Long-stay visas (Type D)
Lithuanian Startup Visa
A dedicated route for non-EU founders of innovative, scalable startups, granting a long-stay visa and then a temporary residence permit once experts assess the venture.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- Migration Department, following Startup Lithuania expert evaluation
- Path
- Expert approval, then national (D) visa and a temporary residence permit
- Business type
- Innovative, technology-based, scalable startup
- Who applies
- Founders only (a limited number of co-founders per startup)
- Application
- Evaluation via Startup Lithuania, permit via MIGRIS (migracija.lt)
Who it's for
Non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs founding an innovative, scalable startup in Lithuania - typically in technology, deep tech, fintech, life sciences or similar - who will actively run the company.
Requirements
- An innovative, technology-based and scalable business concept
- Evidence such as a prototype, MVP or business traction, plus a business plan
- You are a genuine founder taking an active managerial role
- A positive assessment from the Startup Lithuania expert panel
- Valid passport and sufficient means of subsistence for the early stage
- Health insurance valid in Lithuania
What you can do
- Come to Lithuania on a national (D) long-stay visa after a positive evaluation
- Build and run your startup and then apply for a temporary residence permit
- Extend residence to continue developing the company if it progresses
- Access Lithuania's startup ecosystem and EU market
- Progress, over time, toward permanent residence if conditions are met
How to apply
Submit the startup concept for evaluation through the Startup Lithuania programme, where an expert panel assesses innovation, scalability and team.
With a positive decision, apply for the national (D) visa and/or the temporary residence permit in MIGRIS at migracija.lt, then attend in person for biometrics and documents.
After arrival, register the company and develop the business; a temporary residence permit lets founders remain to grow the startup.
Documents
- Startup concept / business plan submitted for expert evaluation
- Evidence of prototype, MVP or traction
- Positive evaluation decision
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
- Health insurance and proof of accommodation
- Completed MIGRIS application and paid state fee
Frequently asked questions
No large fixed investment is required. The Startup Visa is idea-driven - the decisive factor is a positive expert assessment of an innovative, scalable business - though you must show enough funds to support yourself and the early-stage company.
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.
Related Lithuanian visas
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