Startup visa
The Startup Visa is a new talent attraction scheme that provides innovative non-EU entrepreneurs with a streamlined entry process to the Lithuanian startup ecosystem where they can build, grow and compete in our booming international community.
Designed for innovative startup founders like you who wish to establish a startup in Lithuania, you no longer need to fulfill certain capital or employment requirements to obtain a residence permit. If your business idea is deemed suitable by our panel of experts, you’ll be able to qualify directly for a temporary residence permit.
Your residence permit will then allow you to live in the country for one year, with the possibility of extending for an additional year, after which you’ll have to meet general immigration requirements.
- Your startup must operate in one of the following fields:
- Biotechnologies
- Nanotechnologies
- Information Technologies
- Mechatronics
- Electronics
- Laser Technologies
- You must legally be at least a part owner of the newly founded firm.
- You must have enough financial resources to achieve your set business goals for 1 year. There is no set regulated amount, you decide how much capital you need to achieve your 1-year goals.
If you are an EU citizen and want to open a business in Lithuania, you do not need a residence permit. For more information regarding starting a business, click here.
You can submit your application form on the Startup Visa Lithuania website.
The Startup Visa gives you special access to a streamlined migration procedure for claiming a temporary residence permit in Lithuania. A temporary residence permit will then allow you to live in the country for one year, with the possibility of a further one-year extension. You’ll also be allowed to bring your family with you.
To prolong your stay after the 2 years are up, you’ll have to fulfill regular immigration requirements. The Startup Lithuania team will be there to guide you through the application process and help you get your idea up and running in Lithuania.
Startup Lithuania is a government run initiative that is an essential cog in the country’s startup ecosystem. They are there to help and guide your business by providing hassle free support on initial legal and administrative queries, and by connecting you to other members of the ecosystem through consultations, events and seminars.
In Vilnius you’ll find a growing, dynamic community of innovators just like yourself who are ready to share their experience and provide support.
5 simple steps to get your startup visa
1. Submit your application via the Startup Visa website
Once you’ve been approved by the committee, you’ll receive an official confirmation letter from Enterprise Lithuania stating that your business idea matches the required criteria. This letter will be required by the Migration department when you apply for a temporary residence permit. Apply for a residence permit at the Lithuanian embassy in your country or submit documents directly at the Migration department.
More Information
For EU citizens
If you are an EU citizen and are planning to stay for more than 3 months, you need to register to get an EU National Certificate from the Migration Center.
