I am coming to study

To come to Lithuania to study, first you need to find a university or a college, apply to the chosen educational institution and be admitted to the study program. More information about how to apply can be found here. After you are admitted and receive a confirmation letter from the educational institution you can apply for a document allowing you to legally stay in Lithuania.

If you intend to stay in Lithuania for less than a year, you can obtain a national visa. If you intend to stay to live for a longer period, you should choose a temporary residence permit (usually, it is issued or renewed for the duration of your studies but for a period not exceeding 2 years; researchers and teachers receive a permit for 2 years; the permit may be replaced later). For a foreigner in the last year of studies, a temporary residence permit is issued or renewed for a period of 6 months longer than the expected study period. While your application for a temporary residence permit is considered, you can obtain a national visa.

As a rule, foreigners, wishing to study in Lithuania, come to Lithuania with a national visa for 1 year, and after the first year, they replace it with a temporary residence permit. In any case, the foreigner must first apply to the chosen educational institution and be admitted to the study program, and then apply for a residence permit upon receipt of a letter from the educational institution.

If you are abroad, you should apply for a national visa to the Lithuanian Embassy, and if you are in Lithuania, you should apply for a temporary residence permit to the Migration department that provides services in the territory where you intend to reside.

(From 2023 documents for the issuance of a temporary residence permit could be submitted and TRP could be received through an external service provider while being abroad).

Can I bring family members?

Family members of a foreigner studying a master's or doctoral degree can apply for a temporary residence permit on the basis of family reunification. This opportunity can also be used by family members of a foreigner who has already completed studies and has a temporary residence permit for the purpose of job search.

May I work during studies?

Yes. During the period of studies, you have the right to work.

Can I stay in Lithuania after completing my studies?

Yes. After completing your studies, you have the possibility to request to issue the temporary residence permit for a period of 12 months in order to be able to search for a job and take up employment or take-up activity as self-employed person. 

A foreigner who has completed studies or training in Lithuania according to a formal vocational training program can apply for a temporary residence permit within 10 years from the completion of studies or training.

More information about national visas and temporary residence permits on study grounds can be found in the website of the Migration department.

Read more about studying in Lithuania

Source: Migration Department