If you’re looking to study in a European country, Lithuania is worth considering. Lithuanian universities and schools of applied sciences offer more than 500 English-taught study programs, and diplomas from recognized Lithuanian higher education institutions are recognized throughout the European Union.
Lithuania can also be a relatively affordable study destination. Living costs are usually estimated at around €500 to €800 per month, depending on your city, accommodation, and lifestyle. Before you begin your journey, make sure you understand whether you need a Lithuanian student visa, a Temporary Residence Permit, or only registration after arrival.
Steps on Applying for a Lithuanian Student Visa
Step 1. Confirm if You Need to Apply for a Visa
You will generally need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit or, in some cases, a national D visa if you are not a citizen of the European Union or the European Free Trade Association. Full-time non-EU/EFTA students are usually required to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, while non-EU/EFTA exchange students generally apply for a national D visa.
The 27 member countries of the European Union are the following:
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Ireland
- Greece
- Portugal
- Spain
- Austria
- Finland
- Sweden
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Croatia
If you are an EU/EFTA citizen, you do not need a student visa to study in Lithuania. However, if you will stay in Lithuania for more than 90 days, you must register with the Migration Department within three months of entering Lithuania, obtain a certificate of temporary residence, and declare your place of residence. You can start by checking the Lithuanian Migration Information System.
The EFTA countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. If you are from one of these countries, check the current registration rules before traveling.
Step 2. Make a Checklist of Your Visa Application Requirements
Preparing a checklist for your application requirements can help you monitor the documents you have on hand and the documents you still need to complete. It is also useful for prioritizing documents and tasks before your appointment.
Step 3. Lodge an Online Application
Before starting your application, confirm whether your study stay is for full-time studies or an exchange program. Full-time non-EU/EFTA students should usually apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. Exchange students from non-EU/EFTA countries generally apply for a national D visa.
Applications are started through the Lithuanian Migration Information System. Your university will usually need to submit a mediation letter through MIGRIS before you can complete the relevant application. Make sure all information in your form is accurate before submitting it.
If you are applying from abroad, you may need to submit your documents and biometric data through the external service provider used by the Migration Department. In many countries, this provider is VFS Global. Appointment booking is handled through MIGRIS after your application reaches the correct stage.
The general process includes:
- Confirming whether you need a Temporary Residence Permit or a national D visa
- Requesting or receiving the mediation letter number from your university
- Completing the online application in MIGRIS
- Uploading the required documents
- Booking an appointment through MIGRIS, if required
- Submitting original documents and biometric data at the appointment
- Tracking your application and collecting your visa or residence permit card
An external service provider fee may apply in addition to the state fee.
Step 4. Proceed to the Lithuania Embassy Documents Submission
Do not assume that you can submit your application directly to a Lithuanian embassy. Lithuania now accepts many national visa and Temporary Residence Permit applications through MIGRIS and the Migration Department’s external service provider offices abroad. You should check the current Temporary Residence Permit and national visa services page to confirm the correct submission location for your country.
At your appointment, your documents may be reviewed, your biometric data may be taken, and you may be asked questions about your study plans. You will also need to pay the applicable non-refundable state fee and any service provider fee.
Step 5. Receive Your Passport and Visa
If you apply for a national D visa, the decision is normally made within 15 calendar days, although the period may be extended up to 45 calendar days in some cases. A national D visa is usually issued for at least 91 days and no more than one year, and it cannot be renewed.
If you apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for studies, the permit is usually issued for one to two years, or up to three years for doctoral students. It can be renewed for the remaining duration of your study period if you continue to meet the requirements. If you need to stay longer, apply for renewal before your current permit expires and no earlier than four months before the expiration date.
Step 6. Apply for Temporary Residence Permit
Full-time non-EU/EFTA students usually need a Temporary Residence Permit for study purposes. If you are applying from abroad, you may submit the application through MIGRIS and the external service provider available for your country. If you are already legally staying in Lithuania, you can submit the application through MIGRIS and visit the relevant Migration Department office when instructed.
Prepare the following common requirements for a student Temporary Residence Permit:
- Valid passport
- Document confirming legal stay, if you are applying from within Lithuania
- Proof of sufficient funds, currently at least €577 per month plus €1,153 for return travel to your country of origin
- Health insurance with minimum coverage of €10,000 for a Temporary Residence Permit
- Document confirming your place of residence in Lithuania
- Commitment to declare your place of residence
- Certificate of no criminal record for first-time Temporary Residence Permit applications
- Mediation letter number from your Lithuanian university
- State fee of €80 under the general procedure or €320 under the urgent procedure, plus any external service provider fee if applicable
Always check the latest MIGRIS instructions before applying, as document requirements and fees can change.
Documents Needed for Lithuanian Student Visa Applications
Lithuania offers excellent opportunities to study abroad, but the documents you need depend on whether you are applying for a national D visa or a Temporary Residence Permit. Full-time non-EU/EFTA students generally apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, while exchange students generally apply for a national D visa.
For a national D visa, students should generally prepare:
- Completed application form through MIGRIS
- Valid passport issued within the last ten years, with at least two blank pages, and valid for at least three months after the requested visa validity ends
- Recent visa photo that meets the current MIGRIS requirements
- Mediation letter number from the host university
- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and return travel
- Proof of health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for a national D visa
For a Temporary Residence Permit for full-time studies, students should generally prepare:
- Valid passport
- Document confirming legal stay, if applying from Lithuania
- Mediation letter number from the university
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Health insurance with minimum coverage of €10,000
- Document confirming accommodation in Lithuania
- Commitment to declare the place of residence
- Certificate of no criminal record for first-time applications
- Proof of state fee payment, where required
FAQs: Student Visa Applications for Lithuania
How Much Money Do You Need for a Lithuania Student Visa?
The amount depends on whether you need a national D visa or a Temporary Residence Permit. The national D visa state fee is currently €140. For a student Temporary Residence Permit, the state fee is currently €80 under the general procedure or €320 under the urgent procedure. An external service provider fee may apply if you apply from abroad.
For proof of funds, students should currently prepare at least €577 per month, plus €1,153 for return travel to their country of origin. For a 12-month stay, this equals €8,077 before tuition and application-related fees.
We hope that this article on how to apply for a student visa in Lithuania was helpful. If you are interested, make sure to check out Available Programs for International Students.
