EU regulations and Lithuanian domestic laws ensure the priority right to employment primarily to Lithuanian citizens and Europeans. Only if there are no required specialists among these categories, it is possible to hire a foreigner from third countries. For this purpose, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate work permit even before moving to Lithuania.

The main task of an applicant is to find a job and convince the Lithuanian employer of his competitive advantages. Before that, the vacancy must be registered at the local employment exchange and advertised through specialized employment websites and print media publications at least 30 days in advance.

If during this period there are no volunteers for the job, the Lithuanian company has the right to hire a foreign worker from a country outside the EU. The employer must submit the following documents to the employment exchange:

1. an application for hiring an alien;
2. copy of foreign passport;
3. copy of the diploma confirming the qualification;
4. if the profession is part of so-called regulated professions, such as medicine or education, and requires compulsory higher education, it is necessary to provide proof of recognition of the alien’s qualifications in Lithuania;
5. documentary proof of at least 2 years of work experience in the profession over the last 3 years;
6. if available: copies of professional development certificates and diplomas of graduation from Lithuanian educational institutions.

In addition, the employer will be required to justify the need to employ a foreigner and provide detailed information about the future working conditions of the foreign specialist. A decision to issue a work permit in Lithuania is made within 60 days.

If the application is approved, a labor contract is submitted to the labor exchange for registration and approval within 2 months at the latest. During this time, the alien must obtain a work visa at the Lithuanian Consulate in his home country and apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment.

As a rule, a work permit is issued for a maximum period of 2 years, with the possibility of extension. In the case of seasonal work, the maximum period cannot exceed 6 months within one year. In some cases, a work permit in Lithuania is not required. For example, they may be athletes, scientists, teachers at Lithuanian universities, religious leaders, interns, volunteers, and representatives of foreign companies.