Lithuania Work Visa from Pakistan 2026: Quota, Salary Rule, Fees and Timeline

Published August 20, 2026 · by Hijrat — visa consultants, Islamabad & Rawalpindi

Lithuania has quietly become one of the more realistic European work-visa routes for Pakistani applicants. It is a full EU and Schengen member, and unlike several larger EU states it still runs an open annual quota for non-EU workers. For 2026 that quota is 24,706 positions, covering shortage roles such as long-haul truck driving, welding, construction, warehousing and food processing.

How the Lithuanian work route actually works

There is no single "work visa" you apply for on your own. The process runs in three stages, and the first stage belongs to the employer, not to you:

1. Employer files a mediation letter in Lithuania's MIGRIS online system, confirming the job offer and your qualifications. The employer pays a stamp duty of roughly EUR 50, and this step typically takes about five working days.
2. Work permit or exemption decision is issued by the Employment Service. You qualify if you hold a recognised qualification for the role, have at least one year of relevant experience in the last three years, or are being paid at least the national average gross monthly salary.
3. National D visa or temporary residence permit is then applied for at the Lithuanian mission handling your case. The national (D) visa fee is around EUR 120, and it normally covers your first year while the residence permit is processed.

The salary rule that decides most cases

The salary threshold is the single most common reason Pakistani files fail. If you cannot show a recognised qualification or documented experience, your contract must pay at least the last published national average gross monthly salary — currently in the region of EUR 2,400 per month. For high-skilled and EU Blue Card roles the figure is higher again. For ordinary shortage-occupation jobs the qualification or experience route is usually the workable one, which is why a properly attested degree, diploma or trade certificate matters so much.

Where Pakistani applicants apply

Lithuania does not maintain an embassy in Islamabad. Schengen matters for residents of Pakistan have been handled through a representing mission — most commonly the Embassy of Hungary in Islamabad — while national D visa applications have at times been routed to a Lithuanian mission elsewhere in the region. Representation arrangements change without much notice, so confirm the current accredited mission and appointment channel before you book travel or pay any fee. Do not rely on an agent's word alone on this point.

Documents to prepare early

Expect to submit a passport valid well beyond the permit period, the signed employment contract, proof of qualification or experience, a police character certificate, medical insurance, accommodation confirmation and biometrics. Educational and experience documents normally need HEC, IBCC and MOFA attestation plus certified English translation before a Lithuanian employer or the Migration Department will accept them. Starting attestation before the employer files the mediation letter can save several weeks.

Realistic timeline and costs

Budget roughly two to four months end to end in a clean case: about a week for the mediation letter, several weeks for the permit decision, then 10–15 working days for the visa itself, stretching to 20–25 days in the spring and summer peak. Add attestation and translation time in Pakistan on top of that. Direct government costs are modest — the EUR 50 employer duty and the EUR 120 D visa fee — but recruitment agents, travel to a third-country appointment and document processing are where the real money goes.

Watch for fake job offers

Lithuania's quota attracts a large volume of fraudulent "guaranteed permit" offers aimed at Pakistani workers. A genuine offer comes from a named, registered Lithuanian company, is filed in MIGRIS by that company, and never requires you to pay the employer for the permit itself. If you are being asked for a large cash payment against a scanned contract with no company registration number, treat it as a scam. Anyone taking up employment abroad should also complete BEOE Protector registration before departure.

Is it worth applying?

For skilled trades and drivers with documented experience, Lithuania remains one of the better-value EU routes: a workable quota, a clear legal process and eventual access to long-term EU residence. For applicants with no qualification, no experience record and no genuine employer, it is not a shortcut. See our visa services overview and our guides to Poland and Romania for the closest alternatives.

Quotas, salary thresholds, fees and embassy representation arrangements for Lithuania change frequently, and every decision rests with the Lithuanian Migration Department and the relevant embassy. This article reflects information available on the date of publication — always confirm current requirements with Hijrat or the official Lithuanian authorities before applying or paying anyone.