Working In Lithuania: Opportunities For International Students

International students in Lithuania have the right to work while studying, as long as they are enrolled in a university. The number of hours they can work depends on their nationality and visa status. EU students and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) without any limitations. Non-EU students with a temporary residence permit can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term time and full-time during holidays or summer vacation. They can also work full-time after obtaining a work permit or during the first three months after graduation. International students can find job opportunities through various online platforms and university resources, offering positions in diverse sectors such as customer service, IT, hospitality, retail, and more.

Work permit and visa requirements for international students in Lithuania

International students in Lithuania have the right to work while studying as long as they are enrolled in a university. EU students can work full-time, meaning up to 40 hours per week, and do not need a work permit or visa to do so. They are, however, required to register with the Migration Department within three months of entering Lithuania.

International students from non-EU countries can also work up to 40 hours per week after obtaining a temporary residence permit. Non-EU Bachelor's students with a temporary residence permit can work 20 hours per week and full-time during the summer vacation period, internships, or during the first three months after graduation. Non-EU PhD students can work full-time. From 1 March 2021, non-EU Master's students have also been able to work full-time without needing an additional work permit.

To obtain a temporary residence permit, non-EU/EFTA citizens must complete an online application form and upload the following documents:

• Proofs of sufficient funds for subsistence (at least €519 x 12 months + €1038 for the return to the state of origin)
• Health insurance (the insurance amount comprises €10,000)
• Document concerning the place of residence in the Republic of Lithuania
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, confirmation from the hotel, dormitory, etc.)
• Completed and signed declaration form

Non-EU citizens will need to apply for a tourist visa, followed by a temporary residence permit if they are accompanying an international student on their study abroad adventure. Dependents' visas for children and spouses are only granted in rare circumstances. To qualify, international students must hold a temporary residence permit and have lived in Lithuania for at least two years.

If you wish to work as a freelancer in Lithuania, you can work under the Individual Activity Certificate. This certificate allows you to sell your services to different companies or institutions, with no limit on income or working hours. Freelancers are responsible for their own taxes.

Work hour restrictions for international students in Lithuania

International students in Lithuania have different working hour restrictions depending on their nationality and visa status. It is important to note that these restrictions can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the student, and one should always check with the Lithuanian Migration Department for the most up-to-date information.

EU students and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week without any limitations. They do not need to obtain any documents to come to Lithuania for studies and can stay in the country for up to three months without applying for a residence permit. After three months, they must obtain a temporary residence certificate, which is valid for five years and costs €8.60.

Non-EU Bachelor's students with a temporary residence permit for studies can work up to 20 hours per week. They can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during the summer vacation period set by their higher education institution, when the work is carried out as part of an internship, or during the first three months after graduation. Non-EU Master's students are also allowed to work full-time without the need for an additional work permit. PhD students, regardless of their nationality, can work full-time (40 hours per week) during their studies without a work permit if they have a temporary residence permit.

International students intending to stay in Lithuania for no longer than a year can obtain a National Visa (D). Those who have completed their studies in Lithuania can get a temporary residence permit valid for 12 months for job search and employment or to work as a self-employed person. This permit allows them to start working immediately after getting employed, and no additional permits are required. After residing in Lithuania for 12 months, non-EU students can apply for a temporary residence permit valid for 12 months for work purposes.

International students can also work as freelancers under the Individual Activity Certificate, which allows them to sell their services to different companies or institutions without restrictions on income or working hours. However, freelancers are responsible for paying taxes on their income.

Job opportunities for international students in Lithuania

International students have the right to work while studying in Lithuania, as long as they are enrolled in a university. EU students can work full-time, meaning up to 40 hours per week. Non-EU Bachelor's, Master's or PhD students with a temporary residence permit for studies are also allowed to work up to 40 hours per week during their studies without needing an additional work permit. However, they must declare their place of residence in Lithuania at the Migration Department's office, in an eldership, or in a municipality within one month of receiving their residence permit.

International students from non-EU countries can also work up to 40 hours per week after obtaining a temporary residence permit. The limitation on working time does not apply to international students in doctoral studies. International students can stay in the country for 15 months after graduation to look for a job. They can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewal, which will allow them to start working immediately after finding a job without requiring any additional permits.

There are several websites that can help international students find job opportunities in Lithuania, such as Work in Lithuania, I Choose Lithuania, and students.workinlithuania.lt/migration. These platforms offer personalized job recommendations, allow users to save jobs and follow companies, and provide notifications about new job postings. International students can also work as freelancers under the Individual Activity Certificate, which enables them to sell their services to different companies or institutions without restrictions on income or working hours.

Students can also consider internships, which can be voluntary, smart, introductory, professional (educational), final, or Erasmus+. Contact your university or college to learn more about the types of internships and their respective durations. Additionally, your native language skills can be a valuable asset when seeking employment in Lithuania, as they can boost a company's ability to conduct business in other countries.

Tips for international students to land a job in Lithuania

International students in Lithuania are generally allowed to work while studying, as long as they are enrolled in a university. The number of hours they can work will depend on their nationality and visa type. EU students and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can work up to 40 hours per week without any limitations. Non-EU Bachelor's students with a temporary residence permit for studies can work 20 hours per week and full-time during the summer vacation period or the first three months after graduation. Masters students are now allowed to work full-time without needing an additional work permit. PhD students from non-EU countries can also work full-time.

• Utilise your university's career services: Many Lithuanian universities offer job placement assistance for international students. Use these resources to find part-time jobs that fit your schedule and skills.
• Be open to various industries: Lithuania's diverse economy includes sectors like IT, tourism, retail, hospitality, and tech. Keep an open mind and explore different sectors to discover new passions and gain valuable experience.
• Polish your CV: A well-presented and organised CV highlighting your skills and experiences will make a strong first impression on potential employers.
• Set up job alerts: Use online job platforms like CV.lt, CVbankas.lt, Darbo.lt, LinkedIn, and WorkInLithuania.lt to set up alerts for new part-time job postings, so you can be among the first applicants.
• Punctuality is valued: Lithuanian workplaces appreciate timeliness. Arriving a few minutes early for your shifts demonstrates respect and a positive work ethic.
• Direct communication: Lithuanians tend to be direct in their communication. Don't take straightforward feedback personally, as it is intended to be constructive and help your professional growth.
• Freelancing: If you wish to work as a freelancer, you can work under the Individual Activity Certificate. This certificate allows you to offer your services to different companies without restrictions on income or working hours. However, as a freelancer, you are responsible for managing your taxes.
• Internships: Consider internships to gain experience and build connections. Different types of internships are available, including voluntary, smart, introductory, professional (educational), final, or Erasmus+. Contact your university for more information on the specific types and their durations.
• Language skills: Your native language skills can be a valuable asset to Lithuanian companies, especially if they conduct business in your native language. Proficiency in Lithuanian may also open up additional job opportunities.

The benefits of working part-time as an international student in Lithuania

International students in Lithuania can work part-time to support themselves financially while studying. This is especially beneficial given the high cost of living in the country. Part-time work can help students meet their financial needs, and also provides them with valuable work experience and personal growth opportunities. Students can also build their resumes and gain work experience by taking on part-time jobs.

International students in Lithuania have different working hour restrictions depending on their nationality and visa status. EU students and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week without any limitations. Non-EU Bachelor's students with a temporary residence permit can work 20 hours per week and 40 hours during the summer vacation period, while non-EU Masters students can work full-time without needing an additional work permit. PhD students from non-EU countries can also work full-time.

International students in Lithuania can find part-time work through various platforms and websites, such as CV.lt, CVbankas.lt, Darbo.lt, LinkedIn, and WorkInLithuania.lt. These websites offer a range of opportunities, including customer service roles, IT internships, hospitality positions, retail jobs, administrative assistant jobs, and marketing roles. Students can also find internships, which can be voluntary, smart, introductory, professional (educational), final, or Erasmus+. Additionally, students can work as online tutors, providing instruction in languages or other subjects to students across the globe.

The Lithuanian government has been actively promoting internationalization in higher education, leading to a steady increase in opportunities for international students. This includes a relatively high visa acceptance rate, making it easier for international students to obtain the necessary visas and permits to work in the country.

Frequently asked questions