Starting July 1, 2024, Lithuania is enforcing more stringent rules for foreign workers. A temporary residence permit will now be required for most foreign nationals seeking employment in the country. These new regulations are part of the recently enacted Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, designed to improve the management of labor migration in Lithuania.

Key Changes for Foreign Workers in Lithuania

As of July 1, 2024, foreign nationals will no longer be eligible to work in Lithuania under visa-free arrangements, national or Schengen visas, or residence permits issued by other countries. To maintain employment in Lithuania, they must obtain a temporary residence permit specifically issued by the Lithuanian authorities.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Foreigners who legally enter Lithuania and meet certain criteria are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit. These exemptions include:

• Employees of companies based in EU member states.
• Individuals staying in Lithuania for less than three months per year.
• Entrepreneurs and shareholders of Lithuanian companies.

Impact on Existing Workers

Foreign nationals who began working in Lithuania before the implementation of these amendments may continue to work until their current legal status expires or they secure the right to work under the new conditions. For example, Belarusian nationals with Polish visas who work in Lithuania under the shortage occupation list can remain employed until their visa expires. The Migration Department advises that foreigners wishing to continue their employment should apply for a work-based temporary residence permit at least four months before their current visa expires.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

The Lithuanian government will strictly enforce these new regulations. Employment without a valid permit will be considered illegal, and employers violating these rules will face administrative penalties. Companies caught employing illegal or undeclared foreign workers may be prohibited from hiring new foreign employees for a year.

Changes in Residence Permit Appeals

The new law also introduces significant changes to the residence permit cancellation process. Previously, foreigners could retain their residence permits while appealing a cancellation decision. As of July 1, 2024, this will no longer be the case. If a foreigner’s residence permit is cancelled and they appeal, the permit will remain invalid during the appeal process. Should the foreigner fail to leave Lithuania within 14 days after the permit’s cancellation, they will receive a return decision. Non-compliance with this decision could result in deportation and a ban on re-entering Lithuania.

Preventing System Abuse

These stricter regulations aim, in part, to prevent the misuse of the system by foreign nationals who might use tactics like fraudulent marriages, seeking new employers, or enrolling in studies to extend their stay in the country. The government’s new approach ensures that foreigners who do not meet the legal criteria for residence can no longer exploit these loopholes to delay their departure.

Conclusion

With these upcoming changes, foreign workers in Lithuania will need to navigate a more rigorous legal environment. It is crucial for those affected to act swiftly to secure their legal status before the new regulations come into effect. Employers must also comply with the new rules to avoid penalties and restrictions on hiring foreign workers in the future.