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1. Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

2. Legal framework

Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

Lithuania participate in EURES program. EURES services to jobseekers and employers include:

• Matching of job vacancies and CVs on the EURES portal.

• Information and guidance and other support services for workers and employers.

• Access to information on living and working conditions in the EU member states.

• Support to specific groups in the context of EURES targeted job mobility scheme.

• Support to dynamic recruitment events through the European (Online) Job Days platform.

• Information on and access to post-recruitment assistance, such as language training and support with integration in the destination country.

Also Lithuania participate in EU Erasmus Programme for Youth Entrepreneurs. This program helps the future entrepreneurs gain the skills needed to set up and (or) the successful management of a small company in Europe. New entrepreneurs are gaining skills and exchanging knowledge and business ideas with an experienced entrepreneur who has been in contact with and has been in business for one to six months. The stay is partly financed by the European Union.

EU programs, including cross-border mobility programs and schemes, are administered by the Agency of Youth Affairs, established on July 1, 2021 after the reorganization of the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Social Security and Labor and the Youth International Cooperation Agency. The agency provides information on opportunities to participate in the European Union program Erasmus+ Youth, youth exchange, European voluntary service, mobility of youth workers, strategic partnerships, structural dialogue projects and their organizational possibilities. Participation in other programs usually takes place through the cooperation of individual organizations.

Municipalities also contribute by organizing events that help to find employment in Lithuania, for example the event "Land and Job in Vilnius". In November 2021, "IH Vilnius" was opened - a one-stop service centre that provides services and consultations to foreigners on migration, taxes, social insurance, employment and other topics relevant to every new resident of Vilnius - a foreigner.

The Startup Visa is a talent attraction scheme that provides a streamlined entry process to the Lithuanian startup ecosystem for innovative non-EU entrepreneurs to build, grow and compete in our booming international community. Designed for innovative startup founders who wish to establish a startup in Lithuania. They no longer need to fulfil certain capital or employment requirements to obtain a residence permit. If a business idea is deemed suitable by a panel of experts, persons will be able to apply for a temporary residence permit on such basis. The Startup Visa will allow to live in the country for two years, with the possibility to extend for an additional up to five years, after which general immigration requirements must be met.

Lithuania also has bilateral agreements on youth exchange:

• On 14 February 1997, the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government of the Republic of Poland on Youth Cooperation and Exchange was signed in Alytus (entered into force on 1 December 1997). In implementing this Agreement, the Contracting Parties, in mutual cooperation, support various forms of contacts, cooperation and exchange of pupils, students, young workers, members of youth associations and organisations and persons working with youth.

• On 1 June 2007, the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government of the Republic of Poland on the Lithuanian-Polish Youth Exchange Fund was signed in Polotsk (entered into force on 7 September 2007). This Agreement established the Lithuanian-Polish Youth Exchange Fund, the purpose of which is to support Lithuanian-Polish youth cooperation in order to develop friendly cooperation between the Lithuanian and Polish peoples. The Foundation implements its goals by supporting and financing Lithuanian and Polish youth exchanges, various projects, youth events, meetings and other initiatives.

• On 28 August 2015, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government of Ukraine signed an agreement on the Lithuanian-Ukrainian Youth Exchange Council (entered into force on 30 December 2015). The agreement envisages the establishment of the Lithuanian-Ukrainian Youth Exchange Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council), the purpose of which is to support cooperation between Lithuanian and Ukrainian youth, with the aim of developing friendly cooperation between the peoples of Lithuania and Ukraine. The Council will implement its purpose by supporting and financing Lithuanian and Ukrainian youth exchanges, various projects, events, meetings and other initiatives. Funds for these activities will be allocated from the state budgets of the countries (in Lithuania – from the general appropriations approved by the State Budget of the Republic of Lithuania for the Ministry of Social Security and Labour) and from other sources provided for in the national legal acts of each of the countries. The amount of funds allocated will be determined annually by agreement between the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.

• 2009 On November 19, an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government of Canada on youth exchange was signed in Vilnius (entered into force on October 1, 2010). The purpose of the agreement is to provide opportunities for young people (aged 18 to 35) to deepen their professional and language knowledge, study, work during their vacation in another contracting state, and get to know its society and culture. More information about Canada's requirements for participants in the youth exchange program can be found on the Government of Canada's International Experience Canada website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca (information in English).

The legal environment in Lithuania is becoming more favorable towards foreigners, it is becoming easier for them to get a job. The business need to recruit talent from abroad also contributes strongly to this.

General provisions on entry and stay, taxes or social security apply to all residents, regardless of age. Information on the arrival of EU and non-EU citizens to Lithuania and the right to reside, applicable taxes can be found on the website of the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, on the website of the Migration Information Centre Renkuosi Lietuvą and on the website of the Lithuanian Public Employment Service UZT. 

About the employment of third-country nationals - the employment relations of a foreigner are regulated by:

• Law of the Republic of Lithuania "On the Legal Status of Foreigners".

• Description of the procedure for issuing seasonal work permits to foreigners, approved by the order of the Minister of Social Security and Labor of the Republic of Lithuania of May 15, 2017 no. A1-253 "On approval of the description of the procedure for issuing seasonal work permits to foreigners and the list of seasonal work".

• Labor Code of the Republic of Lithuania and other legal acts.

War refugees from Ukraine are exempted from the obligation to obtain a work permit in the Republic of Lithuania, therefore employers of the Republic of Lithuania intending to employ them do not have to apply to the Employment Service for the issuance of such documents.