Hiring a worker for a project in Lithuania? Unless they’re based there, your organisation will need to submit an application for a work permit on their behalf.
Here, we share all the information needed to take you through the process – as well as why Lithuania is an attractive location for projects, and candidates.
Why choose Lithuania?
Lithuania has proven to be a desirable work location, for reasons such as:
Minimum wage is €924.00 per month
There’s no 13/14th month as a statutory requirement, though it’s common for employers to instead a pay a performance-based bonus
40-hour working week
20 days’ holiday
Sick pay is paid at the following rates:
First two days: between 62.06% to 100% by the employer (the rate will be at their discretion as stipulated in a contract of employment)
Third day onwards: the worker will receive pay from the National Social Insurance Fund at 62.06% of their usual salary
The taxation system is equally as appealing:
Lithuania income tax system: Progressive – higher earners will usually be subject to higher tax rates.
Inheritance tax: If the value of the taxable inherited property isn’t above €150,000, this is 5%. And if it is, then this becomes 10%.
Real estate tax: Generally, this is between 0.3% to 3%. With private real estate that surpasses €220,000, this is usually taxed at 1% of the property value.
Which visa should you choose?
The three most common types are as follows:
Work visa for highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card)
This visa equips the employee with a temporary residence permit and is usually valid for two years. It stipulates that the worker should have a higher education, and at least five years’ professional experience. They should also have an offer of employment with a salary that is at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Lithuania. And the job should be a profession that demands a high-skilled qualification that is currently lacking in Lithuania.
Work permit in Lithuania
This work permit requires the completion (and approval) of an application for a national D visa. Through this, workers will be allowed to stay in Lithuania up to one year. It is unlikely they will be granted a resident permit, however.
Seasonal work visa
This work permit is specifically designed for seasonal work that has been approved by the Minister of Social Security and Labour – and where there’s no suitable Lithuanian employee who can fill the role.
What documents are required?
There is various paperwork you’ll need to gather to submit the work visa application on the contractor’s behalf. This includes:
A mediation (invitation) letter containing information about the Lithuanian employer and the employee.
A valid passport with at least two blank pages available.
A work permit issued by the Lithuanian Labour Exchange.
Sufficient means of subsistence (e.g. bank statements that demonstrate regular income).
Health insurance.
Proof of no criminal record (this must not be older than three months) and professional accreditations for the role in question.
Let WRS sort your Lithuanian work visa
We’re fully aware of the time, effort, and challenges associated with securing a work permit. Our team has supported clients with this time and time again – so we can make sure applications are processed to speed.
As we’re fully registered to provide tax services and managed payroll in Lithuania, we’ll provide a seamless solution – this includes paying workers on time and in the right currency, supported by our online teamsheet portal that makes submissions and approvals straightforward.
If you need guidance when it comes to global mobilisation, we’ll be able to help. Speak to us.
