If you’re looking to study in a European country, you might want to add Lithuania at the top of your list. Completing your degree here means you can work anywhere in the world, as education here is globally recognized. Moreover, most of the programs here are taught in English, so you need not struggle with another language.
Compared to other countries in the European Union, the cost of living here is pretty decent, too. You can save on attendance and living costs and have enough to enjoy tourist attractions and activities. Before you can start your journey here, check out how to get a student visa in Lithuania.
What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in Lithuania?
Lithuania promises an excellent opportunity to study abroad, but you’ll likely need a visa to enter this country. As there are many visa types, students should apply for a multiple entry visa for a long-term stay. Here are the visa application documents you’ll need to prepare:
- Complete application form
- Valid passport issued within the last ten years has at least two blank pages and is valid for at least three months after visa validity ends.
- One 35x45mm color photo
- Mediation letter from your host university through the Lithuanian Migration System
- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and return costs
- Proof of health insurance, with at least $35,000 coverage
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
How much money do you need for a Lithuania Student Visa?
Application for a student visa costs EUR120 or around $140, depending on the country you’re applying from. Besides this, you’ll also need to prepare for subsistence proof for staying and returning to your home country.
You’ll need to have an amount of at least 5% of the monthly minimum salary in Lithuania plus the expected costs of your travel flight back home. Just to be sure, you can prepare an amount of at least $200 for every month of your stay.
Of course, no matter the amount you bring, you’ll need to budget this accordingly. Here is an example of a monthly budget for your stay in Lithuania:
- Accommodation: $100 to $350
- Food and drinks: $180 to $360
- Study Materials: $28 to $36
- Activities and hobbies: $120 to 350
- Transportation: $35
Besides the living expenses, you might need to pay for tuition fees if you decide to study in Lithuania as a fee-paying student. To give you an idea, here are the expected annual tuition rates in Lithuanian public universities:
- Bachelor’s degree – $1,200 to $6,300
- Master’s degree – $2,600 to $7,700
- Postgraduate – $8,300 to $10,000
Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Lithuania
1. Confirm if you Need to Apply for Visa
You’ll only need to apply for a student visa in Lithuania if you’re NOT from one of the 27 member countries of the European Union. These are the following:
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Ireland
- Greece
- Portugal
- Spain
- Austria
- Finland
- Sweden
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Croatia
If you’re from one of the listed countries above, you only need to present your passport and national identity card. And since you’ll be staying for more than 180 days to finish your studies, you can apply for a certificate confirming your right to remain in Lithuania. You can do this through a Migration Department office.
2. Make a Checklist of Your Visa Application Requirements
Preparing a checklist for your application requirements can help you easily monitor the documents you have on hand and others you still need to accomplish. It is also an excellent tool when prioritizing the documents and tasks to complete.
3. Lodge an Online Application
You’ll need to send your Lithuania student visa application at least 15 days but not more than 60 days before your intended arrival to Lithuania. For your online application form, make sure that all information you included is correct. Double-check all data you declared in the form before adding your signature. As for your application photo, make sure to follow the format here.
You can also start your application online through a third-party provider commissioned by the Lithuanian government. The process here is pretty straightforward, which includes:
- Starting online application
- Preparing your documents
- Booking an appointment with a Visa Application Center
- Bringing your requirements on your appointment date
- Tracking your application
- Collecting your passport
There is an additional charge if you opt for a visa application center.
4. Proceed to the Lithuania Embassy Documents Submission
You can submit your application directly to the Lithuanian embassy in your country. Ideally, you can contact them first to confirm if you need to submit any additional documents and know the actual application fee. Moreover, you might need to get in touch with the embassy first, as you might need an appointment before you can submit your requirements.
At the embassy, the consul will review your documents and interview you for your Lithuania student visa application. You’ll also need to complete fingerprint scanning and pay the non-refundable application fee.
5. Receive Your Passport and Visa
After submitting your complete application for your Lithuania student visa, the embassy will process your visa within 15 days. In some cases, such as incomplete documents and further verification, the process can take up to 45 days.
You will receive a notification once your passport is ready for pick up. From there, you have a visa valid for up to one year. If you have a multiple entry visa, you may apply for a renewal after 180 days from your visa expiry. However, suppose you apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. In that case, you will need to start your visa renewal at least 2 months before your visa expires. After all, you will need a valid visa for the Temporary Residence Permit.
6. Apply for Temporary Residence Permit
Once you arrive in Lithuania, you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) if your intended stay is more extended than one year. Ensure submission of the following requirements to a Migration Department office:
- Valid passport
- Valid visa
- Proof of sufficient funds, at least $380 per month
- Health insurance
- Documentary proof of place of residence in Lithuania
- Commitment for a place of residence declaration
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Request form
- A state fee of EUR120
Upon approval, your TRP is valid for up two years, and you need to renew this at least four months in advance if you need to stay longer in Lithuania. Without a valid TRP, you’ll need to fly back home and apply for a new Lithuania student visa.
We hope that this article on how to apply for a student visa in Lithuania was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
