The Migration Department in Lithuania (often referred to as "Migracija") is the primary institution a foreigner will interact with to manage a legal status in the country.
Almost all applications begin and often end on the portal www.migracija.lt.
Online Application: You must fill out your application online before attending any appointment.
Booking Appointments: To visit in person (for biometric data collection), you must book a slot in advance through the MIGRIS system.
Status Tracking: You can track the progress of your application by logging into your account.
Depending on your citizenship and purpose, you will most likely need one of the following:
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): Usually issued for work, studies, family reunification, or business. It is typically valid for 1 to 3 years.
National Visa (D): A long-term visa allowing you to enter and stay in Lithuania for up to 1 year.
EU Citizen’s Certificate: If you are an EU citizen planning to stay longer than 3 months, you must register your residence.
Permanent Residence Permit: Available after 5 years of continuous residence (requires passing a State Language and Constitution Fundamentals exam).
Even if you completed everything online, you must bring the following to your appointment:
A valid travel document (passport).
Original documents: All physical documents you uploaded to MIGRIS (e.g., diplomas, marriage certificates, bank statements).
Translations: Documents not in Lithuanian must be translated and, if required, legalized or certified with an Apostille.
State Fees: You must pay a fee for the services. This can be done while filling out the application online or on-site (usually by card only).
Processing Time: Under standard procedure, a residence permit is issued within 3–4 months; under the expedited procedure, it takes 1.5–2 months. It is recommended to apply at least 4 months before your current permit expires.
The Migration Department has an information line at +370 707 67000 (or +370 5 271 7112 from abroad).
Consultations are available in Lithuanian, English, and Russian.