Russian citizens are set to lose their residence permits in Lithuania if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once within three months. The new restrictions took effect on Saturday as part of a one-year extension of national sanctions.
The rule does not apply to those travelling for “objective reasons” or to crew members working for companies engaged in international freight or passenger transport to or from EU member states, or transiting through Lithuania.
According to the Migration Department, 14,652 Russian citizens held valid residence permits in Lithuania as of April 1.
The Law on Restrictive Measures Due to Military Aggression Against Ukraine has suspended the acceptance of Schengen and national visa applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens, except in cases where the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry acts as an intermediary.
Applications for temporary residence in Lithuania are not accepted from Russians, except for those who already hold a valid Schengen or national visa or a residence permit in Lithuania or another EU member state.
Russians and Belarusians entering Lithuania from outside the EU are subject to additional checks for threats to national security.
They are also prohibited from bringing or taking Ukrainian hryvnias. Imports of agricultural products and feed originating from Russia or Belarus are also banned.
The law bars non-resident Russian citizens from purchasing real estate in the country.
The law was first passed in 2023 in reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The current version of the law will remain in effect until May 2, 2026.
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