Lithuania in Autumn 2026: Work Quota Used Up and Visa Centres Closing

17 October 2026 · General information, not legal advice

Lithuania has become much harder to reach for workers from outside the EU. In September 2026, the annual work quota ran out, and the authorities announced that several visa application centres will close. Here is what happened, what it means in practice and what candidates should do.

The 2026 quota is exhausted

Each year, Lithuania sets a quota for foreign workers who apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) based on employment. For 2026 it was 24,706 places. On 7 September 2026, the Migration Department confirmed that the quota was fully used. The quota concerns residence permits for employment. It does not restrict tourist travel.

What is still possible after the quota is used up

Once the quota is exhausted, an employment-based permit can generally be issued only if additional conditions are met: Standard route: the employer commits to paying at least 1.2 times the latest average gross monthly salary. For 2026 this is €2,893.68 per month. Shortage occupations with high added value: at least one average gross monthly salary, currently €2,411.40 per month. Most entry-level jobs pay less than this, so for many candidates the route is effectively closed until a new quota is available.

Visa centres close on 1 November

From 1 November 2026, applications through the offices of the external service provider in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina will no longer be accepted. The Interior Minister announced the decision on 23 September 2026, citing security risks and the threat of terrorism after a security assessment. The Migration Department also stated that the centres had received a very high number of employment-related applications. Work applications from citizens of Central Asian countries are already not being accepted. Lithuania does not plan to open new external centres elsewhere. From 15 September 2026, the Migration Department also monitors the volume of non-priority applications (employment, seasonal work, internships) submitted through external service providers.