In an effort to streamline immigration, visa, and residency application services, Lithuania’s Ministry of the Interior recently published an updated list of countries where foreign nationals can apply for national visas and residence permits through VFS Global.
Key Updates to Lithuania’s Visa Network
According to the update, beginning October 22, external service provider offices in Albania, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Tajikistan, and Venezuela will be closed, while new offices will open in:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ghana
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe
List of Countries Where You Can Apply Now
With the new directive in effect, applications for temporary residence permits in Lithuania or national visas will be accepted by the offices of the external service provider, VFS Global, which operates in the following 30 countries worldwide.
- Armenia
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Philippines
- Ghana
- India
- Israel
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Georgia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe
When You Can Apply from Another Country
It is worth noting that, normally, foreigners can only apply for a Lithuania visa or residence permits in the country where the external service office is located. However, exceptions have been made for Azerbaijan, Ghana, and Mongolia, where applications can be submitted for special purposes such as:
- Family reunification
- High-skilled employment
- Enrollment in Lithuanian universities or doctoral programs
Applicants who are professors, researchers, big investors, or personnel being relocated inside a company may also apply from another nation under particular provisions of Lithuania’s Investment Law.
Rules for Indian Applicants
The same restrictions for applicants seeking temporary residency permits have already been implemented and are still in effect in India. Furthermore, applying for a Lithuanian national visa will remain impossible in this country.
Who Can Still Apply Without Restrictions
Citizens of Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea will continue to be able to apply for temporary residence permits and national visas at any VFS Global office without restriction.
MIGRIS Now Required for Visa Appointments
In addition to the location adjustment, Lithuania is also updating its visa application scheduling system. Starting October 22, applicants must book all appointments using the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS) at www.migracija.lt.
To schedule a visit, visa applicants must first go to their MIGRIS personal account, check the status of their application, and then select the relevant VFS Global office and time slot using the ‘Book a Visit’ option.
Final Thoughts
In short, Lithuania’s latest update isn’t just about shifting offices, it’s about making the visa and residence process more organised and consistent worldwide. If you are planning to apply, double-check the new VFS locations and use MIGRIS to book your slot before you go.
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