Lithuania has introduced stricter rules on residence permit applications through external service providers as of 1 December 2024, BNS reports. From now on, only citizens of countries with an office of the external service provider can use their services. Citizens of other countries can apply for temporary residency permits at an office in another country for family reunification, highly qualified work, or studies. Lithuania has such offices in 30 countries. The Ministry of Interior said that the tighter rules were in response to the growing influx of foreigners, threats to national security, and the capacity of state institutions to ensure effective monitoring of arrivals. The ministry noted that 40% of applications for temporary residency permits were rejected during preliminary checks. According to the Lithuanian Migration Department, there are currently 116,246 foreigners in Lithuania with temporary residence permits for work.
Read Less, Know More.