Regarding The Amendments To The Law On The Legal Status Of Foreigners

Dear all,

We invite you to familiarize with our alert on key changes to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners (the Law).

The amendments are related to implementation of the Single Permit Directive 2024/1233, also they address certain practical problems. Noteworthy, that the amendments to the Law cover a number of provisions that tighten regulations, such as proposals to limit students' working hours. 

The main changes are:

-         Restricting the possibility to apply for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania (TRP or permit) on the basis of work (not highly qualified) or study after arriving in Lithuania with a Schengen visa;

-         Working time restrictions are set for foreign students in their first or second year of bachelor's studies - no more than 20 hours per week;

-         More favorable conditions for foreigners applying for a permit on the basis of work (not highly qualified);

-         The period during which foreigners, who have completed their studies in Lithuania, are not subject to qualification and work experience requirements is reduced from 10 to 5 years;

-         The categories of foreigners, who will not be subject to the quota, is being expanded;

-         The Blue Card holders may retain their permit even if, for a certain period, they do not meet the conditions for issuing the Blue Card;

-         Certain reporting requirements to the Migration Department are waived;

-         The conditions for preserving family reunification are simplified;

-         Sanctions for employers are being softened so that they are more proportionate to the violations committed.

Majority of the amendments to the Law comeinto force on 22 May, 2026, with the remaining ones - later. 

In the attached document, we review the new regulations to the Law that are relevant to business.

We would like to also inform you that the amendments to the Labor Code, which implement Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council on pay transparency, was adopted by Parliament.

The provisions regarding the submission of salary information to State Social Insurance Fund Board (SODRA) and the requirements to approve salary payment systems will take effect on 1 January, 2027.

The Minister of Social Security and Labor must adopt the implementing regulations for the law by 31 July, 2026.

If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.