Ukrainians Without Temporary Protection Will Need Residence Permits to Work in Lithuania Starting September 2024
Key Takeaways
1. Starting from September 1, 2024, Ukrainian refugees without temporary protection in Lithuania will need to obtain a residence permit to continue working in the country.
2. This new regulation does not apply to those with temporary protection status under the European Union in Lithuania.
3. Foreigners who cannot return to their home country and do not have temporary protection status may still work in Lithuania, but only under specific conditions.
Lithuania has introduced a new requirement for Ukrainian nationals without temporary protection to obtain a residence permit if they wish to work in the country. Previously, Ukrainians who were unable to return to their home country could work in Lithuania under certain conditions without a permit. However, as of September 1, 2024, those not covered by temporary protection will need to secure a residence permit based on employment. This change impacts individuals who were previously working under visa-free entry, valid Schengen visas, or national visas issued under special circumstances. The Lithuanian Department of Migration advises that Ukrainians apply for their residence permits well in advance, as they will only be allowed to work once the permit is granted, not from the application submission date.
The new regulation will not affect Ukrainian refugees who benefit from the Temporary Protection Mechanism, as they will continue to work under their digital residence permits issued by the Migration Department. Lithuanian authorities have also extended the period during which Ukrainian employees are not required to meet language requirements until 2025. Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, nearly 30,000 Ukrainians have found employment in Lithuania, with a significant portion of them actively participating in the labor market.