The labor market in Lithuania has been under pressure for several years due to a shortage of skilled workers. Businesses are actively looking to third countries, and the state, seeing the growing demand, is redrawing the guidelines for migration policy. The changes that will come into effect at the beginning of 2025 mark a fundamental shift – there will be common quotas, stricter salary thresholds, a new logic for issuing permits, and more clearly defined employer obligations. In 2026, employers will have to operate in an even more restricted system, where the total number of permits will be directly linked to the number of permanent residents.
This means that personnel strategy, migration processes, and employer reputation will be closely linked. Below is detailed information about what every employer needs to know.
Key Information
Quota System
In 2025, Lithuania will introduce one common quota limit – 24,830 foreigners who can obtain a temporary residence permit for work purposes. Previously, quotas were allocated by sectors (e.g., transport or construction), but now all employers compete for one number. This means that each company must strategically plan when and for which employee to start the permit application process.
It is important to know that the quota will not be increased during the year. If it is exhausted, permits will continue to be issued only if additional criteria are met.
Salary Thresholds
The biggest changes are related to salary levels. The legislator has provided:
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After the quota is exhausted – a permit is issued only when the salary paid to the foreigner is not less than 1.2 times the last published average monthly salary (AMS).
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If the employee works in a high value-added profession, it is sufficient to pay 1.0 times the AMS.
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For highly qualified specialists (Blue Card), the salary threshold is even higher – 1.5 times the AMS, and for certain shortage professions – 1.2 times the AMS.
This system encourages employers to attract more qualified employees and also raises the overall salary level.
2026 Limit
From 2026, the quota size will be limited even more clearly – the number of permits cannot exceed 1.4% of Lithuania's permanent residents. This will amount to about 40,000 permits per year. The quota will be approved by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior. This means that the actual number of permits may be lower than the maximum, so employers will have to work in an even more competitive environment.
Who Can Work Without a Permit
From the summer of 2024, most foreigners can only work if they have a temporary residence permit. However, there are exceptions – the following can work:
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posted foreigners,
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seasonal workers,
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highly skilled athletes,
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teachers, researchers, performers,
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citizens of certain countries (e.g., USA, Japan, United Kingdom).
In these cases, a national visa D is usually applied, but not a permanent permit.
Procedures and Employer Obligations
Employers must adhere to clear processes:
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For the first temporary residence permit, a quota applies, but the renewal of the permit is not counted towards it.
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Applications are submitted through the MIGRIS system, indicating the salary, job function, and planned arrival date.
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If the employee does not arrive for work within 10 days of the specified date, the employer must notify the Migration Department.