Amendments on migrants introduced to Lithuanian Seimas. How the Lithuanian language exam will now need to be passed
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda introduced amendments on migrants to the Seimas: a Lithuanian language exam for those applying for a third residence document within 10 years (and not only for a temporary residence permit). What this means and who it will affect, writes «Volna».
Lithuanian Seimas
Yesterday, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda introduced amendments to the Seimas to the Law «On the Legal Status of Foreigners». Among the proposals are a new two-year format for temporary work permits and a Lithuanian language exam for some foreigners who are receiving not their first document granting the right of residence in Lithuania.
This is not yet a valid law. The amendments must still be considered and adopted by the Seimas. The draft states that, if adopted, they should come into force on January 1, 2027.
What exactly is proposed regarding the language?
There are two different norms in the project.
1. For the new two-year temporary work permit, mandatory confirmation of Lithuanian language proficiency at A2 level is proposed.
A foreigner must submit a document confirming proficiency in the Lithuanian language at no lower than A2 level.
However, this applies not to everyone, but only to those for whom the requested temporary work permit will be the third document granting the right to live in Lithuania within the last 10 years (for example, a national D visa will also be counted as one of the three documents).
2. For some residence permits (TRP), a requirement of Lithuanian language proficiency at B1 level is proposed.
A foreigner applying for a temporary TRP under points 4 or 6 of part 1 of article 40 of the law must submit a document confirming proficiency in the Lithuanian language at no lower than B1 level.
- Point 40(1)(4) — temporary TRP for work in Lithuania.
- Point 40(1)(6) — temporary TRP for study in Lithuania.
Thus, according to the draft text, a Lithuanian language exam at B1 level is proposed for those applying for a work or student TRP and who are already receiving their third residence document in Lithuania within the last 10 years.
A2 or B1 exams, according to the proposed amendments, will be required in three cases:
- when obtaining a standard work TRP — if this is the third residence document within the last 10 years;
- when obtaining a student TRP — if this is the third residence document within the last 10 years;
- when obtaining a new two-year temporary work permit — also if this is the third document, but the required language level is A2.
Who this norm, according to the project, does not affect
- Blue Card holders, as it is issued under a separate point of the law — 40(1)(4¹), which is not mentioned in the project;
- persons residing in Lithuania on humanitarian grounds, due to impossibility of return, having received additional protection, and in other similar cases — they are regulated by other points of article 40;
- those receiving TRP based on family reunification, Lithuanian origin, or other grounds not specified in this norm.
Exceptions are provided
The requirement to confirm Lithuanian language proficiency should not apply to:
- children;
- persons older than 65 years;
- people with an established working capacity level of 0 to 55%;
- persons identified as needing individual assistance;
- people with severe chronic mental and behavioral disorders.