Lithuania Startup Visa
Build your innovative company in a country with a thriving fintech scene and one of the EU’s most accessible founder routes. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders through the committee evaluation, the visa and the residence permit, from your first assessment to your card.
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For Founders of Innovative, Scalable Startups
Startup Lithuania’s visa scheme lets non-EU founders obtain a temporary residence permit to build an innovative business in Lithuania, without having to meet the usual capital and employment conditions for company owners.
Your idea is assessed by an expert committee of accelerators and investors. The scheme suits technology and other innovative sectors, from fintech and software to biotech and laser technology.
Why Launch Your Startup in Lithuania?
A low-cost, well-connected hub with a founder-friendly permit.
No Minimum Investment
You do not need to meet the usual capital requirement for company owners. You must show enough funds to support yourself.
A Multi-Year Permit
The permit is granted for two years and can be extended for a further three years, up to five years in total, based on progress.
A Fintech-Friendly Hub
Lithuania is known for its fintech licensing and a regulator that is used to working with young companies.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse and children can usually apply for residence permits to join you.
Low Costs
Operating and living costs are lower than in many Western European countries, which stretches your runway.
EU and Schengen Access
Operate from Vilnius or Kaunas and reach the EU single market, with Schengen travel for short stays.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions of the Startup Lithuania visa scheme.
An Innovative Business
A scalable, innovative startup, usually with at least a prototype, a minimum viable product or some business traction.
Committee Approval
A positive evaluation from the Startup Lithuania committee, which includes a short recorded video pitch.
A Business Plan and Pitch
A clear plan and pitch deck that show your product, market, team and growth strategy.
Means of Subsistence
Funds to support yourself, which in practice means roughly €12,000 to €14,000 for the first year.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance for your stay, commonly with minimum coverage of €30,000.
Valid Passport and Documents
A valid passport and the supporting documents requested by the Migration Department.
Fees, Duration and Long-Term Residence
The scheme is straightforward on paper, and the details are worth knowing early.
- State fees for the residence permit are modest, at around €150 for the standard procedure and more for urgent handling
- The permit is valid for two years and can be extended up to five years in total
- Progress reports and a strategy for the coming years support each extension
- You set up your Lithuanian company within a set period after approval
- Permanent residence may be possible after five years, and citizenship takes longer with language requirements
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Eligibility and Strategy Review
We test your concept against the scheme’s criteria and refine it so it is ready for the committee.
Panel Approval and Interview Coaching
We prepare your application and pitch, and coach you for the short video interview so your idea comes across clearly.
Visa and Residence Permit
With your confirmation letter, we guide you through the entry visa and the temporary residence permit application.
Company Formation
Once approved, we help you register your Lithuanian company and meet your early compliance steps.
Relocation and Accounting Setup
We help you register your address, set up banking and accounting, and settle in with your family.
What We Handle for You
Startup immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your idea before you spend money on fees.
Pitch and Interview Coaching
Practice so you can present your startup with confidence.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on a plan that persuades the committee.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents for you and your family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Arrival Support
Help with registration, banking and settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Lithuania startup visa.
Who is eligible for the Lithuania Startup Visa?
Non-EU founders with an innovative, scalable business, often in technology fields such as software, fintech, biotech or electronics, can apply. The committee looks for real growth potential. Unlike many EU countries, there is no fixed minimum investment at the initial application stage.
How does the video interview with the expert panel work?
You present yourself and your startup in a short recorded video, typically a few minutes long, and the committee reviews it together with your application. We help you structure your pitch and practise answering technical questions.
Can I bring my family to Lithuania with this visa?
Yes. Your spouse and children can usually apply for residence permits to join you. We prepare the family documents together with your application.
How long does the process take?
Committee evaluation, the visa and the residence permit each take time, and the total commonly runs to a few months. We give you a realistic estimate once we know your situation.
Can I get permanent residence or citizenship?
After five years of continuous residence, permanent residence may be possible. Citizenship generally takes around ten years and requires Lithuanian language and constitution tests.
Do I need to set up a company?
Yes, you register a Lithuanian company after approval, within the period set by the scheme. We guide you through the formation and your first compliance steps.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Lithuanian authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, thresholds and fees change, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash.
Ready to Launch Your Startup in Lithuania?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know whether you are ready to apply and what your next steps should be.