Lithuania has introduced a new document in its immigration framework – the Foreigners Registration Certificate (FRC, Lithuanian: Užsieniečio registracijos pažymėjimas). Following the adoption of new implementing legislation, the rules governing its issuance and use have become significantly clearer. The newly approved Procedure for Issuing the FRC establishes the legal framework for issuing the digital certificate (FRC), defines its content, and regulates how it may be used.

What is the Foreigners Registration Certificate?

The FRC is intended to confirm a foreign national’s lawful stay and legal status in Lithuania in specific circumstances. Depending on the individual case, it may serve as evidence that the holder is entitled to remain in Lithuania, continue certain activities, or exercise particular rights. For example, in some situations, it allows a foreign national to continue working while their immigration status is still being assessed.

Under the new rules, the certificate is issued exclusively in digital format as a PDF document and made available through the individual’s account in Lithuania’s Migration Information System (MIGRIS). Foreign nationals may download the certificate to their mobile device or print a copy if needed.

The digital format offers a practical advantage: individuals are no longer dependent on carrying a physical document at all times. The certificate remains accessible through MIGRIS, and its validity can be verified by authorities and other entities authorised to check immigration documents.

How is the certificate issued?

Applications are submitted electronically through MIGRIS by completing the prescribed online form.

As a general rule, the certificate is issued within three working days from the date of application. If a foreign national is unable to submit the application through MIGRIS, they may apply in writing to the Migration Department. In such cases, the certificate is issued within five working days after the application has been received.

How long is it valid?

In most cases, the FRC is issued for six months, unless legislation provides otherwise. The exact validity period depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances and the legal grounds on which the certificate is issued.

Who is eligible?

The certificate is not intended for all foreign nationals and does not replace a residence permit. It is available only in specific situations established by law, including:

• unaccompanied foreign minors;
• applicants for international protection;
• foreign nationals granted a reflection or recovery period;
• certain foreign nationals staying in Lithuania without lawful grounds but who are afforded specific legal safeguards;
• foreign nationals who have submitted an application to renew or change the legal basis of their temporary residence permit before its expiry, where the previous permit expires while the application is still pending;
• certain foreign nationals who entered Lithuania irregularly but have subsequently acquired the right to work or engage in self-employment.

In essence, the certificate is intended for situations where a person’s immigration status is under review or in transition, but they require an official document confirming their legal status.

What does the new framework change in practice?

Perhaps the most significant benefit of the new regulation is that it addresses practical difficulties frequently experienced by foreign nationals and their employers.

A common scenario arises when a foreign employee lawfully working in Lithuania submits an application to renew or replace their temporary residence permit on time, but the authorities are unable to issue the new permit before the existing one expires. This often creates uncertainty both for the employee and the employer, particularly regarding the continuation of employment and confirmation of the individual’s lawful status.

The FRC provides official confirmation of the individual’s legal position during this interim period, reducing the risk that administrative processing times alone could disrupt employment or create uncertainty regarding related rights.

For employers, another practical benefit is that the certificate’s validity can be verified through the Migration Department’s online document verification system. By scanning the QR code displayed on the certificate, employers and other authorised parties can immediately confirm whether it remains valid.

It is important to note, however, that the certificate is not a mechanism for bypassing immigration procedures or automatically extending the right to remain in Lithuania. Foreign nationals must continue to comply with all statutory deadlines and submit applications for the necessary immigration documents in due time.

Practical importance for foreign nationals and employers

Although the FRC is not a residence permit, it serves as an important legal document in situations where an individual’s immigration status needs to be formally confirmed.

Foreign nationals should be aware not only of the existence of this document but also of the circumstances in which it may be issued and the role it serves. For employers, the new framework provides greater legal certainty where an employee’s immigration documents are being renewed or replaced and the relevant administrative procedures remain ongoing.

Conclusion

The introduction of the FRC represents more than simply digitising an administrative process. It is a practical legal instrument designed to provide greater clarity during periods when a foreign national’s immigration status is being lawfully assessed but a final decision or new residence document has not yet been issued.

When used appropriately, the certificate can reduce administrative burdens for foreign nationals, employers, and public authorities alike, while helping to ensure continuity throughout the immigration process.