A Guide to Lithuania’s Digital Nomad Visa

While Lithuania may not have been prominently featured on the global map in the past, it is certainly carving out a notable presence today. Positioning itself at the forefront of European innovation, as a hub for startups and a welcoming environment for all innovative-minded external settlers, makes it the ideal destination for digital nomads.

There is a minor snag in this matter: Lithuania does not currently offer any specific digital nomad visa.

Though we may look forward to such a permit in the future – LRT reports that the country’s Economy Ministry has proposed the introduction of a digital nomad visa to attract more talent to the country – in the meantime, there are other visa options available that can fit the bill for digital nomads.

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

 
Several countries offer visas that can facilitate moving and working away from your country of origin. These so-called ‘digital nomad visas’ allow any eligible individual who wishes to take their professional journey overseas and work remotely online to do so, giving them the legal right to work away from their country of permanent residence.

And thus the life of a digital nomad can mean earning a living abroad can be done just as easily as from your home office. But what if the country you wish to relocate to doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa?

In cases such as Lithuania, no specific digital nomad visa is available. But fear not, because there are other visa options that a nomad may utilise to move to the Baltic’s best-kept secret.

Why Choose Lithuania as a Digital Nomad?

 
Lithuania stands out as a hidden gem of its region, offering a plethora of experiences for digital nomads to savour. From vast and picturesque forests to the bustling urban scene in Vilnius, there’s an adventure ready for everybody to enjoy.

Beyond this, Lithuania offers the perfect climate for any digital nomad. As a region with a storied past, the country is now a captivating blend of Soviet remnants mixed with distinctive signs of Lithuania’s new identity. Among the landscape, any nomad can easily spot the spacious offices, numerous bars and restaurants, and social hubs, all serving as testaments to its commitment to modernity.

Today, any digital nomad can expect to find ample workspaces, excellent internet connectivity, efficient public transport and plenty to explore, ensuring a seamless, and enjoyable, relocation to this remarkable country.

Visa Options For Digital Nomads in Lithuania

 
We may look forward to the introduction of a digital nomad in the future so remote workers may enjoy Lithuania more freely. This seems a likely prospect, as Lithuania has for some time been attempting (with notable success) to position itself as a European hub for innovation and startups.

As a country still making a name for itself on the scene and housing a small population of less than 3 million, the introduction of a digital nomad visa seems the next logical step to bolster the growth of Lithuania’s talent pool.

Nonetheless, as we eagerly await the potential introduction of a digital nomad visa, remote workers looking to move to this fascinating country may utilise other permit options.

National Visa D Type

 
The National Visa (D) may be used by foreigners to enter and stay in the Republic of Lithuania for up to 12 months. Applications for this national visa must be made through the Migration Department (MIGRIS) under the Ministry of Interior.

The National visa (D) may be issued to seconded workers, to those wishing to conduct scientific research in the country, to exchange programme students or to those wishing to conduct legal business in the country.

Applicants need to pay a reasonably affordable fee for this visa and provide documents including an eligible passport, a history of their criminal record and a written statement detailing the purpose of their stay in Lithuania. They may also need to prove that they will be able to financially support themselves during their stay.

Startup Visa

 
This visa offers something a little different from a regular digital nomad visa, but it may still be of interest to those looking to relocate to Lithuania.

If you are a digital nomad but also interested in launching a startup remotely, Lithuania’s start-up visa may suit your purpose perfectly. The country is actively making attempts to bolster itself as a nation of innovation and a leader in industries.

This visa is made to attract entrepreneurial-minded individuals, typically freelancers or the self-employed, to launch startups in certain industries, including laser technology, ICT, biotechnology, nanotechnology, financial technology and mechatronics.

Applicants must provide a start-up business plan which demonstrates their initiative contributes to introducing new technologies or other innovations for the economic development of Lithuania.