In short
US citizens can visit Lithuania visa-free for 90 days in any 180, but working requires a residence permit. The routes are the EU Blue Card (about €3,940 a month in 2026), a work permit through an employer, the Startup Visa, or a business residence permit for an operating company with €28,000 of equity and staff. There is no digital nomad visa, no golden visa and no retirement permit. After arriving you declare your residence within a month. State health insurance comes with Lithuanian work or self-employment; others need private cover. Income tax is 20% up to €83,237 a year (25% and 32% above), employees pay 19.5% social insurance, and there is no US–Lithuania Social Security agreement. A single person in Vilnius spends about €1,300–1,500 a month including rent.
Living in Lithuania: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Visa-free stay | 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area; the Entry/Exit System registers your entries since April 2026# Source: US Department of State: Lithuania travel information · ETIAS Answers: EES and ETIAS launch tracker |
|---|---|
| Working in Lithuania | Since July 2024 you can work for a Lithuanian employer only with a residence permit — not on a visa or visa-free stay# Source: KPMG: Lithuania immigration changes from July 2024 |
| Digital nomads | No digital nomad visa or remote-work permit. A national (D) visa is discretionary, lasts up to 1 year and is not a remote-work route# Source: Remote Work Europe: what non-EU remote workers should know about Lithuania · Lithuanian Foreign Ministry: national (D) visas |
| EU Blue Card | 1.5 times the average gross wage (about €3,940 a month in 2026; 1.2 times for shortage jobs); degree or 5 years' experience; 3 years; decision in 1 month# Source: EU Immigration Portal: EU Blue Card in Lithuania |
| Business residence permit | Company equity of €28,000 (€14,000 from you); you own a third or are the director; 6 months of operation; staff paid at least 2 average wages in total. 2 years — 3 years with €260,000 invested and 5 employees# Source: Deloitte Lithuania: residence permits for business and work · Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (consolidated text) |
| Startup Visa Lithuania | An expert committee scores your innovative, scalable plan — no incubator or investment threshold; living funds of €13,836 for 12 months (2026); 2-year permit, extendable to 5# Source: Startup Visa Lithuania (Innovation Agency): official site · Startup Visa Lithuania: FAQ · Startup Visa Lithuania: guidebook (Aug 2025) |
| Residence permit fees | €160 (€320 urgent); decision within 3 months (45 days urgent), 1 month for Blue Card and Startup Visa# Source: Migration Department: state fees for residence permits · EU Immigration Portal: EU Blue Card in Lithuania |
| Declaring residence | Declare your place of residence within 1 month of collecting the permit# Source: Migration Department: declaring your place of residence |
| Healthcare | Permit holders join the state health insurance (PSD) only if legally employed or self-employed in Lithuania; others need private insurance (at least €30,000 cover for a visa)# Source: Go Vilnius: eligibility for compulsory health insurance (PSD) · Lithuanian Foreign Ministry: national (D) visas |
| Permanent residence | After 5 years with a temporary permit; Lithuanian exam (category I, about A2) and a Constitution exam# Source: Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (consolidated text) · Triniti Jurex: permanent residence in Lithuania |
| Citizenship | 10 years of permanent residence; A2 Lithuanian and a Constitution exam; you must give up other citizenships — the 2019 and 2024 referendums to allow dual citizenship failed# Source: Migration.lt: naturalisation in Lithuania · LRT: the 2024 dual-citizenship referendum fails |
| Citizenship by descent | Descendants of people who were Lithuanian citizens before 15 June 1940 can restore citizenship and, in most cases, keep their US passport# Source: Micenter: Lithuanian citizenship and restoration |
| Income tax | 20% up to €83,237 a year, 25% up to €138,729, 32% above (2026); dividends 15%# Source: PwC Tax Summaries: Lithuania — personal income tax · KPMG Lithuania: Tax Card 2026 |
| Social insurance (Sodra) | Employees 19.5% (incl. 6.98% health); employers 1.77%# Source: KPMG Lithuania: Tax Card 2026 |
| Social Security agreement | None between the US and Lithuania — self-employed Americans may owe both US and Lithuanian contributions# Source: SSA: US international Social Security agreements (Lithuania not listed) |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Lithuanian residence rules are the same for all non-EU citizens, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits follow the same routes as Americans. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Social security | Americans have no Social Security agreement with Lithuania; other countries have their own arrangements. |
|---|---|
| Home-country tax | US citizens remain taxable in the US on worldwide income; most other nationals who move are taxed only where they live. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Overview
Lithuania — the Baltic Tech Hub for Americans
Lithuania combines low costs, fast digital public services, a strong startup and fintech scene and a beautiful, compact capital. It is a good fit for skilled workers and founders — but not for remote workers or retirees, because Lithuania has no permit for either.
We help you choose the right permit, prepare your documents and settle into Lithuanian life.
Lithuania rewards people who come to work or build something here. If your plan is remote work or retirement, look at other EU countries first.
Our Services
Your Pathway to Lithuania
Route analysis
Blue Card, work permit, Startup Visa, business permit or citizenship restoration — which fits you.
Permit application
MIGRIS forms, VFS Global appointment in the US or the Migration Department in Lithuania.
Business set-up
A UAB company and the equity, staff and activity tests for a business permit.
Settling in
Residence declaration, bank account, health insurance and housing.
Long-term planning
The Lithuanian and Constitution exams for permanent residence and citizenship.
Visas & Residency
Navigating Lithuanian Visas & Residency
US citizens can visit visa-free for 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. Since July 2024 you can work for a Lithuanian employer only with a temporary residence permit. You can apply from the US through the MIGRIS system and VFS Global; the fee is €160 (€320 urgent).
EU Blue Card
1.5 times the average gross wage — about €3,940 a month in 2026 (1.2 times for shortage occupations) — with a degree or 5 years' experience. 3-year permit; decision in 1 month.
Work Residence Permit
For other jobs the employer applies, and many non-highly-qualified jobs fall under a yearly quota introduced in 2025.
Business Residence Permit
€28,000 of company equity (€14,000 from you), at least a third of the shares or the director's role, 6 months of activity and staff paid at least 2 average wages in total. 2 years, or 3 years with €260,000 and 5 employees.
Startup Visa
An expert committee assesses your innovative startup; no incubator or minimum investment. €13,836 of living funds for 12 months. Startup guide.
Remote Work, Investment or Retirement
Lithuania has no digital nomad visa, no golden visa and no permit for retirees or passive income.
Permanent Residence & Citizenship
Permanent residence after 5 years with A2 Lithuanian and a Constitution exam. Citizenship after 10 years of permanent residence; you must give up other citizenships unless you are restoring pre-1940 citizenship.
Cost of Living
Lithuania Cost of Living for Americans
Lithuania is one of the eurozone's most affordable countries, though prices have risen quickly.
Housing and everyday costs
A 1-bedroom costs about €730 in central Vilnius and €555 outside the centre. A single person spends about €780 a month without rent, so about €1,300–1,500 in total. Kaunas comes to about €1,150–1,350 and Klaipėda a little less (Numbeo, 2026 estimates).
Healthcare
Temporary residence permit holders are covered by Lithuania's compulsory health insurance (PSD) only if they work or are self-employed in Lithuania. Others need private insurance — at least €30,000 of cover is required for a national visa. Registering your address does not give coverage by itself.
Tax
From 2026 income tax is 20% up to €83,237 a year, 25% up to €138,729 and 32% above; dividends are taxed at 15%. Employees pay 19.5% social insurance (including 6.98% for health). Freelancers on individual activity pay an effective 5–20% on profit up to €42,500. The US–Lithuania tax treaty (in effect since 2000) prevents most double tax, but there is no Social Security agreement.
Where to Live
Top Locations for American Expats in Lithuania
Vilnius
The capital — tech and fintech jobs, the UNESCO-listed Old Town and most international schools. Living in Vilnius.
Kaunas
The second city, with universities, modernist architecture and rents about a fifth below Vilnius.
Klaipėda
The port city on the Baltic, close to the Curonian Spit's dunes and beaches.
Expat Tips
Essential Tips for Americans Moving to Lithuania
Pick a route that exists
Online sources still mention a "golden visa", a "digital nomad visa" or a retirement permit. None of them exists — plan around a job, a startup or a real business.
Apply from the US
File in MIGRIS and book VFS Global. Do not plan to work in Lithuania on a visa-free stay.
Declare your residence within a month
After collecting your permit, declare your address at the Migration Department, the municipality or online.
Sort out health cover
If you are not employed in Lithuania, keep private insurance — state cover comes with Lithuanian work.
Plan for two social-security systems
With no US–Lithuania agreement, self-employed Americans may owe contributions in both countries. Get advice before you start.
Learn some Lithuanian
It is a demanding language, but A2 is needed for permanent residence and citizenship.
Why Partner With Us
Expert Guidance for Your Lithuanian Relocation
Lithuania changed its work rules in 2024, its tax brackets and VAT in 2026, and its corporate tax twice in two years. We track the rules so you can plan with current numbers.
We work with Americans relocating to Europe, so we understand FBAR, the US–Lithuania treaty and the missing Social Security agreement. Directories like LocalVouch can help you find English-speaking lawyers and accountants.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Lithuania have a golden visa?
No. The business residence permit needs a real operating company with €28,000 of equity (€14,000 from you), 6 months of activity and staff paid at least 2 average wages in total.
Can I work remotely from Lithuania?
There is no digital nomad visa or remote-work permit. A national (D) visa is discretionary and not a remote-work route; you need another basis for residence, such as a job, the Startup Visa or a business permit.
Is there a retirement visa in Lithuania?
No. Lithuanian law has no residence permit for retirees or people living on passive income.
Does Lithuania allow dual citizenship?
Only in special cases. Naturalised citizens must give up other citizenships; referendums to change this failed in 2019 and 2024. People restoring pre-1940 citizenship can usually keep their US passport.
What exams do I need for permanent residence?
The state Lithuanian language exam (category I, about A2) and an exam on the Constitution, after 5 years of temporary residence.
Lithuania
Everything about moving to Lithuania
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Schedule your free initial consultation. Let's look at your goals, confirm your route (Blue Card, Startup Visa or business permit) and build your plan for moving to Lithuania.