Work in Lithuania for Belarusian citizens (2026)
🟢 Updated: 2026-11-03
Belarusians can still be employed in Lithuania, but the way to apply changed on 2026-11-01: a work-based residence permit (TRP, “LLG”) is applied for through VFS Global offices in Armenia and Georgia – a Schengen visa no longer lets you apply from inside Lithuania. Below: what is confirmed by official sources, what is only reported by media, and where to look for jobs.
In short
- Belarusian citizens need a temporary residence permit on the basis of work (Lithuanian: LLG) to work in Lithuania – the same permit as other non-EU citizens, see Work permit for foreigners.
- From 2026-11-01 inside Lithuania the Migration Department accepts a work-based application only if you already hold a valid TRP, a Lithuanian national visa, a residence permit of another Schengen/EU country, or are in Lithuania visa-free. A Schengen visa or another country’s national visa is not enough (Migration Department news; Deloitte).
- Special route for Belarusians: from 2026-11-01 Belarusian citizens can submit the work-based TRP application at VFS Global in Armenia (Yerevan) and Georgia. The Interior Ministry stated that Belarus itself has no authorised application point (LRT, 2026-09-24).
- The 2026 quota was exhausted on 2026-09-07: a work TRP now needs a salary of at least €2,893.68 gross per month (1.2 AGS), or €2,411.40 (1 AGS) for professions on the shortage list. Details: permit page.
Step by step
- Find a Lithuanian employer ready to hire a foreigner and pay at least the threshold salary. Use jobs without Lithuanian and jobs with accommodation; Russian-language adverts are on the Russian-speaking jobs page.
- The employer files the mediation letter (“tarpininkavimo raštas”) in the MIGRIS system. You never pay the employer for it.
- Prepare the documents listed by the Migration Department and book a visit at VFS Global Yerevan or Tbilisi. The Yerevan page lists a VFS service fee of €110 (Migration Department page); check the Georgia page yourself – we could not confirm its fee.
- Pay the state fee (€220 standard, €440 urgent – Migration Department fee list) only through the official payment details.
- Wait for the decision; after approval the permit card is issued and you can start work. Do not start work before you have the right to.
Entry to Armenia/Georgia, the length of stay there and booking slots depend on those countries and VFS – check them separately.
What is confirmed and what is only reported
| Statement | Status |
|---|---|
| Work-based TRP applications at VFS Armenia/Georgia for Belarusians from 2026-11-01 | Official (Migration Department page for the Armenia office; Interior Ministry via LRT) |
| Schengen / foreign national visa no longer allows applying inside Lithuania from 2026-11-01 | Official (Migration Department news) |
| VFS Yerevan service fee €110 | Official page of the Migration Department (Armenia) |
| Number of Belarusians with Lithuanian residence permits (about 48,000 in 2026) | Media (LRT) |
| How easily Belarusians get Lithuanian visas | Not confirmed here – visa availability depends on the consulate |
Highly qualified workers and EU Blue Card
Rules for highly qualified specialists and EU Blue Card holders were reported as unchanged by the Migration Department; the quota and salary thresholds above do not apply in the same way. Check the current conditions on migracija.lt and with your employer.
If you already live in Lithuania
- With a valid TRP you can apply to change employer: the quota does not apply, and the Migration Department accepts it if no more than 6 months remain on the permit; state fee €100 (urgent €165).
- Check the salary calculator to see what a threshold salary means after tax.
Avoiding scams
- The employer files the mediation letter – never pay anyone for a “guaranteed permit” or a “quota place”.
- VFS Global only accepts documents; it is not an employer and does not find jobs.
- Check the contract: salary, schedule, accommodation, employer’s registration. See courier jobs or CV templates to apply faster.
FAQ
Can Belarusians work in Lithuania in 2026?
Yes, with a work-based temporary residence permit issued by the Migration Department, on the same conditions as other non-EU citizens (employer, salary threshold after the quota ran out). The way to apply changed on 2026-11-01.
Where can a Belarusian citizen apply for a work permit from 2026-11-01?
At VFS Global in Armenia (Yerevan) and Georgia, according to the Migration Department and the Interior Ministry. Belarus has no authorised application point.
Can I apply in Lithuania with a Schengen visa?
No. Since 2026-11-01 the Migration Department accepts work-based applications inside Lithuania only from people with a valid Lithuanian TRP or national visa, another EU/Schengen residence permit, or visa-free status.
How much does it cost?
State fee €220 (€440 urgent); VFS Yerevan service fee €110 per the Migration Department page. The mediation-letter state fee is €50; the employer files it – see the permit page.
Is there a quota for Belarusians?
The common 2026 quota (24,706) was exhausted on 2026-09-07; after that a higher salary is required (see the permit page). Check whether 2027 rules differ.
Sources
- Migracijos departamentas – Nuo 2026-11-01 keičiasi prašymų priėmimo tvarka
- Migracijos departamentas – Armėnijos VFS skyrius (LLG ir nacionalinė viza)
- LRT English – Lithuania to let Belarusians apply for residence permits in Armenia, Georgia
- Deloitte Lithuania – Important changes to Lithuanian TRP application rules (commentary)
- Migracijos departamentas – Valstybės rinkliavų sąrašas: leidimai gyventi (220 / 440 €)
- Migracijos departamentas – Šiems metams nustatyta kvota išnaudota (2026-09-07)
- Migracijos departamentas – migracija.lt
Verified: 2026-11-03.
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