Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Dependent Visa Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

In Lithuania, what many people call a dependent visa is usually handled through two connected pathways. First, a third-country national family member may need a national visa D to enter Lithuania. Second, the long-term right to live in Lithuania is granted by a temporary residence permit for family reunification. If you are the family member of a Lithuanian citizen, a European Union citizen living in Lithuania, or a non-EU citizen who legally resides and works or studies in Lithuania, you may qualify to join them under family reunification rules. Applications are processed nationally by the Migration Department, with local client service units including one serving residents of Marijampolė.

Family reunion rights depend on who the sponsor is. EU citizen family members follow EU free movement rules and receive a residence card of an EU citizen family member. Family members of Lithuanian citizens or non-EU sponsors usually seek a temporary residence permit based on family reunification. In many cases, a national visa D is used to enter Lithuania to submit biometrics and collect the residence permit card. The process involves careful documentation, legalizations or apostilles, certified Lithuanian translations, and proof of sufficient means and accommodation in Lithuania.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Dependent cases seem straightforward but often involve technical legal requirements. You may benefit from a lawyer in several scenarios. If you need to confirm sponsor eligibility or the exact category that fits your family, a lawyer can assess your situation under Lithuanian and EU rules. If you have a complex family structure such as prior marriages, shared custody, adoption, or adult dependants with special needs, a lawyer can help prepare the right evidence. If your marriage or partnership documents were issued abroad, you will likely need apostille or consular legalization and certified Lithuanian translations. A lawyer can manage legalization, translation, and format compliance.

Timing choices between applying for a residence permit from abroad, entering on a national visa D, or switching status inside Lithuania can affect your compliance. A lawyer can advise on the sequence that minimizes risk. Prior immigration issues, overstays, visa refusals, criminal record considerations, or gaps in insurance and finances can lead to refusals. A lawyer can prepare explanatory submissions and, if needed, handle appeals. If a refusal occurs, you have limited time to challenge it, and professional representation can be decisive. Finally, a lawyer with local experience in Marijampolė can coordinate appointments, proof of accommodation, and municipal address declarations to keep your case on track.

Local Laws Overview

Key rules are set by the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania and, for EU citizen families, EU free movement rules transposed into Lithuanian law. Family reunification typically covers spouses, minor children, and certain other dependants, subject to proof of genuine family ties. Unmarried partnerships may be recognized in limited circumstances if you can prove a durable relationship and cohabitation, but recognition is stricter for third-country nationals than for EU free movement cases. Documents issued abroad must be legalized with an apostille or consular legalization unless an exemption applies, and must be translated into Lithuanian by a certified translator.

Applicants generally must show sufficient means of subsistence, suitable accommodation, valid health insurance, and a sponsor who is lawfully residing in Lithuania. The sponsor’s status shapes the family’s rights and the length of the permit. The period of a temporary residence permit for family reunification commonly matches the sponsor’s permit and can be renewed. Many family reunification residence permits allow the holder to work without separate work authorization, but always check the wording of your decision and the note on your residence card. Biometrics are required, and processing times vary depending on whether you choose standard or expedited service and whether security or additional checks are needed.

For EU citizen family members, a residence card of a family member of an EU citizen is typically issued for up to five years, provided you continue to meet the conditions. Non-EU family members who need a visa to enter the Schengen Area may require a national visa D for entry before they are able to collect their residence permit in Lithuania. After arrival and once you hold a residence permit, you must declare your place of residence and inform authorities about changes in personal data, address, or family status as required. In Marijampolė, services are coordinated locally at the Migration Department client service unit and the municipality, which handles civil registration and address declarations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for family reunification in Lithuania

Typically spouses, minor children, and certain other dependants may qualify, provided the family relationship is genuine and documented. For EU citizen sponsors, dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and adult children who are dependants can qualify in more situations. For non-EU sponsors, the scope is narrower and focuses on spouses and minor children, with limited provisions for other dependant relatives in specific cases.

Do I need a national visa D or can I apply directly for a residence permit

Many applicants apply for a temporary residence permit first and then obtain a national visa D to enter Lithuania to submit biometrics and collect the card. In some cases you can apply while in Lithuania if you already have lawful stay. The right approach depends on your nationality, current location, and sponsor’s status. A lawyer can help plan the correct sequence.

How long does the process take

Standard processing for a temporary residence permit commonly takes several weeks to a few months. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee. National visa D processing is usually faster, often within a few weeks, but times can extend during peak seasons or when additional checks are needed.

Can dependents work in Lithuania

Many family reunification residence permits allow work without a separate work permit. Your decision and residence card will indicate any restrictions. EU citizen family members with a residence card typically have broad labor market access. Always verify the conditions on your specific permit.

What documents must be legalized and translated

Foreign civil status documents such as marriage and birth certificates usually require an apostille or consular legalization unless an international treaty provides an exemption. All non-Lithuanian documents must be translated into Lithuanian by a certified translator. Keep originals and copies ready for submission and for municipal registrations.

What financial and accommodation proof is required

You must show sufficient means of subsistence and suitable accommodation in Lithuania. This can include an employment contract, bank statements, or sponsor’s income proof, and a rental agreement or proof of property ownership or owner consent for accommodation. The exact amounts and formats are set by Lithuanian regulations and may be updated periodically.

How long will my permit be valid

For non-EU family reunification, the permit usually matches the sponsor’s permit duration and can be renewed as long as the conditions continue to be met. For EU citizen family members, the residence card is typically valid for up to five years. Always check the decision for exact validity dates.

Can unmarried partners qualify

Recognition of durable partnerships is limited and evidence heavy for non-EU sponsors. You may need to prove long-term cohabitation and shared life. For EU citizen sponsors, registered partnerships and durable relationships may be recognized under EU rules, subject to evidence. A legal assessment is important in these cases.

What happens if my application is refused

You will receive a written decision with reasons and information about appeal rights and deadlines. You can usually submit additional evidence, reapply, or file an appeal to the competent authority or court within strict time limits. Legal assistance is strongly recommended to plan the best remedy strategy.

Do I need health insurance

Yes. You must have valid health insurance at the time of application. After you receive a residence permit and start working or otherwise become eligible, you may be covered by the Lithuanian compulsory health insurance system. Until then, private health insurance is required.

Additional Resources

Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, including the Marijampolė client service unit.

MIGRIS online system for residence permit applications and appointment bookings.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular services for national visa D and legalization or apostille guidance.

Marijampolė Municipality Civil Registry Office for registration of civil status events and address declarations.

State Enterprise Centre of Registers for personal data and address registration services as applicable.

National Health Insurance Fund and State Social Insurance Fund Board Sodra for enrollment and coverage information.

Certified translators and sworn translators in Lithuania for Lithuanian translations of foreign documents.

Next Steps

Clarify who the sponsor is and confirm their current legal status in Lithuania. Determine whether your family relationship falls under EU free movement rules or Lithuanian national family reunification rules. Identify whether you need a national visa D to enter Lithuania or whether you can apply while already lawfully present.

Collect civil status documents and arrange apostille or consular legalization as required. Obtain certified Lithuanian translations. Prepare evidence of sufficient means, suitable accommodation, and valid health insurance. Ensure passports are valid for the required period and have blank pages for visas and residence cards.

Create or access your MIGRIS profile to submit the residence permit application and book a biometrics appointment at a Migration Department client service unit serving Marijampolė or another unit if more convenient. If you are applying from abroad, coordinate your national visa D application with the nearest Lithuanian consulate or external service provider, aligned with your residence permit process.

After arrival and permit issuance, declare your place of residence with the municipality within the required time, keep your contact details up to date, and retain copies of all decisions and receipts. If you plan to work, confirm the work authorization shown on your residence card and comply with tax and social insurance registrations.

If your case is complex or time sensitive, consult a lawyer experienced in Lithuanian immigration law and local procedures in Marijampolė. Professional guidance can reduce delays, prevent refusals, and ensure your family’s transition to life in Lithuania is compliant and smooth.