What to Do if Your Salary Is Not Paid

What the law says

In Lithuania, wages must be paid at least once a month on an agreed payday. This is required by the Labour Code. If your employer does not pay you on time or pays you less than agreed, they are breaking the law — regardless of whether you have a written contract, regardless of your nationality, and regardless of your residence status.

You have rights even without a written contract

A verbal agreement or evidence of actual work is enough to establish that an employment relationship existed. You do not lose your wage rights simply because you have no signed contract. If your employer claims you were "just helping" or "volunteering" when you were clearly doing paid work, this can be challenged.

What to do if you are not paid

Step 1 — Gather evidence

Collect anything that shows you worked and what you were promised:

• Text messages, emails, or voice messages with your employer
• Bank records, even partial payments
• Payslips, timesheets, or work schedules
• Messages from colleagues or any witnesses
• Photos showing you at the workplace

Keep copies in a safe place outside your work premises.

Step 2 — Talk to your employer first (if safe)

Sometimes non-payment is a misunderstanding or a temporary cash-flow problem. A written message (SMS or email) asking when you will be paid creates a record. Keep all responses.

Step 3 — Complain to the State Labour Inspectorate (VDI)

The VDI investigates wage disputes. Filing a complaint is free of charge. You can submit a complaint:

• Online at vdi.lt
• By post or in person at a VDI office

The VDI can order the employer to pay overdue wages and issue fines. You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint.

Step 4 — Consider a court claim

If the VDI process does not resolve the matter, you can file a civil claim in a Lithuanian labour court. Free legal aid is available for people who cannot afford a lawyer — ask your municipality or a legal aid centre.

Important: filing a complaint is your right

Your immigration status does not prevent you from complaining to the VDI. Inspectors deal with labour law violations and are not responsible for immigration enforcement. Do not be afraid to report unpaid wages.

What to do next

• File your complaint as soon as possible — there are time limits under Lithuanian law.
• Contact a legal aid organisation or NGO if you need help filling in the complaint or understanding the process.

Where to get help

The VDI hotline and online portal (vdi.lt) are the first point of contact. Free legal aid centres, Caritas Lithuania, and other support organisations can help migrants navigate the process.