Student Visa for Lithuania: Temporary Residence Permit, Money and Insurance

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Students from outside the EU often search for a "Lithuanian student visa", but full-time degree students do not get one. They need a temporary residence permit (leidimas laikinai gyventi, often called a TRP) issued by the Migration Department. This guide reflects the rules as universities published them for 2026. Amounts change, so confirm them with your university before you apply.

Who needs what

• EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no visa or permit to enter. If you stay more than three months, you apply in MIGRIS for a temporary residence certificate confirming your right of residence. LSMU's 2026 guidance lists a €10 fee, a declaration of funds of at least €576.50 a month, the university's enrolment certificate and health insurance, such as the European Health Insurance Card.
• Non-EU full-time degree students need a temporary residence permit for studies. VILNIUS TECH and Vilnius University both state that since 1 July 2023 national D visas are no longer issued for full-time study.
• Exchange students from outside the EU, who come for a semester or a year, apply for a national D visa instead.

How to apply for the permit

The application runs through MIGRIS, the Migration Department's online system on migracija.lt. Start as soon as you have accepted your place.

1. Accept your offer and pay what the university asks. The university then gives you a mediation letter number, which links your application to your admission.
2. Fill in the application in MIGRIS (Studies, I am a student, Apply for a permit) and choose where to hand in your documents and biometrics.
3. Hand in the originals at a VFS Global centre in your country, or at a Lithuanian embassy, before you travel. If you are already in Lithuania legally, you can apply at a Migration Department office.
4. Wait for the decision, then collect the permit card where you applied.
5. After arrival, declare your place of residence within the deadline.

The EU Immigration Portal says a decision comes within three months at the latest, or faster if you pay an extra fee. Vilnius University gives up to two months for a standard application. Apply early.

Money to show

You must prove you can support yourself. For 2026, Vilnius University asks for at least €577 a month for 12 months plus €1,153 for the return journey, a total of €8,077. VILNIUS TECH asks for the same €8,077 for one year and wants bank statements or payslips for the last six months. The money can be in your own account or a parent's.

Insurance and other documents

• Health insurance valid in Lithuania for the whole permit period. Universities set different minimum cover: Vilnius University asks for at least €10,000, while VILNIUS TECH asks for €30,000. Check your university's list.
• A valid passport.
• A criminal record certificate from your home country, apostilled or legalised. See apostille and legalisation of documents.
• Proof of accommodation in Lithuania.
• The mediation letter number from your university.

Vilnius University notes that bank statements, insurance and the criminal record certificate may be in English or Lithuanian, while other documents must be in Lithuanian.

Fees

According to Vilnius University, applying from abroad costs a state fee of €110 plus a €110 VFS Global service fee. Applying in Lithuania costs €110, or €440 for the urgent procedure.

Working while you study

According to the EU Immigration Portal, students with a study permit may work up to 20 hours a week. The limit does not apply during the summer holidays set by your institution. Family members cannot join bachelor's students on a study permit; the exception is for doctoral students.

Renewing the permit

The first permit usually covers one or two years. You renew it in MIGRIS from Lithuania, at least two months before it expires. Vilnius University requires you to have earned at least 40 ECTS credits in the last academic year.

After graduation

Graduates can apply for a further temporary residence permit for 12 months to look for work or start a business. Vilnius University lists funds of at least €1,245 a month for that permit.

Where to look next

• How to get into a university in Lithuania
• How much it costs to study in Lithuania
• All programmes in Lithuania
• Student visas in Europe: an overview
• Health insurance for students in Europe
• Document recognition for Lithuania
• Student housing in Lithuania

Official sources

• Migration Department (MIGRIS): online applications
• EU Immigration Portal: Student in Lithuania: European Commission
• Vilnius University: Visa and residence permit
• VILNIUS TECH: Immigration regulations for full-time students
• Study in Lithuania: Visas and permits

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.