---
title: "Lithuania Blue Card requirements 2026: from €2,894/mo needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/eu-blue-card/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Lithuania · Work

# Lithuania Blue Card

**Income needed:** from €2,894 a month ≈ $3,230

Temporary residence permit – highly qualified worker (EU Blue Card)

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Record corrected 13 Oct 2026](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/corrections/#change-lt-eu-blue-card) [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Income needed:** from €2,894 a month ≈ $3,230 (Income of at least EUR 3,617.1 a month (≈ $4,040) · At least 1.5 times the last published calendar-year average gross monthly wage in the national economy (1.5 x EUR 2,411.40). Income of at least EUR 2,893.68 a month (≈ $3,230) · At least 1.2 times that average wage (1.2 x EUR 2,411.40) for professions on the list of high-value-added professions in shortage. A fee of EUR 220 (≈ $250) · State fee, general procedure (decision within 1 month); EUR440 for urgent processing (15 days).)
- **First stay:** 3 yrs (Issued or changed for 3 years, or for the contract period plus 3 months if the contract is shorter.)
- **Who can apply:** Any passport (Third-country nationals.)
- **Work:** Yes (Work at the qualified position; additional employers allowed if the main employer remains.)

## Key facts

Blue Card is a work route for Lithuania. Applicants need income from €2,894 a month ≈ $3,230. You can stay 3 yrs, renewable. You can work locally. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** from €2,894 a month ≈ $3,230
- **Government fees:** €220 ≈ $250
- **Processing:** Up to 30 days
- **First stay:** 3 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fee €220 ≈ $250; income to show from €2,894/mo ≈ $3,230; decision: up to 30 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: €220 ≈ $250**

- EUR 220 (≈ $250) State fee, general procedure (decision within 1 month); EUR440 (≈ $490) for urgent processing (15 days).

**Shown, not spent: €3,617+/mo ≈ $4,040 · €2,894+/mo ≈ $3,230**

- EUR 3,617.1 a month (≈ $4,040) At least 1.5 times the last published calendar-year average gross monthly wage in the national economy (1.5 x EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690)).
- EUR 2,893.68 a month (≈ $3,230) At least 1.2 times that average wage (1.2 x EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690)) for professions on the list of high-value-added professions in shortage.

**Renewal: Renewable**

Issued or changed for 3 years, or the contract period plus 3 months if shorter.

[Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior](https://www.migracija.lt/service/uzsienieciams?lang=lt#lgtsp-ld-aukstos-profesines-kvalifikacijos-darbuotojas)

**Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence**

A permanent residence permit is available after 5 years of lawful residence; Blue Card holders with 5 EU years including 2 in Lithuania can also qualify.

[Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/rs/actualedition/TAIS.232378/RZsVWVTDPS/)

**Citizenship: After 10 years of residence**

Naturalisation needs the last 10 years of lawful, uninterrupted residence in Lithuania on any residence document (a year counts when at least six months of it were spent in Lithuania), the right of permanent residence when applying, the state language and Constitution exams, a lawful source of income, and giving up other citizenship unless it is lost automatically (Law on Citizenship XI-1196, Arts. 2(18) and 18).

[Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.387811/asr)

**Processing: Up to 30 days**

Decisions for highly qualified work are due within 1 month of the application.

[Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/rs/actualedition/TAIS.232378/RZsVWVTDPS/)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Needs a job offer from an employer in Lithuania

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The job requires high professional qualification: a higher-education diploma.
- Alternatively, ICT managers and specialists show 3 years of experience gained in the last 7 years.
- Alternatively, other applicants show 5 years of professional experience equivalent to higher education.
- The employer commits to a contract of at least 6 months.
- Company managers need a document that the host company or its foreign participant had annual revenue of at least EUR 1,000,000 (≈ $1,120,000) in one of the last 3 financial years.

#### What you must show

- Pay is at least 1.5 x BDU (EUR 3,617.10 (≈ $4,040)); BDU is EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690), the last published calendar-year average gross monthly wage.
- For shortage-list professions, pay is at least 1.2 x BDU (EUR 2,893.68 (≈ $3,230)).

#### Documents

- Regulated professions need proof of the right to practise.

#### Steps

1. The employer submits the intermediation letter via MIGRIS.

#### After you arrive

- The permit is issued for 3 years, or for the contract period plus 3 months if the contract is shorter.
- The permit holder may take a second employer while keeping the main employer.
- Changing the main employer in the first year of legal work needs Migration Department permission, decided within 14 days.
- After the first year, a notice within 7 working days is enough to change the main employer.

## When you become tax resident

How Lithuania decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **Up to 3 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** - **At least 183 days in a tax period** Present in Lithuania, continuously or with breaks, 183 days or more in the tax period makes the person a permanent resident.
- **At least 280 days in a two successive tax periods** Present 280 days or more over successive tax periods, with at least 90 days in one of them.
- **Foreign-source income:** **Worldwide, treaty exception** Permanent residents of Lithuania are taxed on income from Lithuanian and foreign sources: 20% up to 36 average wages, 25% from 36 to 60 average wages and 32% above 60 average wages (average wage as set for state social insurance contributions).

[All tax rules for Lithuania](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/tax/) Tax records checked 11 Oct 2026

**Full official text**

Blue Card for work requiring high qualification: a higher-education diploma, or for ICT managers and specialists 3 years of experience gained in the last 7 years, or 5 years of professional experience equivalent to higher education. Pay must be at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly wage, or 1.2 times for professions on the shortage list of high-value-added professions. Company managers need a document that the host company or its foreign participant had annual revenue of at least EUR1,000,000 (≈ $1,120,000) in one of the last 3 financial years. (sources 1, 2, 3)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least EUR 3,617.1 a month (≈ $4,040) · At least 1.5 times the last published calendar-year average gross monthly wage in the national economy (1.5 x EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690)). (sources 1, 4, 3)
- Income of at least EUR 2,893.68 a month (≈ $3,230) · At least 1.2 times that average wage (1.2 x EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690)) for professions on the list of high-value-added professions in shortage. (sources 1, 4, 3)
- A fee of EUR 220 (≈ $250) · State fee, general procedure (decision within 1 month); EUR440 (≈ $490) for urgent processing (15 days). (sources 1, 5)

#### Requirements

- The job requires high professional qualification: a higher-education diploma. (sources 1, 3)
- Alternatively, ICT managers and specialists show 3 years of experience gained in the last 7 years. (source 3)
- Alternatively, other applicants show 5 years of professional experience equivalent to higher education. (source 3)
- The employer commits to a contract of at least 6 months. (source 3)
- Company managers need a document that the host company or its foreign participant had annual revenue of at least EUR 1,000,000 (≈ $1,120,000) in one of the last 3 financial years. (source 3)
- Pay is at least 1.5 x BDU (EUR 3,617.10 (≈ $4,040)); BDU is EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690), the last published calendar-year average gross monthly wage. (sources 1, 4, 3)
- For shortage-list professions, pay is at least 1.2 x BDU (EUR 2,893.68 (≈ $3,230)). (sources 1, 4, 3)
- Regulated professions need proof of the right to practise. (sources 1, 3)
- The employer submits the intermediation letter via MIGRIS. (source 1)
- The permit is issued for 3 years, or for the contract period plus 3 months if the contract is shorter. (source 3)
- The permit holder may take a second employer while keeping the main employer. (source 1)
- Changing the main employer in the first year of legal work needs Migration Department permission, decided within 14 days. (source 1)
- After the first year, a notice within 7 working days is enough to change the main employer. (source 1)

#### Stay

- Issued or changed for 3 years, or for the contract period plus 3 months if the contract is shorter.
- First stay: up to 36 months, decided case by case.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

Third-country nationals.

#### Work

Work at the qualified position; additional employers allowed if the main employer remains.

#### Family

Spouse or registered partner, dependent unmarried minor children and parents supported for at least a year may apply at the same time and receive permits for the same period.

Checked 2026-10-12

## Official sources

1. [MIGRIS: Aukštos profesinės kvalifikacijos darbuotojas (EU Blue Card)](https://www.migracija.lt/service/uzsienieciams?lang=lt#lgtsp-ld-aukstos-profesines-kvalifikacijos-darbuotojas) · Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior (MIGRIS) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [MIGRIS: Darbas pagal darbo sutartį (work under employment contract)](https://www.migracija.lt/service/uzsienieciams?lang=lt#lgtsp-llg-darbas-pagal-darbo-sutarti) · Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior (MIGRIS) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Law on the Legal Status of Aliens No IX-2206, consolidated text valid 2026-07-01 to 2026-10-31 (Lithuanian)](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/rs/actualedition/TAIS.232378/RZsVWVTDPS/) · Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (e-seimas) · checked 2026-10-11
4. [Changes to the procedure for intermediation letters and applications subject to the foreign worker quota](https://migracija.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/keiciasi-tarpininkavimo-rastu-ir-prasymu-kuriems-taikoma-uzsienieciu-idarbinimo-kvota-teikimo-proceduros-r7j/) · Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-09-14
5. [Residence permits](https://migracija.lrv.lt/en/services/state-fees-for-services/residence-permits/) · Official migration authority · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-10-12
6. [Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania No XI-1196, consolidated text from 2024-01-01, Arts. 2, 18 and 19](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.387811/asr) · Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (e-seimas) · checked 2026-10-12

## Blue Card and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Blue Card | Needs income from €2,894 a month ≈ $3,230 | 3 yr, renewable | Yes |
| [Work or business · 7 countries](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/nationals-work-business/) | – | 3 yr, renewable | – |
| [Collective relocation permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/collective-relocation/) | Needs an investment of €1.4M+ ≈ $1.6M | 3 yr | Yes |
| [Large-project investor permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/large-investor/) | Needs an investment of €20M+ ≈ $22.3M | 3 yr | – |
| [Intra-company transfer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/intra-company-transfer/) | – | 3 yr, renewable | – |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Blue Card?

Income of at least EUR 3,617.1 a month (≈ $4,040). At least 1.5 times the last published calendar-year average gross monthly wage in the national economy (1.5 x EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690)). Income of at least EUR 2,893.68 a month (≈ $3,230). At least 1.2 times that average wage (1.2 x EUR 2,411.40 (≈ $2,690)) for professions on the list of high-value-added professions in shortage. A fee of EUR 220 (≈ $250). State fee, general procedure (decision within 1 month); EUR440 (≈ $490) for urgent processing (15 days).

### How long can I stay on the Blue Card?

Issued or changed for 3 years, or for the contract period plus 3 months if the contract is shorter.

### How long does the Blue Card take to process?

Decisions for highly qualified work are due within 1 month of the application.

### Can I work on the Blue Card?

Yes. Work at the qualified position; additional employers allowed if the main employer remains.

### Can I bring my family on the Blue Card?

Spouse or registered partner, dependent unmarried minor children and parents supported for at least a year may apply at the same time and receive permits for the same period.

### Does the Blue Card lead to permanent residence in Lithuania?

Time on the Blue Card counts toward permanent residence in Lithuania, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Blue Card counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence.

### How are Blue Card holders taxed in Lithuania?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Blue Card. The standard rules apply: Permanent residents of Lithuania are taxed on income from Lithuanian and foreign sources: 20% up to 36 average wages, 25% from 36 to 60 average wages and 32% above 60 average wages (average wage as set for state social insurance contributions).

## More in Lithuania

[Entrepreneur D visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/national-visa-entrepreneur/) [Company manager · €500k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/company-manager-500k/) [Company shareholder · €28k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/company-participant/) [Startup visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/startup/) [Researcher permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/researcher/) [Work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/employment/) [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/study/) [Lithuanian citizenship restoration](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/lithuania/citizenship-restoration/)

## Work visas elsewhere

[🇵🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/eu-blue-card/) [🇪🇸 EU Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇪 IT sector permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/it-residence-permit/) [🇮🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇷 Large-company director permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-executive-b3/) [🇩🇪 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/eu-blue-card/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-12 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [MIGRIS: Aukštos profesinės kvalifikacijos darbuotojas (EU Blue Card)](https://www.migracija.lt/service/uzsienieciams?lang=lt#lgtsp-ld-aukstos-profesines-kvalifikacijos-darbuotojas) · Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior (MIGRIS) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [MIGRIS: Darbas pagal darbo sutartį (work under employment contract)](https://www.migracija.lt/service/uzsienieciams?lang=lt#lgtsp-llg-darbas-pagal-darbo-sutarti) · Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior (MIGRIS) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Law on the Legal Status of Aliens No IX-2206, consolidated text valid 2026-07-01 to 2026-10-31 (Lithuanian)](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/rs/actualedition/TAIS.232378/RZsVWVTDPS/) · Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (e-seimas) · checked 2026-10-11
4. [Changes to the procedure for intermediation letters and applications subject to the foreign worker quota](https://migracija.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/keiciasi-tarpininkavimo-rastu-ir-prasymu-kuriems-taikoma-uzsienieciu-idarbinimo-kvota-teikimo-proceduros-r7j/) · Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior · checked 2026-10-12
5. [Residence permits](https://migracija.lrv.lt/en/services/state-fees-for-services/residence-permits/) · Official migration authority · checked 2026-10-12
6. [Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania No XI-1196, consolidated text from 2024-01-01, Arts. 2, 18 and 19](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.387811/asr) · Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (e-seimas) · checked 2026-10-12

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.