Best Work Permit Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Work Permit Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Work authorization in Marijampolė follows national Lithuanian law. The rules are the same across the country, and applications are processed by state bodies such as the Migration Department and the Employment Service. Depending on your nationality, job type, and length of stay, you may need a single permit to reside and work, an EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment, an intra-corporate transferee permit, a national visa D for employment, or a seasonal work authorization. Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can work in Lithuania without a work permit, but must meet residence registration rules if staying longer than three months.

Most third-country nationals work in Lithuania through the single permit route. This is a combined residence and work authorization. It is issued by the Migration Department after the Employment Service assesses the labor market or confirms an exemption. For shorter or time-bound assignments, a national visa D may be used if the legal basis allows, including seasonal work. Special regimes exist for posted workers, researchers, highly skilled professionals, and intra-group transferees.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may benefit from legal help in the following situations: when choosing the correct pathway among single permits, national visa D for work, EU Blue Card, ICT transfer, seasonal work, or posting. A lawyer can assess eligibility, timelines, and risks for each route. If the employer must complete a labor market test, counsel can guide on vacancy posting, shortages list, and exemptions.

When assembling documents, legal counsel can ensure correct translations, notarization, and apostille or legalization where required. Errors in contracts, degree proofs, or experience letters commonly cause delays. If you plan to change employers or positions, a lawyer can advise on when new authorization is required and what notifications must be made.

For refusals or revocations, legal representation is valuable for appeals and deadline management. Employers often seek advice on compliance with the Lithuanian Labour Code, minimum salary for certain permits, working time limits, health and safety, and posted worker notifications. Transport, construction, manufacturing, and seasonal sectors frequently require sector-specific guidance, especially regarding quotas, shortage occupation rules, and social insurance registration. If family reunification is planned, counsel can align timelines and eligibility for dependants.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal sources include the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, the Law on Employment, and the Labour Code. The Migration Department manages residence and work-based permits through the national online system. The Employment Service evaluates labor market needs and issues decisions that underpin most employment-based permits. The State Labour Inspectorate oversees employment compliance and posted worker notifications. Sodra handles state social insurance registration. The State Tax Inspectorate oversees tax matters.

Single permit to reside and work applies to most third-country nationals. The employer normally registers the vacancy with the Employment Service and, unless an exemption applies, passes a labor market test. Exemptions are common for shortage occupations, certain salaries and qualifications, and intra-company transfers. After a positive Employment Service decision, the foreign national applies through the Migration Department, provides biometrics, and receives a residence card if approved.

EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified employees with higher education or comparable professional experience and a qualifying employment contract. It provides favorable conditions and mobility within the EU under set rules. Intra-corporate transferee permits cover managers, specialists, and trainee employees transferred within a group of undertakings. Researchers, teachers, and students have specific regimes, including the possibility to work under certain limits.

National visa D may allow employment in scenarios defined by law, such as seasonal work or time-limited assignments. Seasonal work is available only in sectors listed by the government and usually requires prior authorization from the Employment Service. Posted workers sent to Lithuania by a foreign employer must be notified to the State Labour Inspectorate before work starts, and Lithuanian minimum employment standards must be respected.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit but must register their residence if staying in Lithuania longer than three months. Certain third-country nationals are exempt from permits in defined situations, such as permanent residents or family members of EU citizens, subject to conditions. Most permits are employer-specific at the start. Changing employer or job functions can require a new Employment Service decision or notification, depending on how long you have held the permit and the permit type.

Employment contracts must comply with the Labour Code, including wages, working time, paid leave, and termination rules. Documents for migration procedures typically must be in Lithuanian or be accompanied by an official translation. Health insurance coverage is required. Overstaying a visa or residence permit can lead to fines, removal, and future entry bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit to work in Marijampolė if I am an EU citizen

No. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can work without a work permit. If staying longer than three months, you must register your residence and meet local registration requirements. Family members who are third-country nationals have separate rules and may need residence cards.

What is the difference between a single permit and a national visa D for work

The single permit is a combined residence and work authorization suitable for long-term employment in Lithuania and is generally employer-specific at the start. A national visa D is a long-stay visa that can allow work in specific situations set by law, often for time-limited or seasonal employment. The correct route depends on your job, duration, and eligibility.

How does the labor market test work

Before hiring a third-country national, an employer usually must register the vacancy with the Employment Service. If the position is not exempt, the Employment Service checks whether suitable local or EU candidates are available. Exemptions apply for shortage occupations and other cases defined by law. If conditions are met, the Employment Service issues a positive decision that supports the single permit application.

Can I change employers while holding a single permit

Often the single permit ties you to the employer and position at the beginning. Changing employer or essential job conditions typically requires a new Employment Service decision and updated authorization. After a period of lawful employment, some changes may be allowed with notification rather than a new assessment. Always confirm the exact rules that apply to your permit and timing.

What are typical processing steps

Common steps include vacancy registration by the employer, Employment Service decision, online application through the Migration Department system, submission of biometrics, and final residence card issuance. Processing times vary by permit type, workload, and whether priority processing is available. You should not begin work until you hold the correct authorization, unless an explicit legal exemption applies.

Can my family join me in Lithuania

Family reunification is possible in many cases for holders of residence permits, including some highly qualified workers. Eligibility, timelines, and the required income and accommodation proofs depend on your permit type and length of stay. Family members usually apply for their own residence permits or visas.

What salary and contract rules must be followed

The Lithuanian Labour Code applies to work performed in Lithuania. Employers must meet or exceed minimum wage and sectoral standards, pay overtime as required, and ensure working time, paid leave, health and safety, and termination protections. Some permits, such as EU Blue Card, have specific salary thresholds. Employment contracts should be in a language understood by the parties, and official translations may be needed for migration filings.

Do posted workers need special steps

Yes. A foreign employer posting workers to Lithuania must notify the State Labour Inspectorate before work starts, designate a contact person in Lithuania, and comply with Lithuanian minimum employment standards. Depending on nationality and length of stay, posted workers may still need visas or permits.

What documents are usually required

Typical documents include a valid passport, employment contract or binding offer, proof of qualifications or experience, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and a clean criminal record certificate when required. Documents not in Lithuanian usually need certified translations, and some foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled.

What if my application is refused

You generally have the right to receive reasons for refusal and to appeal within set deadlines. An attorney can assess whether to appeal, reapply with stronger evidence, or consider an alternative route such as a different permit type. Do not overstay your current status while pursuing remedies.

Additional Resources

Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania for residence and work permit applications and biometrics.

Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour for labor market tests, vacancy registration, and decisions supporting employment permits.

State Labour Inspectorate for posted worker notifications, workplace safety, and labor compliance guidance.

State Social Insurance Fund Board Sodra for mandatory social insurance registration and contributions.

State Tax Inspectorate for personal and employer tax registration and guidance.

Marijampolė municipality customer service centers for local residence declarations and municipal services as required.

Official online application system for residence and work procedures used by the Migration Department.

Next Steps

Clarify your situation by identifying your nationality, job offer details, duration, and whether your occupation is on the shortage list. Choose the correct pathway among single permit, EU Blue Card, ICT transfer, national visa D for work, seasonal work, or posting. Confirm employer readiness to complete Employment Service steps where required.

Collect documents early. Arrange certified translations into Lithuanian. Check if any diplomas, experience letters, or civil status documents require legalization or apostille. Ensure you have valid health insurance and housing arrangements. Keep scans and paper originals organized.

Coordinate with the employer to register the vacancy and obtain the Employment Service decision if needed. File your application through the national system used by the Migration Department and schedule a biometrics appointment at a service center, including those serving Marijampolė and its region.

If you are unsure which route applies, or if timing is critical, consult a lawyer experienced in Lithuanian migration and employment law. Legal counsel can reduce processing delays, prevent status gaps, and advise on contract clauses that affect your permit. Seek advice early if you plan to change employers, bring family, or work across multiple locations.

Monitor your deadlines. Do not begin work before authorization is issued unless a clear exemption applies. Do not overstay your visa or permit. If circumstances change, notify the authorities as required.

This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Because rules and procedures can change, always verify current requirements with the relevant authorities or a qualified attorney in Marijampolė.