Baltic States » Lithuania

Lithuania facts

General information about Lithuania:

 Capital: Vilnius

 Official language: Lithuanian

 Population: 3,0 million

 Political system: Parliamentary democracy

 EU Membership: since 2004

 Official currency: Lihuanian Litas (Lt); (LTL)

 The Republic of Latvia, international abbreviation LT

 International code: LT

 Constitution: democratic parliamentary republic

 The parliament is called the Seimas.

 Internet domain: .lt

 International telephone code: +370

Geography:

 Location: Lithuania is situated in Northern Europe, with one coast near the Baltic Sea.

 Territory of Latvia: 65,300 square kilometers (25,212 square miles).

 Total population: 2 988 381 (on year 2012)

 Capital city: Vilnius

 Largest Latvia cities: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliau, Panevezys

 Borders: Latvia, Belarus, Russia, Poland

 Ethnic composition: Lithuanians-83%, Poles-6%, Russians-5%, Belarusians-1%, others-5%

 Religion: Christianity, Judaism, Islam

 Official language: Lithuanian

Economics:

Currency: Litas (LTL), 1 litas = 100 centas

Time: UTC +2, summer UTC +3

GDP Total: 42,4 billion USD

GDP Per Capita: 13,1 USD 

Main Taxes:

Value Added Tax (VAT):          21%

Personal Income Tax (PIT):       15%/20%

Corporate Income Tax (CIT):    15%

Immigration:

Lithuania Visas & Passports
Overseas residents must present valid documents on entering Lithuania; these include a passport and an entry visa.
No visa is required for residents of the United States, Britain, the EU and residents of many other countries who enter Lithuania for less than 90 days in a 12-month period.
There are arrangements with some 20 other countries, whose citizens are eligible to receive a visa to Lithuania without being in possession of an invitation from a Lithuanian body. Nevertheless, the visa is granted after proof is provided of the ability to finance the period of the stay in Lithuania; normally around 40 dollars a day is required.
Types of Lithuania Visas

The main classes of visas in Lithuania:

A standard visa – granted for purposes of visiting relatives and tourism. The visa is valid for a maximum period of 90 days from the date of entry into Lithuania.A transit visa – this means transit through Lithuania to another country. The visa permits a stay of 48 hours in Lithuania.An airport visa – permits a stay in the area of a Lithuanian airport for up to 48 hours.A group visa – a group of 5 – 30 members can receive a group visa instead of a transit visa or a standard visa for each member of the group. The issue of a group visa is dependent on the appointment of a guide for the group is made conditional on the fact that all members of the group have an identical tour route in Lithuania.

Residence permit:

Resident Permit to Lithuania

There is a group of people who are required to obtain a permit for temporary residence in Lithuania:

A foreign resident who intends to remain in Lithuania for more than three months in any six month period.

Foreign investors who register a company in Lithuania on condition that the registered capital of the company is at least LT 250,000.

A temporary residential permit is issued also to the following individuals:
– A foreign resident whose wife or children are Lithuanian residents who live in Lithuania.
– A foreign resident who comes to Lithuania for purposes of research, or to give instruction at an institute of higher learning.
– A foreign resident who is studying in Lithuania.
– A foreign resident who is entitled to a permit for humanitarian reasons.
Comment: A temporary residential permit is valid only for one year. The permit may be renewed 5 times before applying for a permit as a permanent resident.

Company formation in Lithuania:

In Lithuania, the following are very acceptable forms of incorporation:

A private company (with the suffix UAB) or a public company of this sort (with the suffix AB) may be formed.

One or more shareholders are required in order to found the company. The maximum number of shareholders in a private company must not exceed 250. There is no restriction on the number of shareholders in a public company.

The minimum registered capital in a private company is Litas 10,000 (approximately Euro 2,896). The minimum registered capital in a public company is Litas 150,000 (Euro 43,443).

Part of the registered capital must be paid in cash and cash equivalent according to the requirements of the law.

The shareholders’ undertaking is limited to the amount of the capital invested only.

The management bodies of the company are determined by the general shareholders meeting.

A public company must appoint a supervisory council or “board of management.”

 – Law companies in Lithuania

 – Real estate agents in Lithuania

 – Tourism and Traveling to Lithuania

 – Translators and translations in Lithuania

 – Government institutions in Lithuania

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

 Tel.             (371) 29 112 333      

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          Real estate

Our company works in field of real estate in market and territory of republic of Latvia. We provide the best solutions and render professional advices to our clients what helps easier to make decision and what will satisfy client specific needs.

We are specialized in various fields of real estate businesses. We work for your desires and our purpose is to offer and ensure absolutely safe services and high quality services willing to make long term cooperation.

 Our main services in Latvia are:

–          sales of real estate;

–          rent and lease of property (flat, house, land, office etc);

–          finding the best real estate (property) according to demands and interests of client;

–          Registration of real estate in the Land Register, preparing of the required documents;

–          Legal services, consultations and preparing all necessary documents for deal as well as making contracts on behalf of client and representing client;

–          Planning and administration of real estate on behalf of client;

      –          Representing our client interests in governmental institutions.

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

 Tel.             (371) 29 112 333      

 e-mail: visas@visas.lv

     Immigration services » Study in Europe – Latvia

  Study in Latvia (European Union) – Under construction

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

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            Immigration services » Residence permit

A residence permit – it is a document which provides to a foreigner the rights to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period time exceeding 90 days within half a year starting from the first day of entrance.

  There are two types of residence permits:

 1. Temporary residence permit – it is residence permit for fixed period of time;

 2. Permanent residence permit – it is residence permit to stay permanently.

 Foreigner must have a valid health insurance policy before one receipt temporary residence permit.

A residence permit may be issued to a foreigner as a citizen of a third country: 

1) Due to the family unification: 

• As a spouse of a citizen, a non-citizen of the Republic of Latvia or a foreigner who has received a permanent residence permit:
  • At the first submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for one year;
  • The second submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for four years; 
  • At the third submission of documents – a permanent residence permit; 

!!! Minor children or children under maintenance of a foreigner can also receive a residence permit for the above mentioned terms. 

• As a minor child of a citizen, a non-citizen of the Republic of Latvia and a foreigner holding a permanent residence permit:
  • a permanent residence permit; 

• Up to the third step relative vertically or the second step relative horizontally or a brother/sister-in-law up to the second step to a citizen or a non-citizen of Latvia or to a foreigner holding a permanent residence permit:
  • once in a calendar year for a period of time not exceeding six months; 

• As parents or spouses of a citizen of Latvia, a non-citizen of Latvia who have reached the retirement age (62 years) set in the Republic of Latvia:
  • At the first submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for one year;
  • At the second submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for four years; 
  • At the third submission of documents – a permanent residence permit; 

• As a child of age, a spouse or minor children of a citizen of Latvia:
  • At the first submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for one year;
  • At the second submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for four years; 
  • At the third submission of documents – a permanent residence permit; 

2) Due to a labour agreement: 
– For the period of employment however not exceeding five years; 

3) As an individual merchant registered in the Commercial Register: 
– For the period of employment not exceeding five years; 

4) As a member of a partnership with rights to represent a partnership, member of the board or the council, managing clerk, executive, liquidator or a person authorized to represent a merchant (a foreign merchant) in activities related to the branch office: 
– For the period of office term however not exceeding five years; 

5) As a self-employed person: 
– For a period of time not exceeding one year; 

6) As a representative of a foreign merchant: 
– For a period of time not exceeding four years; 

7) Due to scientific collaboration: 
– For the period of time stipulated in the scientific cooperation plan however not exceeding five years; 

8) Due to the implementation of an international treaty or a project where the Republic of Latvia is a partner: 
– For the period of time necessary for the implementation of the agreement or the project; 

9) Due to providing assistance to public or municipal institutions of the Republic of Latvia: 
– For the period of time necessary for providing assistance however not exceeding one year; 

10) Due to treatment in inpatient medical establishment: 
– for the period of time indicated in the treatment contract; 

11) Due to religious activities: 
– For the period of time required for religious activities however not exceeding one year; 

12) Due to joining a monastery registered at the Religious Matters Department: 
– For the period of time not exceeding three years; 

13) Due to studies at an accredited educational establishment: 
– For the time period of studies however not longer than one year; 

14) Due to studies practice, student exchange or traineeship: 
– For the period of time stipulated in the cooperation agreement however not exceeding one year; 

15) If a marriage is annulled and if in the marriage there is a child, who is Latvian citizen or a non-citizen of Latvia: 
– For period of time till the date a court decree of a divorce and a judgment of a settlement of a residence place of a child coming into force, however not longer than one year; 

16) If pre-trial investigation institutions or the court require the foreigner stays in the Republic of Latvia till the investigation of the criminal case will be completed or till its litigation at the court: 
– For period of time not exceeding one year; 

17) Due to acquiring citizenship of another state, if the foreigner resides in the Republic of Latvia and has been a citizen of Latvia or a non-citizen of Latvia prior to the acquisition of the citizenship of the other state: 
– A permanent residence permit; 

18) If a secondary education certificate is received in the Republic of Latvia by completing a programme of the secondary education thereto by studying in the official language: 
– A permanent residence permit; 

19) If a foreigner was a citizen of the Republic of Latvia on 17 June 1940 or if one of his or her parents is a citizen of the Republic of Latvia: 
– At the first submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for one year; 
– At the third submission of documents – a temporary residence permit for four years; 
– At the third submission of documents – a permanent residence permit; 

20) If a foreigner has been continuously residing in the Republic of Latvia with a temporary residence permit at least for 5 years (this provision does not apply to a foreigner who has received a temporary residence permit for the period of studies): 
– A permanent residence permit. 

!!! A citizen of the European Union is eligible to receive a registration certificate, if he or she: 
1. Is employed as an employee in the Republic of Latvia; 
2. Is a self-employed person in the Republic of Latvia; 
3. Is a service provider or an employee with a merchant registered in a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Zone, or the Switzerland Confederation, who is a service provider in the Republic of Latvia according to an agreement; 
4. Acquires education at an educational establishment accredited in the Republic of Latvia and has sufficient financial means in order not to encumber the social assistance system, and a valid health insurance card in Europe, a statement issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Zone certifying that the individual is eligible to receive, in the Republic of Latvia, medical assistance to extent guaranteed by the state, or a health insurance policy. For the present regulation, sufficient financial means is monthly income exceeding 50% of a minimum wage valid in a relevant period; 
5. Has sufficient financial means in order not to encumber the social assistance system, and a valid health insurance card in Europe, a statement issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Zone certifying that the individual is eligible to receive, in the Republic of Latvia, medical assistance to extent guaranteed by the state, or a valid health insurance policy; 
6. Is a spouse of a citizen of Latvia, a non-citizen of Latvia or a foreigner holding a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Latvia and has sufficient financial means in order not to encumber the social assistance system, and a valid health insurance card in Europe, a statement issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Zone certifying that the individual is eligible to receive, in the Republic of Latvia, medical assistance to extent guaranteed by the state, or a valid health insurance policy; 
7. Trusteeship or guardianship status has been established for him or her in the Republic of Latvia.

!!! A citizen of the European Union is eligible to receive a permanent residence permit, if he or she: 
1. Has continuously resided in the territory of the Republic of Latvia for five years, in accordance with the conditions stated in Article 20 of Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 586 of 18.07.2006; 
2. Before acquiring citizenship in a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Zone, or the Switzerland Confederation, has been a citizen of Latvia or a non-citizen of Latvia and has submitted documents for requesting a permanent residence certificate within 30 days from a making a decision on revocation of the status of a citizen of Latvia or a non-citizen of Latvia; 
3. Is a minor child of a citizen of Latvia or a non-citizen of Latvia, or a foreigner holding a permanent residence permit. 

!!! A citizen of the European Union, who has resided in the territory of the Republic of Latvia as an employee or a self-employed person for a period less than five subsequent years, for five years, is eligible to receive a permanent residence permit, if he or she: 
1. At the moment of completion of his or her professional activity, has reached the pension age determined in regulations of the Republic of Latvia or terminates paid employment for early retirement, if he or she has worked in the Republic of Latvia at least for the previous 12 months and has continuously resided in the Republic of Latvia for more than three years. Continuous residing in the Republic of Latvia includes a period of employment in another Member State of the Republic of Latvia, the European Economic Zone, or the Switzerland Confederation; 
2. Has continuously resided in the Republic of Latvia for more than two years and has terminated work in the Republic of Latvia due to permanent disability. In case, if such disability was caused by an accident at work or occupational disease, for which the individual is eligible to a benefit in the Republic of Latvia, the provision of period of residing is not applicable. Continuous residing in the Republic of Latvia includes a period of employment in another Member State of the Republic of Latvia, the European Economic Zone, or the Switzerland Confederation; 
3. After three years long continuous employment relations and residing in the Republic of Latvia, is an employee or a self-employed person in another Member State of the Republic of Latvia, the European Economic Zone, or the Switzerland Confederation, by retaining his or her place of residence in the Republic of Latvia and by returning to it daily or at least weekly. 

!!! A family member of a citizen of the European Union is entitled to reside permanently in the Republic of Latvia after continuous legal residing in the Republic of Latvia for five years. 

!!! A family member of a citizen of the European Union, who is not a citizen of the European Union, is eligible to receive a residence permit: 
1. For five years or shorter period, if envisaged period of stay of the citizen of the European Union is less than five years; 
2. For 10 years, if the family member of the citizen of the European Union has been granted the right to reside permanently in the Republic of Latvia. 

More information about residence permits: http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/pakalpojumi/uzturesanas.html

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

 Tel.             (371) 29 112 333      

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        Immigration services » Legalization of documents

 Certification of document authenticity or legalization means verification of signature and seal of a document, it means that Consular Officer certifies signature and seal of document made in one country and then document becomes effective in another one. Legalization implies confirmation of the legal status and authority of the signatory.

 Certification of document authenticity or legalization is not notarial act.

   If document is issued abroad and must be in force in Republic of Latvia

 1. If the document is made in a country which is joined to the Hague Convention of Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents of 1961 (hereinafter Hague Convention-1961), authenticity of that document must be certified with an Apostille by the competent institution of the respective state abroad according to regulations of the Convention. There is no necessity for confirmation by another Latvian diplomatic/consular mission if document is certified with an Apostille.

 2. If the document is issued in a country which is not joined to Hague Convention-1961, that document must be legalized by Latvian diplomatic/consular mission in the respective country, or document must be legalized by the diplomatic/consular mission of the respective country in Latvia or the nearest neighbour country, and then by Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department.

   If a document issued in Latvia and it must be in force outside Republic of Latvia

 1. If the document is provided for using abroad and must be in force in a country which is joined to Hague Convention-1961, authenticity of that document must be certified by the Consular Department of Republic of Latvia with an Apostille. There is no necessity for confirmation by another diplomatic/consular mission of the respective foreign country.

 2. If the document is provided for using abroad and must be in force in a country which is not joined Hague Convention-1961, authenticity of that document must be legalized by Latvian Consular Department and/or diplomatic/consular mission in the respective country, and then by a diplomatic/consular mission of the respective country.

   Certification of document authenticity is not necessary

 Regarding to countries that have concluded bilateral and multilateral agreements on legal assistance and legal relations in civil, family and criminal matters with Latvia, documents that are made or certified by a court or an official within its competence, and adhering to the established form, and are marked with the official seal in the territory of one contracting party, are accepted in the territory of the other party without any further certification. Documents considered as public in the territory of one contracting party are also considered as public in the territory of the other contracting party.

 Latvia has concluded treaties on legal assistance and legal relations in civil, family and criminal affairs with such countries:

 Documents are legalized after confirmation of respective institution of Republic of Latvia in which there are shown surname and position of official. Signature, print of stamp and seal must be clearly seen. If there is more than one page in document they must be stringed through.

 If it is necessary to legalize copy of document, it must be confirmed by notary. If there are more pages in document, those must be stringed through and stamped together. Copy of document can be without confirmation of notary if this copy is issued in institution which have issued also original.

 If it is necessary to legalize translation of document it must be confirmed by notary. If there are more pages in document, those must be stringed through and stamped together.

 Legalizing of copy of documents, extract and / or public confirmation of translation is made if only it is possible to confirm also authenticity of original document.

 Before submitting documents for legalizing we advise you to clarify in respective consulate what documents you have to legalize:

–          only original of document / copy of document which is confirmed by notary;

–          only translation of document;

–          both original document / and copy of document which is confirmed by notary, and translation of document.

 It is not possible to legalize documents if there are not sample of signature of official which sign the document and print of stamp of competent authority in Consular department of Ministry of Foreign affairs of Republic of Latvia.

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

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        Immigration services » Work permit

 Foreigners who enter Latvia with or without visa are not allowed to operate economic activities as employees. Foreigners can be employed only in cases that are stated in regulations of Latvia and if they have received a visa for employment and work permit.

 If employment is related with short term or irregular residence in the Latvia and which does not exceed 90 days within half a year, the foreigner is obliged to receive a visa or temporary residence permit and work permit. This condition refers also to foreigners who do not need visa for entering the Republic of Latvia.

 If employment is related with regular residence in the Latvia and which exceeds 90 days within half a year, the foreigner is obliged to receive temporary residence permit and work permit.

 Regulations regarding work permission to foreigners. Issued by Cabinet of Ministers in 20.01.2004., Section 29:

 Work permit is issued by The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (it is not necessary to get approved employer’s invitation in the State Employment Agency) accordingly to visa’s validity term. In this case it is necessary to get invitation approved by The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Work permissions issued to:

 1. foreigner, who is:

·         a student of accredited educational institution or student who has arrived in Latvia for probation or to do praxis in the accredited educational institution or in the enterprise which is register in the Commercial register, if praxis or probation is related with employment relations;

·         a consultant (expert), who gives assistance to governmental or local authority or helps to realize international agreement or project in which Latvia is a member;

·         one who is registered in Commercial register as member of partnership and who have rights to represent partnership, board member or council of a company, managing clerk, administrator, liquidator or person who is powered to represent company (foreign merchant) in activities which are related to branch;

·         sole founder of company and who will duties of such officer which representative rights (authority to sign) is registered in a Commercial register;

 2. to foreigner, who is expected to be employed as:

·         scientist in the state’s scientific institution;

·         director in the centre of culture financed by state and local authority, composer, musician, singer, choreograph, dancer, film director, stage director or other director or actor, technical worker involved in ensuring the performance;

·         pedagogue in the accredited educational institution;

·         evaluator, who evaluates, accredits, and monitors laboratories, certification and inspection institutions;

·         IT specialist, who has appropriate higher professional or higher academic education in the IT field and experience in leading position in the IT sector for at least 3 years and it is planned to employ him in such positions:

o        Project Director (PD);

o        Quality Manager (QM);

o        Lead Project Manager (PM2);

o        Lead System Architect (SAR3);

o        Lead System Analyst (SA3);

o        Lead Software Developer (P3);

o        Lead IT Solutions Consultant (ITC3);

o        Lead Business Consultant (BC3).

·         composer, musician, singer, choreograph, dancer, actor or director of a cinema or theater, artist of circus or one who technical worker involved ensuring the performance;

·         driver involved in international freight traffic.

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

 Tel.             (371) 29 112 333      

 e-mail: visas@visas.lv

         Immigration services » Short term Visa

 Short term visa is an individual single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa enabling a foreigner to enter the Republic of Latvia within the specified period of time, once, two times or an unlimited number of times and accordingly stay there for the term indicated in the visa and depart from the country.

 The maximum length of stay in the Republic of Latvia with a short-term visa may not exceed 90 days within a six-month period.

 The maximum term of validity of a short-term visa is one year.  A multiple entry short-stay visa may be issued with a period of validity up to two years for a foreigner who during two previous years has received a residence permit in Latvia or at least a multiple entry short-stay visa and has used it in accordance with the legislation and who has ground for receipt a multiple entry visa.

More information: http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/pakalpojumi/visa/visa_types.html

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

 Tel.             (371) 29 112 333      

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          Immigration services » Invitation

Inviter – individual or legal entity who invites the foreigner and takes a charge of liability for the departure of the invited foreigner from the country at a specified time, as well as if necessary ensures the covering of expenses related to health care, residence in the Republic of Latvia and return of the foreigner to the country of domicile.

Approving of invitation letter

To approve invitation letter there must be submitted application written in free form. Application must contain contacts and information about foreigner who is being invited:

–          name (names) and surname;

–          citizenship;

–          date of birth;

–          place of birth;

–          permanent (home) address;

–          motivation, purpose of entry;

–          expected place to stay and staying time in Latvia;

–          expected location where application for visa will be submitted.

If it is necessary there must be also submitted documents confirming:

–          relationships between inviter and foreigner being invited (agreements, invoices, orders etc);

–          necessity of foreigner to enter in Latvia (written confirmation of foreign partner that one has to enter in Latvia to realize stated purpose.

Terms of reviewing invitation documents

Resolution to approve invitation documents is taken in two days after all required documents are submitted. If it is necessary to get additional information resolution is taken in five days.

If foreigner wants to receive visa and work permit to be as an employee according to regulations which define demanding and issuing of work permit in Republic of Latvia inviter for approving invitation submits:

1.      copy of labour contract or copy of other civil agreement;

2.      information required for issuing work permit:

–          about employment industry of foreigner;

–          about specialty (profession) of foreigner;

–          about working time – hours in a week;

–          about salary per month;

–     about the address of work.

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

 Tel.             (371) 29 112 333      

 e-mail: visas@visas.lv

        Immigration services » Long term Visa

  Long term visa is an individual single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa enabling a foreign national to enter the Republic of Latvia within the specified period of time, once, two times or an unlimited number of times and accordingly stay there for the term indicated in the visa and depart from the country.

Long term visa is issued:

 1. If a foreigner needs to stay in the Republic of Latvia for more than 90 days within a six-month period and the issuance of a visa:

– complies with international legislation;

– complies with the interests of Latvian state;

 2. If a foreign national arrives with the purpose of obtaining a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia on the basis of a decision made by the 

Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs

 to grant a residence permit. In such cases a single-entry long–term visa with a term of validity of up to 30 days is issued.

 

With a long-term visa, the length of stay in the Republic of Latvia can exceed 90 days within a six-month period.

 

The maximum term of validity of a long-term visa is one year.

 

More information: http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/pakalpojumi/visa/visa_types.html

If You need immigration services or other legal services, please contact us

 Tel.             (371) 29 112 333      

 e-mail: visas@visas.lv