Lithuania’s Migration Department has temporarily halted the acceptance of new work permit applications after the country’s 2025 quota for employing foreign nationals was almost completely filled.
The suspension, which took effect on Wednesday, comes as the department reported that out of the 24,830 quota units allocated for the year, 20,500 have already been used, while another 4,460 are still being processed. Once those are finalised, the annual limit will be fully reached.
This development is particularly significant for job seekers from Southern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, as Lithuania has become one of Europe’s emerging destinations for skilled trailer drivers from the region.
With the quota now effectively exhausted, those hoping to apply may have to wait until next year for new openings.
The Migration Department explained that once the annual quota is reached, foreign nationals can only qualify for a temporary residence permit for employment if they meet certain conditions.
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These include earning a gross monthly salary of at least 1.2 times the national average – currently €2,667.60 – or holding a job listed as a high value-added or shortage occupation, in which case the minimum salary requirement drops to the national average of €2,223 gross.
The 2025 quota, which applies across all professions and sectors from January 1, was introduced to manage labour migration more efficiently as Lithuania continues to face workforce shortages in several industries.
For now, the suspension means that thousands of aspiring foreign workers — including many from Southern Africa who had been preparing their applications — may have to put their plans on hold until the next intake period opens.
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