In 2022, Lithuania received 11 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 80% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 4% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 41% labour migrants, 50% family members (including accompanying family) and 3% humanitarian migrants. Around 2 700 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 35 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 6 400 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 46% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Belarus and Russia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the strongest increase (55 000) and Nigeria the largest decrease (‑48) in flows to Lithuania compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑44%, to reach around 500. The majority of applicants came from Belarus (300), Russia (50) and Syria (30). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Uzbekistan (10) and the largest decrease nationals of Belarus (‑100). Of the 550 decisions taken in 2023, 74% were positive.
Emigration of Lithuanian citizens to OECD countries increased by 3% in 2022, to 18 000. Approximately 18% of this group migrated to Germany, 15% to Norway and 12% to Spain.
Several changes have been implemented to enhance the efficiency of the migration management system and to facilitate labour migration. As of January 2023, amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners now allow all foreigners to apply for a temporary residence permit from outside Lithuania. This process is facilitated through an external service provider selected by the state, simplifying the procedure, and eliminating the need for obtaining Schengen or national visas first. The goal is to streamline immigration processes, ensuring accessibility without reliance on the country’s diplomatic network. Consequently, processing times for issuing or renewing temporary residence permits have been reduced. Starting in July 2023, certain categories of foreigners, such as full-time students, foreign lecturers, researchers, workers in shortage occupations, and those with work permits issued by the Employment Service, are now required to obtain temporary residence permits instead of national visas. This change aims to alleviate various administrative burdens and create more favourable conditions for affected immigrants.
Lithuania raised its immigration quota for 2023 and 2024 to 40 250 for occupations listed as experiencing a shortage of workers. This was an increase from 35 600 in 2022. These places are distributed across services, construction, industry, and agriculture. Associated procedures have also been simplified, enabling employers to expedite the hiring of foreign workers in shortage sectors, including removing the need for a labour market need assessment.
On 27 June 2023, Lithuania approved its FinTech Sector Development Plan (2023‑28), which includes measures to expand the recruitment of ICT specialists from third countries for high-value‑added sectors and to improve the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS).
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have a significant impact on migration management in Lithuania. A state of emergency was declared on 24 February 2022, which lasted until 2 May 2023. During this period, emergency measures impacting migration management included enhancing border security to deter irregular crossings, tightening the visa regime for Russian and Belarusian nationals, and imposing restrictions on the entry of Russian nationals into Lithuania. Following the end of the state of emergency, legislative measures were implemented to retain some of the emergency provisions.
Separately, a country-wide extreme situation due to a mass influx of foreigners, first declared in July 2021, remained in effect throughout 2023. In 2023, the criteria under which an extreme situation can be declared in the future was expanded.
The influx of displaced persons from Ukraine has prompted internal procedural enhancements. In January 2023, Lithuania began issuing digital temporary residence permits via MIGRIS, eliminating the need for in-person visits or physical ID cards. The new National Data Governance Program was also launched in response to these inflows to facilitate data management and exchange regarding foreigners among state institutions.
For further information: www.migracija.lt | www.stat.gov.lt | www.emn.lt
