What is changing from 1 September
Lithuania's Migration Department has announced changes to mediation letters and applications for temporary residence permits based on employment. The adjustment comes as the country's annual foreign-worker quota approaches its limit.
The 2026 quota is almost exhausted
The approved quota for 2026 is 24,706 places. According to the Migration Department, 22,552 quota units had already been used by 21 August, while another 5,577 work-based residence permit applications were under review.
Salary requirements after the quota is reached
Once the quota is exhausted, a work-based temporary residence permit may generally be issued only where the salary is at least 1.2 times Lithuania's latest published average gross monthly wage. The department states that this currently corresponds to EUR 2,893.
For occupations included on Lithuania's high-value shortage list, the stated threshold is one average gross monthly wage, currently EUR 2,411. The required salary must be paid throughout the validity of the permit.
What employers and applicants should check
Applications submitted through MIGRIS from 1 September must clearly indicate whether the relevant salary condition is met. Employers may also be asked for an additional commitment where an earlier application is still pending when the quota is exhausted.
Practical takeaway
Applicants should confirm the salary, occupation category and timing before relying on a Lithuanian work route. The quota changes quickly, so the current position should always be checked through the official Migration Department source before submission.