Residence and formalities for students in Europe

EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa – you enter with your ID card or passport.

If you stay in Lithuania for longer than 3 months, you apply for a Certificate of the Right of Residence for EU citizens. It is issued by the Migration Department (Migracijos departamentas) – details and forms are on migracija.lrv.lt. You can also declare your place of residence there.

Students from outside the EU/EEA staying less than a year can come on a national (D) visa; for a full degree you need a temporary residence permit (TRP) for studies. You fill in the application in the Migration Information System MIGRIS and submit your documents either before arrival (through VFS Global or a Lithuanian embassy) or after arrival at a Migration Department office. Processing takes up to 3 months (45 days in the fast-track procedure). According to Vilnius University, the state fee is €80 (€320 for urgent processing) and you must prove sufficient funds – at least €577 a month for 12 months plus €1,153 for the journey home (2026). You will also need, among other things, a letter from your university, proof of accommodation and a criminal record certificate.

Health insurance: with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you are entitled to state healthcare in Lithuania if you have an accident or fall ill. Visits to private clinics are not covered. Students from outside the EU need private health insurance – Vilnius University and Vytautas Magnus University require cover of at least €10,000 for a TRP and €30,000 for a national visa. Note: the EU Immigration Portal gives a lower minimum of €6,000 for a TRP – check with the Migration Department and your university before you buy a policy.