The Lithuania Shortage Occupations programme presents individuals with one-of-a-kind chances in the beautiful country of Lithuania, located in Northern Europe. These occupations do not require a work visa in order to be employed in the country, which helps address labour shortages in a variety of fields.

Lithuania is well-known for its high standards of living as well as its rich history and vibrant culture. This country offers something for everyone. This post discusses the various ways in which you can make the most of this enlightening job experience, from the hustling and busy city life of Vilnius to the peaceful beaches of Klaipeda.

Understanding Work Permits in Lithuania

Let’s first establish the idea of a work permit and who normally needs one in Lithuania before we go into the specifics of shortage occupations.

A work permit is a legitimate document that enables an outsider to work in a nation for which they do not possess citizenship. Its goal is to guarantee that foreign workers can participate in the labor market in an ethical and legal manner. The procedure of applying for a work permit is often started by the employer on behalf of the employee.

Non-EU citizens who want to work in Lithuania, as in many other nations, typically need to get a work permit. Those who don’t have countrywide permanent residency must meet this condition. The process entails proving that there is a legitimate demand for their abilities, generally by demonstrating that a Lithuanian or another EU citizen is unable to fill the role.

However, Lithuania has established exceptions to these laws in order to fulfil the demands of its expanding economy and the necessity to import specific skills from abroad. This is where the idea of “shortage occupations,” which we will discuss in the following section, comes into play. These occupations are excluded from Lithuania’s typical work visa requirement, making it simpler for qualified professionals to work and live there.

Shortage Occupations: An Exception to the Rule

Shortage occupations refer to specific job roles that are in high demand within a country’s labor market but have a low supply of local workers with the necessary skills or qualifications. The reasons behind this discrepancy may vary, ranging from a lack of trained individuals in the local workforce to rapid developments in certain sectors that outpace the training of professionals.

In Lithuania, these shortage occupations are identified annually by the Labour Exchange of Lithuania, which compiles a list of the most in-demand jobs. This list reflects the evolving needs of Lithuania’s economy and its labor market’s dynamics.

Interestingly, Lithuania has chosen to make an exception to the standard work permit requirement for these shortage occupations. This exception means that if your profession is included in the list of professions experiencing a shortage of workers, you are allowed to work in Lithuania without needing to obtain a work permit. This is a strategic move by the Lithuanian government to attract international talent and fill these gaps in the workforce.

This policy offers a remarkable opportunity for professionals in these fields to tap into Lithuania’s job market with less bureaucratic red tape. In the following sections, we’ll detail the list of shortage occupations and guide you through the process of relocating to Lithuania based on this exception.

List of Shortage Occupations in Lithuania

The most recent list of vocations in Lithuania that are in low supply is provided in this section. The Labour Exchange of Lithuania releases this list each year after conducting in-depth economic and labor market research. It’s vital to remember that this list could vary every year to reflect changes in the labor market and economic demands of the nation.

Construction sector

• • 711102 Wide profile builder
  • 711202 Bricklayer
  • 711203 Fire brick mason, fire hardener
  • 711405 Concrete reinforcement worker
  • 711407 Concrete worker
  • 711511 Carpenter fitter
  • 711518 Window and/or Door Installer
  • 711911 Scaffolder
  • 711912 Scaffold builder
  • 711916 Road repairer
  • 711917 Asphalt paver
  • 711919 Wayfarer
  • 712203 Paver
  • 712207 Tiler
  • 712212 Tiler
  • 712213 Tiler, finisher
  • 712301 Plasterer finisher
  • 712302 Plasterer
  • 712305 Plasterer with decorative plaster
  • 712306 External plasterer
  • 712307 Installer-finisher of plasterboard partitions
  • 712401 Insulator
  • 712402 Boiler and pipe insulator
  • 712403 Building heater
  • 712406 Installer of thermal insulation of boilers and pipes
  • 712407 Installer of thermal insulation
  • 712408 Installer of waterproofing
  • 712602 Pipe fitter
  • 712605 Ship piping installer
  • 712606 Sewer installer
  • 712610 Pipeline jointer
  • 712611 Pipelayer
  • 712612 Main (main) pipelayer connector
  • 712613 Plumber
  • 712617 Plumbing and heating system equipment installer
  • 712619 Installer of plumbing systems and devices
  • 712621 Installer of domestic plumbing pipes and equipment
  • 712622 Plumber
  • 712623 Installer of technological pipelines and devices
  • 721206 Welder
  • 721210 Contact welder
  • 721212 Electric welder
  • 721213 Gas welder
  • 721214 Gas and electric welder
  • 721215 Manual electric welder
  • 721218 Spot welder
  • 741101 Electrician
  • 741104 Building electrical installation electrician
  • 834108 Mechanizer
  • 834201 Road marking equipment operator
  • 834202 Bulldozer driver
  • 834204 Excavator driver
  • 834205 Road grader and scraper driver
  • 834206 Plentvoli machinist
  • 834213 Ground handling equipment operator
  • 834218 Paver operator
  • 834221 Asphalt spreader operator
  • 834320 Tower Crane Operator

Industry sector

• • 711911 Scaffolder
  • 712406 Installer of thermal insulation of boilers and pipes
  • 712408 Installer of waterproofing
  • 712602 Pipe fitter
  • 712605 Ship piping installer
  • 712606 Sewer installer
  • 712610 Pipeline jointer
  • 712611 Pipelayer
  • 712612 Main (main) pipelayer connector
  • 712613 Plumber
  • 712617 Pipeline and heating system equipment installer
  • 712622 Plumber
  • 712623 Installer of technological pipelines and devices
  • 713106 Ship hull painter
  • 713202 Painter of industrial products
  • 721206 Welder
  • 721210 Contact welder
  • 721212 Electric welder
  • 721213 Gas welder
  • 721214 Gas and electric welder
  • 721215 Manual electric welder
  • 721218 Spot welder
  • 721402 Assembler (installer) of steel structures
  • 721403 Installer of metal structures
  • 721407 Structural metalworker
  • 721410 Installer of ship metal structures
  • 721411 Steel structure shop worker
  • 721418 Assembler of metal ship hulls
  • 721419 Metal structure assembly locksmith
  • 722301 Metal driller
  • 722322 Tuner of automatic lines
  • 722324 Wide profile machinist
  • 722329 Software control machine operator
  • 722333 Milling machine
  • 722342 Operator of a metalworking machine center
  • 722344 Metalworking machine operator
  • 722346 Armature Manufacturing Machine Operator
  • 722348 Metal bending machine operator
  • 722359 Metal Cutting Machine Operator
  • 722364 Metal Stamping Machine Operator
  • 722367 Tool Lathe Operator
  • 722373 Operator of machines for the production of metal products
  • 722374 Metal Milling Machine Operator
  • 722385 Metal stamping press operator
  • 722396 Automatic machine line operator
  • 723302 Repair locksmith, locksmith repairman
  • 723310 Industrial equipment locksmith assembler
  • 723328 Industrial equipment mechanic
  • 723348 Locksmith welder
  • 723351 Ventilation and air conditioning systems locksmith
  • 723361 Device assembly locksmith repairman
  • 731818 Sorter of products, semi-finished products and materials
  • 741101 Electrician
  • 741104 Building electrical installation electrician
  • 741203 Electrician
  • 741220 Refrigeration and air conditioning equipment electrician
  • 751104 Butcher
  • 751107 Fish cutter
  • 751108 Meat cutter
  • 751109 Meat maker
  • 751110 Poultry meat preparer
  • 751113 Preparer of fish fillets
  • 751114 Preparer of fish semi-finished products
  • 751115 Technical raw material preparer
  • 751116 Sausage producer
  • 751125 Nervemaker
  • 751126 Ripper
  • 751128 Meat smokehouse worker
  • 751131 Sausage workshop worker
  • 751133 Raw material shredder (Malay)
  • 751139 Meat cutter
  • 751201 Baker
  • 751203 Bread baker
  • 751234 Packer (food industry)
  • 751239 Preparer of semi-finished products
  • 752310 Tuner operator of wood milling machines
  • 752319 Woodworking machine operator
  • 752325 Furniture manufacturing machine operator
  • 752331 Wood product manufacturing machine operator
  • 753102 Tailor of women’s clothes
  • 753113 Tailor
  • 753120 Tailor of men’s clothes
  • 753126 Tailor
  • 753220 Hairdresser
  • 754303 Quality controller
  • 811224 Stone processing plant operator
  • 815301 Sewing Machine Operator
  • 815305 Garment Sewing Machine Operator
  • 816005 Fish processing plant operator
  • 816010 Operator of meat products production facilities
  • 816040 Bread Baking Equipment Operator
  • 816080 Operator of the technological line for the production of food products
  • 818312 Filling and packing machine operator

Service sector

• 413203 Computer scientist
• 833102 Trolleybus driver
• 833103 Driver of an international passenger transport vehicle
• 833209 International freight transport vehicle driver

Agriculture, forestry, fisheries sector

• 611202 Qualified fruit tree and shrub farm worker
• 611308 Mushroom grower
• 611317 Skilled horticulture worker
• 612128 Qualified worker of a mixed livestock farm
• 612133 Milking Equipment Operator
• 834108 Mechanizer
• 834202 Bulldozer driver
• 834204 Excavator operator

It’s useful to know the reasons behind the lack of these certain occupations as you browse this list. There are labor shortages in some professions due to a variety of circumstances. Rapid technological development may lead to a demand for new skills that the existing workforce does not possess. In contrast, demographic changes like an aging population could cause a scarcity of healthcare professionals. Economic expansion may also lead to an increase in the demand for specialists in fields like IT and construction that exceeds the availability of suitably skilled local labor.

We will offer advice on how to use your expertise in these in-demand professions to relocate to Lithuania without the requirement for a work permit in the parts that follow.

How to Relocate to Lithuania for a Shortage Occupation

If your profession is on Lithuania’s list of shortage occupations, you’re in an excellent position to consider relocation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:

1. Research and Understand Your Job Role: Make sure your profession is listed in the current year’s shortage occupations in Lithuania. Understand the job role, qualifications, and skills required.

2. Job Search: Start looking for job vacancies in your field. You can do this through various channels like online job portals, recruitment agencies, or directly on company websites. Be sure to focus on companies that are open to hiring international talent.

3. Apply: Prepare your application, ensuring your CV and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to each specific job role. Highlight how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the shortage occupation.

4. Interview Process: If your application is successful, you’ll be invited for an interview. This could be conducted in-person, over the phone, or via video call. Ensure you’re well-prepared, understand the company, the role you’ve applied for, and are ready to articulate why you’re the right person for the job.

5. Job Offer: If the interview goes well and the employer decides to hire you, you’ll receive a job offer. This offer should clearly state the terms and conditions of your employment, including your salary, work hours, and other benefits.

6. Relocation Procedures: Upon accepting the job offer, you can initiate the process of relocating to Lithuania. Although you’re not required to apply for a work permit, you may need to apply for a residence permit if you plan to stay in Lithuania for more than 90 days. Consult with the local Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your home country to understand the specific procedures and requirements.

7. Arrival in Lithuania: Once your legal paperwork is sorted, you can relocate to Lithuania and begin your new job. It may be beneficial to arrive a few weeks early to get settled, find housing, and familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

Remember, while your profession being a shortage occupation simplifies the work permit process, you still need to secure a job offer from a Lithuanian employer. Moreover, you should ensure that you meet all other legal requirements for living and working in Lithuania. It’s always a good idea to seek legal advice or assistance from professionals when dealing with immigration matters.

Living in Lithuania: What to Expect

Starting a new job is only one aspect of moving to a new nation. It also involves integrating yourself fully into a new culture, way of life, and community. Here’s a quick rundown of what life might be like in Lithuania to aid in your transition:

Cost of living: Compared to many other European nations, Lithuania is renowned for having a comparatively low cost of living. It is a desirable location for expats due to the relatively lower costs of housing, groceries, transportation, and other daily expenses. The cost of living can, however, differ depending on the city or region you choose to live in, just like it can in any other nation.

Lifestyle: With a healthy balance between work and play, Lithuanians lead very fulfilling lives. Beautiful natural landscapes may be found throughout the nation, including many parks, lakes, and forests for outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous museums, art galleries, festivals, and historical sites to explore, and it also boasts a vibrant culture and a rich past.

Cultural Norms: People from Lithuania are often reserved and polite. They appreciate their traditions and customs, and their festivals and festivities frequently reflect this. Punctuality and respect for personal space are valued. Although English is commonly spoken, especially among the younger population, Lithuanian is the official language.

Workplace Culture: Lithuania has a professional and productive workplace culture. Lithuanians strive for excellence in their vocations and take their obligations at work seriously. Given the strong demand for these professions, there may be chances for career advancement and skill development in shortage vocations.

Integration: In general, Lithuanians are kind to visitors. There are numerous social organisations and expat communities that can offer assistance and facilitate the process of assimilating into Lithuanian society.

Keep in mind that relocating to a foreign nation is a big transition, and adjustment may take some time. It’s critical to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to accept diverse viewpoints. After all, your personal and professional lives are about to embark on an exciting new chapter!

Lithuania presents a distinctive and alluring opportunity for experts in in-demand professions. You can not only benefit from the freedom of working without a work visa, but you can also discover a new culture, live a different way of life, and perhaps further your career.

Think about Lithuania as your next travel destination if you are a professional in one of the shortage professions and you enjoy exploring new places. It may be the ideal location for you to advance your professional abilities while enjoying a good quality of life. The world is full with opportunities, and this one might be the best one for you. Keep that in mind!