The minimum wage in Lithuania from 2026 is 1,153 euros per month. The average? 2,427 euros. Lithuania is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Baltics, and for Ukrainians it offers one of the simplest paths to legal employment in the EU. But between “I want to work in Lithuania” and your first paycheck, there’s a stack of documents that need translating into Lithuanian, qualification recognition, and a fair bit of bureaucracy. Let’s break it down: which path to work fits your situation, what you’ll need to translate, and how much it all costs.
Three Paths to Legal Employment in Lithuania¶
First thing you need to know: since September 1, 2024, the rules in Lithuania changed. Previously, virtually any Ukrainian could work without additional permits. Now there are three clear options, each with its own set of documents and requirements.
Temporary protection (laikina apsauga) - the easiest path¶
If you arrived in Lithuania after February 24, 2022 because of the war - this is your route. Temporary protection has been extended until March 4, 2027, and it gives you the right to work without any additional permits.
What this means in practice:
- No work permit (darbo leidimas) needed
- No separate residence permit needed
- No Lithuanian language requirement for employment
- Your employer simply notifies the Migration Department about your employment
You can start working right after receiving your status. Currently, around 47,600 Ukrainians hold temporary protection status in Lithuania.
The catch: if you didn’t arrive as a refugee or haven’t registered for temporary protection - since September 1, 2024, you can’t work without a residence permit. A Ukrainian passport alone no longer cuts it.
Temporary residence permit (leidimas laikinai gyventi)¶
This is the standard route for those coming to work under a contract with a specific employer. In Lithuanian - leidimas laikinai gyventi (temporary residence permit with work rights).
How it works:
- First, your employer submits a mediation letter (tarpininkavimo raštas) through the MIGRIS system - costs 50 euros and must be filed at least 5 months before your application
- Then you apply for the residence permit
Requirements for the worker (one of two):
- Relevant qualifications plus at least 1 year of work experience in the last 3 years
- Or a salary in the contract at least equal to the national average (2,427 euros/month in 2026)
Cost: 160 euros (standard processing, up to 90 days) or 320 euros (fast-track - 45 days). Issued for up to 2 years with the option to renew.
EU Blue Card - for highly qualified professionals¶
The Blue Card is a separate permit type for professionals with higher education or 5+ years of professional experience. If you’re an IT specialist, engineer, doctor, or other qualified professional - this might be your best option.
Requirements:
- Higher education (bachelor’s degree or above) or minimum 5 years of relevant experience
- Salary at least 1.5x the national average (~3,640 euros) or 1.2x for shortage occupations (~2,912 euros)
- Employment contract for at least 1 year
Cost: 160 euros (standard, 1 month processing) or 320 euros (fast-track - 15 days). Issued for 36 months or the contract duration plus 3 months.
The main advantage of the Blue Card - it’s valid across the entire EU. After 12 months of working in Lithuania, you can move to another EU country through a simplified procedure.
Comparison: which permit to choose¶
| Criteria | Temporary protection | Residence permit | EU Blue Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | War refugees | Anyone with a contract | Highly qualified |
| Salary requirement | None | 2,427 euros or qualification | 2,912-3,640 euros |
| Language requirement | None | None | None |
| Cost | Free | 160-320 euros | 160-320 euros |
| Processing time | A few weeks | Up to 90 days | Up to 1 month |
| Tied to employer | No | Yes | Yes (12 months) |
| Valid until | March 2027 | Up to 2 years | Up to 36 months |
Required Documents and What Needs Translation¶
Here’s where it gets practical - putting together your document package. The exact set depends on your permit type, but there’s a common core that almost everyone needs.
Core document package¶
| Document | Translation needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | No | Must be valid for the entire stay |
| Photo 3.5×4.5 cm | No | Recent, visa-style |
| Employment contract | Yes, into Lithuanian | Signed by both parties |
| Diploma / degree certificate | Yes, into Lithuanian | To prove your qualifications |
| Diploma supplement | Yes, into Lithuanian | List of subjects and grades |
| Criminal record certificate | Yes, into Lithuanian | Issued no earlier than 6 months before application |
| Health insurance | No | From employer or private |
| Proof of finances | Depends | Minimum 1,153 euros/month for 2026 |
| Proof of accommodation | Depends | Rental agreement or landlord’s declaration |
| Marriage certificate | Yes, if applying with family | Into Lithuanian |
| Children’s birth certificates | Yes, if they’re coming with you | Into Lithuanian |
No apostille needed - and that’s great news¶
Ukraine and Lithuania have a bilateral legal assistance agreement. Thanks to this agreement, Ukrainian documents don’t need an apostille in Lithuania. You only need a translation into Lithuanian - that’s it.
This is a real advantage over many other EU countries. In Germany, France, Spain - no apostille means your document won’t even be looked at. In Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia - a translation is all you need.
Additional documents for Blue Card¶
On top of the basic package, for the Blue Card you’ll need:
- Qualification recognition decision from SKVC (for higher education) or proof of 5 years of professional experience
- Detailed CV in Lithuanian or English
- Reference letters from previous employers (recommended but not mandatory)
What your employer needs to provide¶
Your employer also prepares documents on their end:
- Company registration
- Proof of no debts to Sodra (Social Insurance Fund) and tax authorities
- Information about company activities and number of employees
- Mediation letter (tarpininkavimo raštas) - submitted via MIGRIS for 50 euros
If an employer says “we don’t deal with that” - that’s a red flag. Any Lithuanian company wanting to hire foreign nationals is required to go through this process.
Document Translation into Lithuanian: How It Works and What It Costs¶
Two types of official translation¶
Lithuania has two main types of official translation recognized by state institutions:
Sworn translation (prisiekusiojo vertėjo vertimas) - done by a sworn translator (prisiekusysis vertėjas) registered with a Lithuanian Regional Court. They have an official seal - their translation immediately has legal force without additional certification.
Notarized translation (notarinis vertimas) - a regular translator produces the translation and signs it, then a Lithuanian notary (Notaras) certifies the authenticity of the translator’s signature. The translation is stitched together with the original or its certified copy.
For applications to the Migration Department, courts, or other government bodies, one of these two types is required. For the Migration Department, notarized translation is the standard.
Real translation prices (2026)¶
Here’s what you’ll pay for translation from Ukrainian to Lithuanian at Vilnius-based bureaus:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard document (passport, certificate, reference) | 15-25 euros |
| Diploma translation | from 9-10 euros |
| Per 1,000 characters | ~11 euros |
| Per page (1,700 characters) | ~20 euros |
| Notarial certification (per document) | ~16 euros |
| Copy certification by notary (per page) | ~5 euros |
| Urgency surcharge | +50% |
| Handwritten text surcharge | +50% |
| Minimum order | ~30 euros |
Sources: ua-lt.com, Vertimų biuras, Vertimų guru.
A full package for a residence permit - diploma, supplement, criminal record certificate, marriage certificate - runs about 80-150 euros total. For comparison, in Germany a single certified translation of a diploma can cost 50-80 euros.
Where to order translation¶
Translation bureaus in Vilnius that specialize in Ukrainian-Lithuanian pairs:
- Vertimų biuras (Kareiviug. 19-196, Vilnius) - one of the largest bureaus, from 9 euros per document
- ua-lt.com - specializes in Ukrainian-Lithuanian translations, 15-25 euros per document
- Vertimų guru - from 5 euros for a standard electronic document, from 17 euros with attestation
You can also order translations online through ChatsControl - if you need a quick document translation and don’t have time to visit a bureau in person.
Turnaround time is usually 1-3 business days. With an urgency surcharge (+50%) - same day.
A note on criminal record certificates¶
Criminal record certificates are sometimes accepted in English - some Migration Department offices are flexible about this. But it depends on the specific inspector. For reliability, get a Lithuanian translation. It’s 15-25 euros and a couple of hours - not worth the risk of being turned away.
Qualification Recognition: SKVC and Regulated Professions¶
Translating your diploma is one thing - having your qualifications formally recognized is another. Translation makes the document readable in Lithuanian; recognition is official confirmation that your diploma meets Lithuanian standards.
Whether you need recognition depends on your situation.
Academic recognition through SKVC¶
SKVC (Studijų kokybės vertinimo centras - Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education) is the Lithuanian institution that recognizes foreign diplomas for employment and further studies.
Good news: Ukraine is a member of the Lisbon Recognition Convention, so Ukrainian qualifications are generally recognized without major obstacles, unless there’s a “substantial difference” from Lithuanian programs.
What you need:
- Diploma (in the original language - Ukrainian is fine, no translation required)
- Academic transcript / diploma supplement (with grades and subjects)
- Passport
- Name change document (if applicable)
Submit through the EPE electronic portal. SKVC works with documents in Ukrainian and Russian, so a Lithuanian translation isn’t required for recognition itself. But they recommend including one to speed things up.
Cost: free.
Timeline: up to 1 month after submitting the full package.
This is significantly simpler than Anerkennung in Germany, where the process can drag on for months and cost hundreds of euros.
Regulated professions: more complex¶
If your profession is on the list of 44 regulated professions in Lithuania - academic recognition alone isn’t enough. You’ll need separate professional recognition from the relevant authority.
7 professions with harmonized EU requirements (simplified procedure):
- Doctors
- General care nurses
- Midwives
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Architects
- Veterinary surgeons
For these, the recognition procedure is standardized across the EU - same requirements everywhere.
For other regulated professions (teachers, engineers, psychologists, lawyers), Lithuanian authorities compare your study program with the local one and may require:
- Adaptation period (up to 3 years) - working under supervision
- Aptitude test - taken in Lithuanian
Application for professional recognition is free, but the license itself costs 45 euros. Regulated professions often require proof of Lithuanian language proficiency.
Unregulated professions - much simpler¶
Most professions in Lithuania aren’t regulated - programmers, marketers, managers, drivers, construction workers, cooks. You don’t need formal government recognition. Your employer decides whether your qualifications are sufficient.
But you’ll still need your diploma translated into Lithuanian - both for the employer and for the Migration Department when applying for your residence permit.
Step-by-Step Guide: From Job Search to Work Permit¶
Let’s put it all together - here’s how the process looks from start to finish.
Step 1: Determine your path¶
Have temporary protection? Start working right away, no permits needed. You only need temporary protection registration through MIGRIS.
Don’t have temporary protection? You’ll need an employer willing to sponsor your permit. Without a specific employment contract, you can’t apply for a residence permit.
Step 2: Find a job¶
Popular sectors for Ukrainians in Lithuania:
- Logistics and transport - long-haul driver salaries up to 3,000 euros
- IT - Lithuania is actively growing its tech sector, especially in Vilnius and Kaunas
- Construction - from 1,200 euros for painters or tilers, experienced foremen earn significantly more
- Manufacturing - food industry, electronics, pharmaceuticals
- Hospitality and HoReCa - seasonal and permanent positions
Where to look: Employment Service of Lithuania, LinkedIn, WorkInLithuania, Facebook groups for Ukrainians in Lithuania, suukraina.lt portal.
Step 3: Prepare your documents¶
- Gather originals (passport, diploma, supplement, criminal record certificate)
- Order Lithuanian translations (1-3 business days at a Vilnius bureau)
- If you need qualification recognition - apply on EPE (up to 1 month)
Step 4: Employer submits mediation letter¶
Your employer files the tarpininkavimo raštas through MIGRIS. It costs 50 euros and must be submitted at least 5 months before your permit application. Yes, 5 months - not a typo. Lithuanian bureaucracy takes its time, so plan well ahead.
Step 5: Apply for residence permit¶
Through MIGRIS (if you’re already in Lithuania) or at a Lithuanian consulate (if abroad).
- 160 euros standard (up to 90 days) or 320 euros fast-track (~45 days)
- For Blue Card: 160 euros (1 month) or 320 euros (15 days)
Step 6: Biometrics and permit issuance¶
After applying, you’ll be invited to the Migration Department office in Vilnius, Kaunas, or Klaipeda for biometrics (photo, fingerprints). Book your appointment through MIGRIS.
Total budget¶
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Document translations (4-5 documents) | 80-150 euros |
| Qualification recognition (SKVC) | Free |
| Employer mediation letter | 50 euros |
| Residence permit | 160-320 euros |
| National visa D (if needed) | 140 euros |
| Total | ~430-660 euros |
For comparison, a Blue Card in Germany runs 1,000-2,000 euros including translations and fees.
Shortage Occupations: Simplified Procedure¶
In 2026, Lithuania updated its shortage occupations list - about 100 new positions were added, mainly in renewable energy, manufacturing, and digital technology. The full list is published by the Lithuanian Employment Service.
Why this matters:
- Workers in shortage occupations don’t need a separate work permit
- The Blue Card salary threshold drops from 1.5x to 1.2x the national average (~2,912 euros instead of ~3,640 euros)
- The work permit quota for 2026 is 24,706 positions
As long as labor shortages persist in Lithuania, the chances of getting a permit for qualified workers remain quite high.
Other Things Worth Knowing¶
The language question¶
Lithuanian isn’t required for employment (except for regulated professions). Many employers hire workers who speak English, Russian, or Ukrainian. The IT sector operates primarily in English. In manufacturing and logistics, Russian is often sufficient.
For daily life - shops, doctors, schools for your kids - Lithuanian will come in handy. Free courses for Ukrainians are offered through the suukraina.lt portal and local municipalities.
Students¶
If you’re studying at a Lithuanian university, you don’t need a work permit. Being enrolled is enough.
Changing employers¶
Your residence permit is tied to a specific employer and position. Want to switch jobs? You’ll need to reapply. The Blue Card gives more flexibility: after 12 months in Lithuania, you can change employers through a simplified procedure.
Family¶
If you’re bringing your family, your spouse and children can apply for a residence permit for family reunification. You’ll need marriage and birth certificates translated into Lithuanian. No apostille needed - remember the bilateral agreement.
FAQ¶
Does a Ukrainian with temporary protection need a work permit in Lithuania?¶
No. If you have temporary protection status (laikina apsauga), you can work without any additional permits. Your employer simply notifies the Migration Department. This status is valid until March 4, 2027.
How much does it cost to translate documents from Ukrainian to Lithuanian?¶
A single standard document (passport, certificate, reference) costs 15-25 euros. A diploma starts at 9-10 euros. Notarial certification is about 16 euros extra per document. A full package for a residence permit (4-5 documents) runs 80-150 euros. Current prices at ua-lt.com, Vertimų biuras.
Do Ukrainian documents need an apostille for Lithuania?¶
No. Ukraine and Lithuania have a bilateral legal assistance agreement, so no apostille is required. You just need an official translation into Lithuanian with notarial certification.
How do I get my Ukrainian diploma recognized in Lithuania?¶
For academic recognition, submit your documents through the SKVC EPE portal. It’s free and takes up to 1 month. For regulated professions (doctors, teachers, architects), you’ll need additional professional recognition from the relevant authority - this may take longer and require an adaptation period or aptitude test.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Lithuania?¶
It depends on the type. Temporary protection - decision within a few weeks. Residence permit - up to 90 days (standard) or 45 days (fast-track). Blue Card - up to 1 month or 15 days (fast-track). Keep in mind that the employer’s mediation letter needs to be submitted 5 months before your application - that’s the longest part of the process.
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