Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is located in Central and Eastern Europe on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered to the southeast by Belarus, to the southwest by Russia and Poland, and to the north by Latvia. With a population of only 2.94 million and a per capita GDP of over $23,000, Lithuania's immigration market has gradually gained recognition in recent years. So, what is Lithuania's immigration policy?
1. Can I obtain an EU "Green Card" through the Lithuanian residence permit, or am I still a Chinese citizen?
Answer: Lithuania is a member of the EU, uses the Euro, and is part of the Schengen Area. Obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit does not equate to citizenship; it merely allows one to enjoy the benefits of residency in EU countries while still being a bona fide Chinese citizen.
2. What is Lithuania's immigration policy?
Answer: According to relevant Lithuanian laws, citizens of non-EU countries can establish companies in Lithuania, acting as shareholders and legal representatives, and are entitled to apply for Lithuanian (EU) residency. This status is initially issued for a validity period of 1-2 years, and after issuance, one must enter Lithuania within 180 days. After five years, one can obtain EU permanent residency.
3. Can I obtain a permanent residence permit in one step?
Answer: No. Almost all European countries require a temporary residence permit before one can obtain a permanent residence permit. One must hold a temporary residence permit for 5 years before being eligible to exchange it for a permanent residence permit. Generally, the first temporary residence permit is valid for 1 year, the second for 2 years, and the third for another 2 years. After these 5 years, one can exchange for a permanent residence permit. The benefits of residency for both temporary and permanent residence permits are identical!
4. Can I buy property and work locally with a Lithuanian residence permit?
Answer: Like other EU residence permits, both temporary and permanent residence permits allow free movement within EU countries. Holders can open bank accounts in EU countries, purchase real estate and vehicles, etc. By paying a low insurance premium, one can enjoy local health insurance; children can access free, high-quality public education just like EU residents, and so on.
5. What documents do clients need to prepare? Is there a need for financial certification and to stay in "immigration monitoring"?
Answer: Most immigration procedures to Lithuania are handled in Lithuania, and clients only need to provide a few simple documents from their home country: a copy of the household registration book, a copy of the ID card, notarized and double-certified criminal record, notarized and double-certified marriage certificate, and notarized and double-certified birth certificate.
Clients do not need to provide proof of the source of funds, nor any other financial documents, and there is no requirement to stay in "immigration monitoring"; there is no mandatory residency time requirement in Lithuania.
6. Can family members accompany me when immigrating to Lithuania?
Answer: Spouses can apply for temporary residence permits as joint investors, or they can apply separately as individual investors. Additionally, all children under 18 can apply for temporary residence permits alongside their parents in the same application.