How to Apply for a Lithuania Student Visa (Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) & National Visa D)

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. University Admission & Mediation Letter: You must first be accepted by a Lithuanian higher education institution. The institution will then submit an electronic "Mediation Letter" on your behalf directly into the MIGRIS system.
2. Apply via MIGRIS: Create an account on the Lithuanian Migration Department's electronic system (MIGRIS) and submit your Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) application online.
3. Book an Appointment: After submitting the online form, book an in-person appointment. If you are applying from abroad, this is usually done at an external service provider (VFS Global) designated by Lithuania.
4. Biometrics & Documents: Attend the appointment to provide your biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) and present the original physical copies of the documents you uploaded to MIGRIS.
5. National Visa (D) for Entry: Depending on your country, you may also need to apply for a National Visa D simultaneously to enter Lithuania while your TRP is being processed, or you can collect your TRP card at the external center before traveling.
6. Register Address: Upon receiving your TRP and arriving in Lithuania, you must formally declare your place of residence.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid Passport (valid for the entire intended period of stay).
• Mediation Letter Number (provided by your university).
• Proof of Financial Means (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
• Proof of Accommodation (rental contract ensuring at least 4 sq. meters of living space per person).
• Health Insurance (Minimum €6,000 coverage for TRP, but National Visa D often requires €30,000 Schengen coverage).
• Criminal Record Certificate (From all countries you've lived in for the past 2 years, apostilled/legalized, translated to Lithuanian).

Financial Requirements (2024/2026 Guidelines)

You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself in Lithuania and to pay for your return ticket.

• Required Amount: The monthly requirement is set at 0.5 of the minimum monthly salary (MMS) in Lithuania.
• Return Ticket Provision: You must also prove you have the funds for a return ticket to your home country (typically 1 full MMS amount).
• Accepted Evidence:
  • A bank statement in your name showing you have the total required amount for the upcoming 12 months.
  • A notarized written commitment from a sponsor (e.g., parents) accompanied by their bank statements proving their ability to support you.
  • An official scholarship or grant award letter.

Sponsorship Guidelines

• If a parent or relative is sponsoring you, they must provide a notarized "Support Commitment" letter.
• This letter must be supported by official documents proving their regular income (e.g., employment contracts, tax returns, and bank statements).
• The sponsor must prove they earn enough to comfortably cover both their own living expenses and your monthly requirement in Lithuania.

Accompanying Family Members

• Strict Limitations: Unlike workers or researchers, international students on a standard TRP do not have the immediate right to bring dependents (spouses or minor children) to Lithuania.
• Family Reunification: Family reunification is generally only possible if you hold a different status, or after you have lived in Lithuania for at least 2 years, hold a TRP valid for at least 1 more year, and have reasonable prospects of acquiring permanent residence.
• Conclusion: Do not expect to bring your family with you on an initial student visa.

Working While Studying

• Work Limits: Students enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program are allowed to work full-time (40 hours per week) without needing an additional work permit.
• Bachelor Students: Students in Bachelor's programs are legally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week.
• Post-Study Work: After graduation, you can apply for a TRP for 12 months to look for a job or start a business as a highly skilled worker.