Online Residence Permit Application Filing To Be Introduced

At a Glance

Effective immediately, all temporary residence permit applications for Lithuania must be filed online. In the initial phase however, applicants will still be required to visit the migration authorities to submit fingerprints and passport photographs.

Applicants face in-country waiting times and must now submit proof of residence sooner than under the previous process, which may be challenging to arrange from abroad.

The situation

As of October 14, 2019, all temporary residence permit applications for Lithuania must be filed online. Through online filing, authorities seek to reduce queueing at the migration authorities and expedite application processing. In the initial phase however, applicants will still be required to visit the migration authorities to submit fingerprints and passport photographs.

A closer look

Process for visa nationals. Under the new system, visa nationals will have to file a preliminary application online and schedule an appointment to submit fingerprints, passport photographs and original supporting documents at the Lithuanian migration authorities. Upon submitting their application, applicants will receive an appointment confirmation and can apply for a Schengen visa at a Lithuanian consular post using that confirmation.

Process for visa-exempt nationals and Schengen visa holders. Visa-exempt nationals and Schengen visa holders will be able to readily travel to Lithuania to submit their fingerprints, passport photographs and original supporting documents and file their online application at the Lithuanian migration authorities.

Residence card issued automatically. Since fingerprints and passport photographs will be submitted early in the application process, migration authorities will be able to create residence cards automatically once the temporary residence permit application is approved, where previously an additional application was...