Do I need a job contract or a hosting agreement?

The researcher route is built on a hosting or authorship agreement with an accredited Lithuanian science and studies institution, rather than an ordinary employment contract and work permit.

Can I do research in other EU countries too?

Yes. As a researcher admitted under the EU framework, you can benefit from mobility provisions allowing part of your research to be carried out in other EU member states.

Visa or residence permit?

Shorter research or teaching stays can use a national (D) visa; longer engagements are covered by a temporary residence permit.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

Lithuanian Residence for Researchers

For non-EU researchers coming to carry out scientific research at a Lithuanian science or higher-education institution under a formal hosting agreement.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Lithuania government website before you apply.

On this page

Who it's for
Requirements
What you can do
How to apply
Documents
Frequently asked questions

Issued by: Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior
Basis: Hosting / authorship agreement with an accredited Lithuanian research institution
Route: National (D) visa for shorter stays; temporary residence permit for longer engagements
Mobility: EU researcher mobility to conduct research in other member states
Application: Online via MIGRIS (migracija.lt)

Who it's for

Non-EU/EEA researchers and academics invited to carry out scientific research or experimental (including social and cultural) development work at a Lithuanian science and studies institution, and teachers engaged by such institutions.

Requirements

A hosting or authorship agreement with an accredited Lithuanian science/studies institution
Appropriate research qualifications (typically a doctorate or equivalent, per the institution)
Valid passport
Sufficient means of subsistence for the stay
Health insurance valid in Lithuania
Clean criminal record for first-time applicants

What you can do

Carry out research or teaching at the host institution
Reside in Lithuania for the length of the agreement
Use EU mobility provisions to conduct research in other member states
Be joined by family members
Count qualifying time toward long-term residence

How to apply

Sign a hosting/authorship agreement with the Lithuanian research institution, which underpins the application.

File the national (D) visa or temporary residence permit application in MIGRIS at migracija.lt, then attend in person for biometrics and documents at a Migration Department division or VFS Global centre abroad.

Decision periods depend on the route - roughly 15 days for a national visa and up to a few months for a residence permit (faster with the expedited fee).

Documents

Completed MIGRIS application
Valid passport
Hosting / authorship agreement with the institution
Proof of research qualifications
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation and paid state fee

Frequently asked questions

The researcher route is built on a hosting or authorship agreement with an accredited Lithuanian science and studies institution, rather than an ordinary employment contract and work permit.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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