War In Ukraine: Migration And Employment In Lithuania

• Published date: 02 May 2022
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Contract of Employment, Employee Benefits & Compensation
• Law Firm: lus Laboris
• Author: Ms Jovita Valatkaitė (Cobalt) and Nadiia Franko (Cobalt)

Ukrainian nationals and residents fleeing the war can enter Lithuania, receive humanitarian aid and work there.

1. Migration

On 4 March 2022, the Council of the European Union activated temporary protection (under Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001) for Ukrainian citizens arriving in the EU as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Temporary protection status allows Ukrainian nationals, fleeing from war, to get residence permits in the EU Member States without applying for refugee status and to have the right to work, study and receive medical and social help in the EU.

The following options are available for Ukrainians arriving in Lithuania for a legal stay:

• A Ukrainian biometric passport allows the holder to stay in Lithuania for 90 days.
• National visa D allows the holder to stay in Lithuania and is issued for up to one year. It cannot be prolonged. National visa D allows its holder to work, conduct business, or study in Lithuania.
• A temporary residence permit for humanitarian reasons can be issued for one year and can be prolonged. It gives the right to work, conduct business or study in Lithuania.

To apply for national visa D or for a temporary residence permit, Ukrainian nationals must visit a registration centre with any personal document confirming their identity. Where necessary, the Lithuanian Migration Department can issue them with a new personal identity document (temporary foreign passport).

Ukrainians arriving in Lithuania are invited to register at the nearest Migration Department. Those who arrive in Lithuania and do not have place to stay are invited to the Registration Centres in Alytus (1B Pramones St.) and Marijampole (9 Parko St,) that are open around the clock.

2. Employment

Ukrainians arriving in Lithuania due to the war who has registered within Migration Department and have a biometric passport or national visa D or temporary residence permit do not need any additional documents or permits to start working in Lithuania.

Ukrainian citizens should pay attention to the important issues set out below during the onboarding procedure.

Contract

The employment contract forms the legal basis of cooperation between the employer and employee. According to the Lithuanian Labour Code, each employment contract must contain three indispensable terms: job function; conditions of remuneration; and workplace.

Employee information

Before the employee starts work, the employer must inform the employee, among other things, of the...