The national (D) visa for students in Lithuania
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change — confirm anything important with the official source linked below and your university's international office.
The national (D) visa is the long-stay visa non-EU students use to enter Lithuania and stay for more than 90 days — typically for the first year of studies. You apply online through MIGRIS and finish in person at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Do you even need one?
Your path depends on your nationality:
- EU / EFTA citizens do not need a D visa. You can enter and stay up to 3 months freely, and for full-time degree studies you register for a temporary residence certificate at the Migration Department after arrival.
- Non-EU citizens coming for studies of more than 90 days need a national (D) visa and, for stays beyond a year, a temporary residence permit (TRP).
- Erasmus / exchange students from outside the EU generally use a national (D) visa for the exchange period and are often exempt from the visa fee.
Confirm before you rely on this
Immigration rules, fees and timelines change. Treat everything here as a starting map and verify the current requirements for your nationality and programme on migracija.lt and with your university's international office before you book flights or pay anything.
D visa vs temporary residence permit
| National (D) visa | Temporary residence permit (TRP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Max length | Up to 12 months | Up to 2 years |
| Renewable? | No | Yes |
| Typical use | First year of studies, exchange | Second year onwards |
| Travel in/out | Limited | More flexible |
Most degree students apply for the D visa for year one, then switch to a TRP from inside Lithuania for the following years.
How to apply, step by step
- Get admitted. Your higher education institution must accept you and submit a mediation letter electronically through MIGRIS. You'll need its number for your application.
- Fill in the application in MIGRIS (the Migration Information System) and upload digital copies of your documents.
- Book an appointment and apply in person — at a Lithuanian embassy/consulate or its external visa service provider if you're abroad; at the Migration Department if you're already legally in Lithuania.
- Give biometrics (fingerprints) and hand over your original documents.
- Wait for the decision, then collect your visa.
What you'll need
- A completed national (D) visa application from MIGRIS
- A valid passport and a photograph
- The mediation letter number from your university
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay and return — budget around €576.50unverified per month, plus a return guarantee (roughly one €1,153unverified). For a full year, plan for about ≈ €8,071unverified (as of 2026 — confirm the exact method and total on migracija.lt)
- Health insurance valid in Lithuania and the Schengen area, with cover of at least €30,000 (as of 2026 — confirm on the EU Immigration Portal)
Start with your university
Your international office handles the mediation letter and knows the current document checklist for your country. Contact them first — it's the single fastest way to get the application right.
Fees and timing
- The state fee for a national (D) visa is commonly reported as €140, with student-exchange participants exempt (as of 2026 — these amounts and exemptions vary, so confirm on migracija.lt).
- A decision is made within 15 calendar days of a complete application, extendable up to 45 days.
Apply early
Embassy appointment slots fill up before the autumn intake. Start as soon as you have your admission and mediation letter — don't wait for the last weeks of summer.
After you arrive
The D visa gets you in for year one. If you stay longer, apply for a temporary residence permit from inside Lithuania before the visa expires — and remember to declare your place of residence once you have somewhere to live. Build a buffer into your plans: never let your legal status lapse while you sort out the next document.
Frequently asked
Do EU students need a national (D) visa?+
No. EU/EFTA citizens can enter and stay up to 3 months without any permit, and for full-time degree studies apply for a temporary residence certificate at the Migration Department after arrival — not a D visa.
What's the difference between a D visa and a temporary residence permit?+
A D visa is issued for up to 12 months and cannot be renewed, so it usually covers the first year. For longer studies you apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP), which can be renewed and lets you travel in and out more freely.
How long does the D visa decision take?+
Officially 15 calendar days from a complete application, extendable up to 45 days. Apply early — well before your programme starts (confirm current timelines on migracija.lt).
Where do I apply if I'm outside Lithuania?+
You fill in the application in MIGRIS online, then book and attend an appointment at a Lithuanian embassy/consulate or its visa service provider to give biometrics and original documents.
Do exchange (Erasmus) students pay the visa fee?+
Reports indicate student-exchange-programme participants are exempt from the national visa state fee, while degree-seeking students pay it. Confirm your exact situation on migracija.lt before paying.