Lithuania Startup Visa: Step By Step Guide

The Lithuania Startup Visa is an exceptional opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs outside the European Union to establish and grow their businesses in one of the region’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems. 

This visa program is tailored for non-EU citizens who aim to create value through innovative startups, providing them with streamlined access to residence permits, business setup assistance, and an extensive network of industry connections. 

Beyond business, Lithuania offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and family-friendly relocation policies, ensuring a smooth transition for both founders and their families.

What Is the Lithuania Startup Visa?

📋Eligibility Criteria

• The Lithuania Startup Visa is a program designed for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to establish innovative businesses in Lithuania.
• Eligibility Criteria Overview:
  • Must have an innovative business idea with high growth potential.
  • Sufficient financial resources to sustain operations and personal living expenses.
  • Commitment to register and operate a business in Lithuania.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Benefits for Startup Founders and Their Families

1. For Founders:
   • Access to Lithuania’s growing startup ecosystem.
   • Fast-track visa and residence permit process.
   • Opportunities for innovation and networking within the EU market.
2. For Families:
   • Spouses and children can join the founder in Lithuania.
   • Family members are eligible for temporary residence permits.
   • Spouses do not require a work permit to be employed in Lithuania.

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Eligibility Requirements for Lithuania Startup Visa

🗝️ Key Requirements for Applicants

1. Innovative Business Idea:
   • The business must demonstrate innovation, contribute to the Lithuanian startup ecosystem, and have the potential for significant economic or technological impact.
2. Financial Resources:
   • Applicants need sufficient funds to support their business operations and sustain themselves during their stay in Lithuania. This includes startup capital for the business and personal living expenses.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Criteria for Family Members

• Family members (spouse and children) can accompany the applicant.
• Necessary documents include:
  • Valid passports.
  • Proof of health insurance.
  • Birth or marriage certificates (translated into Lithuanian).
• Family members may receive a temporary residence permit for 1 year, renewable for 2 years.
• Spouses do not need work permits to be employed in Lithuania.

How to Apply for the Lithuania Startup Visa

👣 Step-by-step Process

1. Obtain a Startup Visa Certificate
   • Apply through Startup Lithuania’s official website.
   • Meet the eligibility criteria and provide necessary details about your innovative business idea.
2. Apply for a Schengen or National Visa (D Type)
   • If required, submit the Startup Visa Certificate along with your visa application.
   • Apply at a Lithuanian embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center in your country.
3. Book an Appointment for Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
   • Register on migracija.lt and book an appointment.
   • Choose the category for startups: “I want to receive a temporary residence permit > Legal activity > I am a start-up.”
4. Submit Required Documents and Biometric Data
   • Attend the Migration Department appointment in Vilnius (International House Vilnius).
   • Provide all original documents, including a confirmed booking for your TRP appointment.

⏳ Timeline and 💰 Costs

• Schengen or National Visa (D Type):
  • Standard processing times apply based on your local Lithuanian diplomatic mission.
• Temporary Residence Permit (TRP):
  • Cost:
    • General procedure: ~150 EUR.
    • Urgent procedure: ~300 EUR.
  • Processing Time:
    • General: 2 months.
    • Urgent: 1 month (subject to submission of all required documents).

For further assistance, contact Startup Lithuania or the Migration Department directly.

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Setting Up Your Business in Lithuania

✅ Recommended Company Types

1. Private Limited Liability Company (UAB):
   • Ideal for startups.
   • Requirements:
     • Starting capital: €2,500.
     • Ownership defined by shares.
     • Bank account required.
2. Small Partnership (MB):
   • Suitable for early-stage startups.
   • Requirements:
     • No starting capital needed.
     • No shares; ownership is partnership-based.
     • Bank account needed only after registration.

👣 Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration

1. Choose the Company Type:
   • Decide between UAB or MB based on your business needs and resources.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Articles of association.
   • Shareholder agreements or partnership contracts.
3. Obtain an E-Signature:
   • Purchase a Lithuanian SIM card with e-signature capabilities from Bite, Telia, or Tele2.
   • Alternatively, register for a Smart ID at Medicinos Bankas.
4. Register the Company:
   • Complete the registration online using an e-signature or through a legal firm.
   • Submit required documents to the business register.
5. Notify Startup Lithuania:
   • Email the Startup Lithuania team with copies of the company’s registration certificate and incorporation agreement within 3 working days.

💰 Tips for Opening a Bank Account

• Online Banks:
  • Start with online options like Paysera or ConnectPay, which are quicker to set up.
• Traditional Banks:
  • Opening accounts in traditional banks can be challenging for non-EU citizens.
  • Gather all necessary documents and allow for additional time.
• Legal Assistance:
  • Seek support from Startup Lithuania or partners like TGS Baltic for legal and banking guidance.

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Living in Lithuania as a Startup Founder

🏠 Finding Accommodation and Settling In

1. Options for Accommodation:
   • Search independently on websites like aruodas.lt for rentals.
   • Hire a broker for faster results (typically requires a one-month rent fee).
2. Costs and Contracts:
   • Usually requires a two-month rent deposit.
   • Rent is paid monthly, typically at the beginning of the month.
   • Most contracts are long-term (one year).
3. Address Declaration:
   • After signing a rental agreement, declare your living address on migracija.lt.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Relocation Tips

1. Education:
   • Public kindergartens and schools are state-funded; private options are also available.
   • Required documents for children:
     • Birth certificate.
     • Vaccination record.
     • School transfer documents (if applicable).
2. Healthcare:
   • Lithuania has a compulsory health insurance system.
   • Private health insurance is recommended for startup founders until they start contributing to the national system.
3. Integration:
   • Lithuanian language courses are available to help adapt to local life.
   • Engage with social groups like “Foreigners in Vilnius” on Facebook for community support.

🚌 Transportation and Daily Life

1. Public Transport:
   • Buses and trolleybuses are the main modes of transport.
   • Use apps like Trafi for real-time schedules and ticket purchases.
2. Ride-Sharing and Car-Sharing:
   • Popular services include Bolt and CityBee.
3. Tips for Drivers:
   • Drive on the right.
   • Follow local rules, such as always using headlights and securing child seats for children under 135 cm.
4. Shopping:
   • Major grocery chains: Maxima, Iki, Lidl, Rimi.
   • Use apps like Barbora for grocery deliveries.

Additional Support and Resources

🚀 Role of Startup Lithuania as a Support System

• Startup Lithuania acts as a one-stop shop for current and future startups in Lithuania.
• Provides assistance with:
  • Application process for the Startup Visa.
  • Guidance on business setup and relocation.
  • Networking opportunities within Lithuania’s startup ecosystem.

🔗 Useful Links for Relocation and Community Integration

1. Relocation and Living:
   • Govilnius.lt: Information about finding housing, education, healthcare, and more in Vilnius.
   • Renkuosilietuva.lt: Resources for relocating to Lithuania.
   • Workinlithuania.lt: Career opportunities for professionals relocating to Lithuania.
2. Social Integration:
   Join social groups like “Foreigners in Vilnius” or “Foreigners in Lithuania” on Facebook.
   • Participate in expat communities like InterNations or local meetups.

⚖️ Legal Assistance Options for Startups

• Consider engaging law firms or legal advisors for company registration and compliance.
• Access model legal documents for startups via Startup Lithuania.
• Partner organizations, such as TGS Baltic, provide free legal consultations and resources through their platform Uphub.

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Role of Launchroad in The Seccess of Your Startup Visa

LaunchRoad is your trusted partner for starting a business abroad. We guide you in choosing the right country, understanding visa requirements, and getting your startup off the ground. As an experienced startup visa consultant, we offer expert startup visa consultation to help you navigate the complexities of international expansion. Our team provides the support, mentorship, and resources you need to succeed in the global market.

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