Moving from Lithuania to Spain: Complete Guide for Lithuanian Citizens
Key Facts for Lithuanian Citizens
- Visa Required: No. EU citizen with full freedom of movement
- Registration: Required after 90 days (EU Certificate)
- Work Permit: Not required. Full EU labor market access
- Tax Treaty: Yes
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years legal residence
- Dual Citizenship: Lithuania generally prohibits. Exceptions exist for citizens by descent.
- Spanish Embassy: Vilnius (+ consulate in Klaipeda)
Why Lithuanian Citizens Choose Spain
Lithuanian families relocating from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda to Spanish cities find the transition straightforward. Spain offers Mediterranean climate, larger job markets, and a different pace of life, all while retaining full EU benefits.
As an EU citizen since 2004, you have significant advantages. You can live, work, and study anywhere in Spain without a visa. But freedom of movement doesn’t mean zero paperwork. You’ll still need to register and follow specific procedures to establish legal residency.
Lithuania Spain Visa: You Don’t Need One
Let’s settle the Lithuania Spain visa question: there isn’t one. EU citizenship gives you the right to move to Spain tomorrow with just your Lithuanian passport or ID card. No applications, no minimum income to enter, no time limits on your stay.
Your first 90 days require nothing formal. You can stay as a tourist, explore neighborhoods, and start job hunting. Spain treats you exactly like a Spanish citizen during this period.
EU Registration After 90 Days
Once you decide to stay longer than 3 months, registration becomes mandatory. The document you need is the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión. This green card-sized paper proves you’re legally residing in Spain.
Without it, you’ll struggle to open bank accounts, sign rental contracts, or access public healthcare. Here’s the process:
Book an appointment: Visit the Spanish government’s appointment website and select “Certificados UE” for your province. Barcelona appointments book 3-4 weeks out. Madrid can be worse. Smaller cities like Valencia often have faster availability.
Gather documents: Valid Lithuanian passport or ID, proof of address (rental contract or empadronamiento), proof you meet residency conditions (work contract, bank statements, or student enrollment), and passport photos.
Pay the fee: Via Modelo 790 form at a bank before your appointment.
The process usually takes 20-30 minutes. You’ll walk out with your EU registration certificate the same day.
Working in Spain as a Lithuanian
You can start working immediately. No work permit, no waiting period. This applies to employment, self-employment, and starting a business.
The Spanish job market has specific characteristics. Unemployment hovers around 11-12%, higher than Lithuania’s 6-7%. But opportunities exist in the right sectors. Tech and IT remain strong, especially in Barcelona. Tourism and hospitality employ massive numbers, peaking April through October. Lithuanian professionals often find work in logistics, engineering, and financial services.
If you work remotely for a Lithuanian company while living in Spain, be aware: after 183 days here, you become a Spanish tax resident and must declare worldwide income.
Lithuanian Community in Spain
The Lithuanian community in Spain continues to grow, primarily in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. Many work in tech and professional services.
The cultural shift is significant. Spanish daily rhythms differ dramatically. Lunch happens at 2-3 PM. Dinner at 9-10 PM. Shops close for siesta in smaller towns. Business culture is less formal. Relationships matter more than punctuality.
The weather adjustment is almost universally positive. Barcelona averages 2,500+ hours of sunshine annually compared to Vilnius’s roughly 1,800. Winters mean 10-15°C instead of the cold you know.
Tax Treaty: Lithuania-Spain
Lithuania and Spain maintain a double taxation agreement covering dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains, and employment income. This treaty prevents you from paying taxes twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Qualifying professionals can pay flat 24% tax on Spanish income for 6 years. Check eligibility
- Tax Rate Comparison: Spain’s progressive rates (19-47%) vs Lithuania’s flat 20%. Most see higher taxes in Spain.
- Credit Method: Tax paid in Lithuania can be credited against Spanish liability
- Social Security: Lithuanian contributions count toward Spanish pension under EU coordination
Healthcare Access
Spain’s public healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud, is excellent and available to registered residents. As a Lithuanian citizen, you have multiple paths:
Working: Employment automatically enrolls you in social security. You’ll get a Tarjeta Sanitaria (health card) and access free public healthcare.
EHIC: Your Lithuanian card covers emergencies during temporary stays. Not meant for long-term residents.
Convenio Especial: If not working, pay approximately €60-160/month for public system access.
Private Insurance: Many Lithuanians choose this initially. Policies start around €50-80/month for basic coverage.
Path to Spanish Citizenship: 10 Years
Lithuanian citizens need 10 years of legal, continuous residence for Spanish citizenship. Unlike some countries that offer faster naturalization for EU citizens, Spain treats everyone equally with this 10-year requirement.
The only exceptions are citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal who qualify after just 2 years.
You’ll need to pass the CCSE (civic knowledge) and DELE A2 (Spanish language) exams. Both are manageable with preparation.
Dual Citizenship: Important Warning
Lithuania generally prohibits dual citizenship. This is stricter than Latvia or Estonia. If you naturalize as Spanish, you may lose your Lithuanian citizenship.
Exceptions exist for:
– Citizens by descent (parent/grandparent/great-grandparent left before March 11, 1990) can restore citizenship without renouncing.
– Exiles and deportees (1940-1990) and their descendants.
– Children who acquired dual citizenship at birth.
For most Lithuanians naturalizing Spanish without these exceptions, it means losing Lithuanian citizenship. Many people choose EU permanent residency in Spain instead to keep their Lithuanian passport. You get nearly identical practical benefits without the nationality complications.
Bringing Your Family
EU family members follow the same process. Non-EU family members (spouse, children under 21, dependent parents) can apply for a Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión. Processing typically takes 1-3 months.
Required documents include marriage or birth certificates proving the relationship, your EU registration certificate, their passport, proof of shared residence, and evidence of financial resources.
Spanish Embassy in Lithuania
Vilnius – Embassy of Spain
Consular Email: [email protected]
Appointments: Contact via email only
Note: Additional consulate in Klaipeda
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lithuanian citizens need a visa for Spain?
No. As an EU citizen since 2004, you have full freedom of movement. Live and work in Spain without any visa. Just register after 90 days if staying long-term.
How long until I can get Spanish citizenship?
10 years of legal, continuous residence. You’ll also need to pass Spanish language (DELE A2) and civic knowledge (CCSE) exams. There’s no faster route for EU citizens.
Can I keep my Lithuanian passport when becoming Spanish?
Generally no. Lithuania prohibits dual citizenship for most naturalized citizens. Exceptions exist for those with Lithuanian ancestry from before 1990. Many people choose EU permanent residency instead to keep both passports.
Will I pay more taxes in Spain?
Usually yes. Spain’s progressive rates run 19-47% compared to Lithuania’s flat 20%. The Beckham Law offers 24% flat rate for qualifying professionals for 6 years. Get tax advice before moving.
Do my Lithuanian pension contributions count?
Yes. EU social security coordination means your Lithuanian contributions count toward your Spanish pension. Years worked in Lithuania aren’t lost when you move.
We Handle the Complexity
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Lithuania to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.