Relocation packet for easier relocation of employees from Belarus

The relocation package for moving from a non-EU country to Lithuania was approved. This package will allow the simplest relocation of businesses from non-EU countries to EU countries under simplified conditions and the relocation of non- EU employees. This will make it easier for non-EU companies to enter the European market. Changes in legislation will take effect on 15 June 2021.

The main conditions for relocation of business and employees from a non-EU country to Lithuania:

all the relocated employees will be able to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania;
the Employment Service will not assess the qualifications or work experience of such employees – the investor himself will decide on the employee’s suitability for work in the company;
the employee’s family members will not be assessed on their suitability for the labor market – they will have the right to work in Lithuania and apply for the residence permit of the same duration.

The basic conditions for business relocation and moving from a non-EU country:

1. to invest at least EUR 1.45 million in Lithuania;

2. to create at least 20 workplaces;

3. to pay their employees no less than 1.5 of average wage depending on the municipality in which the investment is made.

The relocation package is expected to provide the companies from non-EU countries with an opportunity to successfully relocate and develop their businesses in Lithuania and to enter the European market. Currently, 43 Belarusian companies have already started the relocation process, and 40 more are considering relocating their operations to Lithuania.

Startup Visa Lithuania

We would like to remind you that the changes in the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (Law) are in force as of 1 March 2021. These changes have also made it easier for “Startups” to establish their businesses in Lithuania.

Startup Visa Lithuania is a talent attraction scheme that provides innovative non-EU entrepreneurs with a streamlined entry process to the Lithuanian start-up ecosystem where they can build, grow, and compete in our booming international community. Start-up must operate in one of the following fields: Biotechnologies, Nanotechnologies, Information Technologies, Mechatronics, Electronics, Laser Technologies.

Startup Visa will allow living in Lithuania for one year with the possibility to renew it for 1 year twice. Additionally, as of 1 March, if the temporary residence permit has been renewed twice it may be replaced by a temporary residence permit for a further 2 years provided that a foreigner submits a document confirming that the incorporated start-up attracted an investment of at least EUR 30 000 from the date of establishment. The change represents a possibility for a prolonged term of residency from 3 up to 5 years in total.

A foreigner is eligible for Startup Visa if he/she is at least a part-owner of the firm to be incorporated and has enough financial resources to achieve the set business goals for 1 year. There is no set regulated amount, he/she decides how much capital is needed to achieve 1-year goals.

A foreigner must establish a company no later than 120 days from the date of issue of the permit. A foreigner who intends to become a participant in an already established enterprise must become a participant in such enterprise no later than within 60 days from the date of issue of the temporary residence permit.

For more information or a consultation regarding labour, migration, or tax law issues, please consult ECOVIS ProventusLaw team.

Prepared by: ECOVIS ProventusLaw Associate Lina Bulovienė