Laws and regulations
International students in Lithuania face distinct employment conditions governed by the Labor Code and immigration regulations.
How many hours can international students work in Lithuania?
International students in Lithuania have different working hour restrictions depending on their nationality:
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EU students and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week without any limitations.
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Non-EU students can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, they can work full-time during their studies without a work permit if they have a temporary residence permit.
After residing in Lithuania for 12 months, non-EU students can apply for a temporary residence permit valid for 12 months for work purposes, which allows them to start working immediately after getting employed. Non-EU students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and can work full-time during their final year of studies. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a temporary residence permit for 12 additional months for job search and self-employment purposes. During these 12 additional months, no additional work permit is required.
Post-Graduation Employment:
Non-EU graduates can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for 12 months to search for a job or start a business. During this time, no additional work permit is needed. After securing employment, they must renew their residence permit under employment grounds.
Residence Permit Extensions:
Recent changes allow a 6-month extension (previously 3 months) of residence permits for graduating students, facilitating job searches. Employers hiring such graduates are subject to fewer administrative requirements.
In addition, family members of a foreigner studying for a master’s or doctoral degree will now be able to apply for a temporary residence permit on the basis of family reunification. Family members of a foreigner who has already completed such studies and has a temporary residence permit for job seeking will also be allowed to apply.
Labor Code Regulations
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Employment contracts must be provided in a language the employee understands (e.g., Lithuanian-English) to ensure compliance.
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Fixed-term contracts under six months have proportionate probation periods.
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Details on rights, social guarantees, and procedures must be included in employment contracts.
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The standard workweek in Lithuania is 40 hours, with provisions for overtime, which must be compensated according to legal standards.
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Employees, including international students, can work part-time. Adjustments for study schedules must align with Labor Code provisions.
In addition, employers have new information obligations. The following information must now be provided to the employee by the start of work (if not already listed in the employment contract):
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information about the probationary period and its conditions;
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procedure and payment for overtime;
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regulations on shift schedules;
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information on the right to training;
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data on social contributions as well as social protection, information on authorities if the employer is responsible for them.
Starting in 2026, foreign workers in Lithuania’s service industry – such as food couriers, taxi drivers, and retail employees – will be required to serve clients in Lithuanian.
Internships and Vocational Training
From now on, temporary residence permits will additionally be issued to foreigners who have arranged an internship contract in Lithuania, regardless of whether the intended internship and studies belong to the same field of involvement. This enhances flexibility in gaining work experience.
Foreign students enrolled in formal vocational training programs are eligible for residence permits. However, non-formal training programs do not qualify for immigration benefits. Graduates from vocational programs can extend their stay to seek employment or start a business under simplified conditions.
Useful Resources
Inspiring work - Work in Lithuania – there you create a list for companies where you would like to work and apply directly.
Online seminars related to employment in Lithuania:
Job Search Websites
The website Work in Lithuania is designed to help international professionals explore career opportunities in Lithuania. It offers resources for job seekers, such as tailored job listings in fields like tech, finance, and engineering, and information about the Lithuanian work-life balance, relocation processes, and lifestyle. The platform connects users with international companies based in Lithuania, provides success stories, and offers guidance on how to relocate smoothly. It's a useful tool for those looking to advance their careers in a growing, innovative economy. The website has a big emphasis on the accounting and financial jobs, full-time and remote job options.
LinkedIn – is one of the platforms which can be helpful when trying to find a job. LinkedIn helps you find relevant jobs that suit your skills and qualifications. You can either search for a job using the search field or you can directly access the Jobs page where you can search and apply for jobs. Millions of jobs are posted on LinkedIn every day, so it’s important that you’re able to find the right job postings that fit your expectations and requirements.
To do so you need to make a good-looking profile containing your skills, education level, experience you had that might be relevant to the job position you’re looking for.
The LinkedIn profile page is the foundation for your personal branding. So here are a couple of quick tips for you:
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Choose the right profile picture. Profile picture is your calling card on LinkedIn – it’s how people are introduced to you and (visual beings that we are) it governs their impressions from the start. Make sure the picture is recent and looks like you, your face takes up around 60% of it (long-distance shots don’t stand out), wear what you would like to wear to work, and smile with your eyes!
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Use the headline field to say a bit more about you. How you see your role, why you do what you do, and what makes you tick.
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List your relevant skills. Look through the list of skills that are provided in LinkedIn and identify those that are relevant to you. It’s important to not overdo the list so make sure to choose the ones who represent you the most.
The website CVbankas is a job portal aimed at helping users find employment in Lithuania. It provides job listings across various industries and sectors, allowing job seekers to apply directly to open positions. For international students, the platform can be a valuable resource for finding part-time, internship, or full-time opportunities during and after their studies. The website is helpful as it can help with creating a resume and sending it directly to the employers. It helps students gain insight into the Lithuanian job market, connect with employers, and start their professional careers in the country.
CV-Online is a comprehensive job portal for finding employment opportunities in Lithuania. It offers:
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Extensive Job Listings 📄: From internships to senior roles across industries.
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Career Resources 📚: CV-building tips, career advice, and labor market insights.
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Easy Navigation 🔍: Filters by location, sector, and job type for tailored searches.
This is a go-to platform for students who want a structured and localized approach to job hunting.
MettFrank is a next-gen app-based job platform designed for ease and transparency. Its features include:
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Anonymous Applications 🙈: Explore jobs without revealing your identity.
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Salary Transparency 💰: See pay ranges before applying.
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Focus on Flexibility 🌍: Perfect for remote, hybrid, and part-time roles.
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AI-Powered Matching 🚀: A personalized experience to find the best-fit jobs.
MeetFrank is ideal for international students balancing studies and exploring flexible work options.
First Steps in Working with Foreign Students
Understanding cultural differences
Awareness of Diversity: Recognize that foreign students come from diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds, influencing their communication styles, behavior, and expectations.
Avoiding Assumptions: Be open to learning about individual students rather than generalizing based on their nationality or culture.
Effective Communication
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Use clear, simple language to overcome language barriers.
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Be patient and open to repeating or rephrasing instructions.
Cultural Sensitivity
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Familiarize yourself with students' cultural norms (e.g., greetings, time management, dietary restrictions).
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Show respect for different traditions and values.
Promoting Tolerance
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Inclusive Environment: Encourage collaboration and interaction among students of various backgrounds to foster inclusivity.
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Challenging Stereotypes: Address and dispel stereotypes or biases among students and staff.
Conflict Resolution:
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Mediate misunderstandings or conflicts caused by cultural differences.
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Promote dialogue and mutual understanding.