Visa & Residence permit
International students have to apply for a visa or a residence permit depending on their citizenship and the length of studies at Vilnius University.
DEGREE STUDIES
Citizens of the European Union (EU) may enter the Republic of Lithuania and stay there in for a period not exceeding three months starting from the first day of entry into the Republic of Lithuania. The same right is vested to the citizens of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Member States (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein). All full-time students coming to study in Lithuania for more than 90 days are required to register with the Migration Office within three months from the date of entering Lithuania. They must obtain a certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania and declare their place of residence. For the registration at the Migration Office the following documents are necessary: You have an obligation to declare your place of residence (address) in Lithuania by choosing one of the following options: Declaration form for the place of residence. Please note that administrative liability may be applied for non-compliance with the requirement to declare residence in Lithuania.
All international students from Non- EU/EFTA countries coming for studies to Lithuania are required to get a multiple entry national visa (D). The application documents for the issue of national visa (D) should be submitted to the closest Embassy, Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post of the Republic of Lithuania before arrival. The decision on the issue of visa shall be made within 15 days after the receipt of visa application. The required documents for a national visa (D): NB: The Embassy / Consulate reserves the right to request additional information/documentation and if deemed necessary, to interview the applicant. For detailed information on all visa requirements, it is advisable to visit the website of the Embassy/ Consulate of the Republic of Lithuanian. A national visa (D), as well as a temporary residence permit, allows students to travel via Schengen area countries for 3 months in each period of 6 months.
If you are coming for degree studies you need to apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) to live in Lithuania after the first semester spent at Vilnius University. All the documents should be submitted to the Territorial division of the Migration department. The decision of the issue of the temporary residence permit shall be made within 3 months (as general order)/ 45 days (as urgent order) after the submission of the documents. The temporary residence permit to live in Lithuania may be issued for a period not exceeding two years. The required documents for the Temporary residence permit: You can choose a convenient date and time for your appointment from the calendar available after submitting your online application. Note1: All documents must be translated into Lithuanian or English language. Note2: The certificate of Non-Criminal Record must be legalized and (or) certified by an Apostille. To legalize documents in Lithuania, you have to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. After receiving information from the Migration Department under the Ministry of Interior of Lithuania, regarding the taken decision on granting a temporary residence permit the student must visit the local Migration Board for the processing of the residence permit. Extension of Temporary Residence Permit (for non-EU/EEA citizens) Documents should be submitted not earlier than 4 months and not later than 2 months before the expiry date of the permit. Concerning the required documents for extension contact International Relations Office. When applying for TRP until the end of studies, TRP is issued for a period of three months longer than the study period. During the last year of studying, you can apply for a temporary residence permit for 12 additional months from the day when studies are finished in order to look for a job. EXCHANGE STUDIES
All students, EU/EFTA citizens, coming for studies in Lithuania for more than 3 months are required to register at the Migration Office immediately upon arrival. For the registration at the Migration Office the following documents are necessary:
Non-degree students from non-EU/EFTA countries must get a national D-type visa before arrival. If You have a valid residence permit or visa for the purpose of study issued by another EU country and come to Lithuania for an exchange programme, you can stay and study here without a visa up to 360 days. The necessary documents to be submitted to the nearest Lithuanian Embassy for the national visa: Requirements for medical insurance see Health insurance Online registration for an appointment at the Migration office in Lithuania. Note: The health insurance contract (policy) and bank account statement may be issued in English. For EU/EFTA citizens
For Non-EU/EFTA citizens (Before Arrival)
For Non-EU/EFTA citizens (After Arrival)
For EU/EFTA exchange students
For non-EU/EFTA exchange students
Please note that details of the procedure for application for the residence permit/visa D might be changed by the time you decide to visit the country therefore we suggest that you consult the nearest Lithuanian embassy before the arrival or internet:
NB: It is the responsibility of individual students to present all required documents in a timely manner at the Migration Department to maintain a valid and legitimate visa (or residence permit) status throughout their study at VU.