized service provider abroad (e.g., VFS Global) without traveling to Lithuania.
A5: Applicants must receive a salary of at least 1.5 times the average monthly wage (AMW) in Lithuania. For IT sector positions, the minimum salary requirement is lower and amounts to at least 1.2 times the AMW.
A6: The Blue Card is generally valid for up to 3 years. If the employment contract is shorter, the Blue Card remains valid for 3 months after the contract ends.