The amended Law simplifies the conditions for entry of foreigners coming to Lithuania in the framework of the European Union or its Member States’ programmes for the purposes of voluntary service, studies, training or research and development in research and education institutions.
Foreign nationals will now be able to enter the Republic of Lithuania for training and unremunerated training in research and education institutions, companies, agencies, or organizations. After the completion of the studies or the research activity in the Republic of Lithuania, foreign nationals will be able to stay for additional nine months to look for a job or continue as self-employed.
Decisions on issuing temporary residence permits to researchers and their family members will be taken simultaneously if their applications are submitted concurrently.
The amendments also specify that foreign nationals holding valid temporary residence permits or national visas issued for the purposes of research and development activities by another EU Member State will be allowed to enter and stay in the Republic of Lithuania visa-free for the period of up to 180 days out of 360 for the purposes of research and development activities in research and education institutions.
Moreover, the amended Law reduces the period of issuing permits to foreign nationals who enter Lithuania for the purpose of studies. The permits will now be issued within three months (cf. within four months, according to the existing Law).
Finally, the amendments stipulate that during their studies, foreign nationals will be permitted to work no more than 20 hours per week, except in the summer holiday period set by the education establishment or research and education institution. This provision will not be applied to foreign nationals in doctoral programmes.
The amendments will enter into force on 1 July 2018.
