Changing Employers

What it is

If you work in Lithuania on a work-based visa or residence permit, your right to stay is usually tied to a specific employer. Changing jobs is possible, but you typically need to notify the authorities and follow a process — otherwise you may unintentionally violate the conditions of your permit.

Who it is for

This guide is for migrants who:

• Hold a work-based temporary residence permit or a national D work visa, and
• Want to change or are thinking about changing their employer in Lithuania.

EU/EEA citizens do not normally need a work permit, so different rules apply to them.

How to apply / what to do

Before you resign, check your permit conditions

Your residence permit or visa may be issued for a specific employer or job position. Look at the conditions stated on your permit card or in your MIGRIS account. It is important to know whether your permit allows you to change employers freely, or whether a new application is needed.

Watch the salary condition — this matters most

A work-based residence permit usually requires your salary to be at least a set minimum — as a rule, around the average monthly gross wage in Lithuania (and higher for some permits, or when the work quota is exceeded). This amount changes every year, so check the current figure with the Migration Department. If a new job pays less and drops you below that minimum, it can put your permit at risk. Do not resign or accept a lower-paid offer until you have confirmed with the Migration Department that the new salary still meets the condition of your permit.

You usually must work 6 months first

Under the current rules you can normally apply to change employer only after you have worked for your initial employer for at least 6 months (some exceptions apply). Check your own case with the Migration Department before you act.

Notify the Migration Department

In general, Lithuanian law requires you to notify the Migration Department when you change employer. You can usually do this through the MIGRIS online portal. The notification must be submitted promptly — do not wait until after you have already started a new job.

Your new employer's role

Your new employer may need to:

• Register the job offer or employment contract with the authorities.
• In some cases, submit documentation showing the position could not be filled by an EU citizen first (a labour market test), depending on the type of permit you hold.

Ask your new employer to confirm what steps they need to take before your first day.

Mind the gap between jobs

In general, a short gap between jobs does not automatically make you illegal. However, you should not remain unemployed for longer than the period allowed by your permit conditions. If you are unsure how long you can be without work, check with the Migration Department or a legal adviser.

Your rights do not disappear when you change jobs

Regardless of which employer you work for, you have the same rights under Lithuanian labour law — the right to a written contract, to receive your full salary on time, and to safe working conditions. If your previous employer owes you money, you can still pursue that claim.

What to do next

• Once you start your new job, make sure your residence permit still covers your new activity. If a permit amendment or renewal is needed, apply promptly.
• Check whether your new employer registers you correctly with the State Social Insurance Fund (Sodra).

Where to get help

• Migration Department of Lithuania — for questions about permit conditions and notifications.
• State Labour Inspectorate (VDI) — for questions about labour rights, contracts, or unpaid wages.
• Employment Service (Užimtumo tarnyba) — for support if you are between jobs.