Work Possibilities for International Students in Lithuania

For EU citizens, the process of employment in Lithuania is quite simple. Those arriving from non-EU countries must go through certain procedures.

Non-EU students willing to work during their studies in Lithuania must obtain a Temporary Residence Permit. This will allow them to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. No additional work permits are required. Ph.D. students can work full-time. But there also can be some exceptions:

• During the summer vacation period set by the higher education institution;
• Work carried out as part of an internship;
• During the 3 months after graduation (a Temporary Residence Permit for studies is still valid for 3 months after the actual end of studies).

After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for 12 additional months for job search and self-employment purposes. During these 12 additional months, no additional work permit is required from the recent graduates.

Later, if employment in Lithuania continues, the graduate should timely apply to renew his/her Temporary Residence Permit on the grounds of the Employment contract and obtain a work permit from the territorial Employment Services office. In order to obtain a Work Permit, either an Employer or a graduate himself can apply. For more information contact the territorial Employment Services office.

More information related to the legal stay in Lithuania, social guarantees, health care, work, and employment is provided in the Migration information center (MIC) “I Choose Lithuania”. Here you also can get a consultation in Lithuanian, English, or German languages, and they are free of charge. You can find more information on “I Choose Lithuania” here.

IMPORTANT: Following the announcement of COVID-19 emergency, the Employment Services has temporarily changed customer service procedures to protect customers and employees from potential risks. Please note that there is currently a temporary absence of service for employers regarding the issuance of work permits for foreigners and on the adoption of new decisions regarding the compliance of foreign workers with the labor market needs of the Republic of Lithuania. More information about the changes. We also invite you to visit the new landing page created by Work in Lithuania team. On this page, you can find all relevant information for international students in Lithuania.