BLUE CARD

Upon striving to ensure attraction of highly qualified specialists from third countries to the EU labour market, the European Union institutions have developed the incentive mechanism, also referred to as the BLUE CARD. BLUE CARD is provided in accordance with provisions of the Council Directive 2009/50/EC on conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the territory of European Union. The said Card may be considered a work permit/a residence permit that provides citizens of third countries a right to live and work in the territory of the European Union. BLUE CARD is an alternative to a usual Work Permit; it ensures more rapid and easy way for accessing the labour market of Lithuania.

BLUE CARD may be issued to highly qualified specialists only. The person should have evidences of his (her) high qualification. 

Foreigners whose profession is included in the List of Shortage Occupations with High Added Value in the Republic of Lithuania will have to be paid at least 1.2 times the amount of the last published average gross monthly wage for the calendar year. However, provided the foreigner’s activity is not included in the aforementioned list, they must be paid at least 1.5 times the amount of the last published average gross monthly wage.

The requirement for foreigners who apply for the Blue Card to obtain a decision of the Employment Service indicating that foreigner’s job meets the needs of the labour market of the Republic of Lithuania has also been revoked.

Usually BLUE CARD remains in force in Lithuania for up to 3 years. If an employment contract is concluded with an alien for a period shorter than 3 years, BLUE CARD remains valid for 3 months after the expiry of the employment contract.

Family members of an alien may immigrate together with the alien; they are issued a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania valid for the period of validity of the BLUE CARD issued to the alien.