Lithuania Revokes First Russian’s Residence Permit Over Trips Back Home

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Lithuania has revoked a residence permit for a Russian citizen for the first time under new migration rules. These rules prohibit frequent trips to Russia and Belarus, which are considered a security threat, as clarified by Delfi.

The Lithuanian Seimas approved further restrictions in spring 2025. Under these rules, a Russian citizen can lose their temporary residence permit if they have visited Russia or Belarus more than once in the past three calendar months. Exceptions are provided only for serious reasons, such as the illness of close relatives. Drivers and crew members involved in international transport to EU countries or transit through Lithuania are also exempt.

Earlier, there was discussion about extending similar restrictions to Belarusian citizens, but the initiative did not gain support in the Seimas. Additional measures for Belarusians were deemed excessive under the current political situation.

The Migration Department confirmed the enforcement of the new legislation and explained that 34 Russian citizens have already been identified as potentially violating the travel requirements. Investigations have begun, and proceedings have been launched to revoke the Lithuanian residence permits of 30 individuals. Authorities are currently examining additional circumstances and waiting for explanations from the Russians involved to make final decisions.

According to Delfi, since the new rules came into force, a total of 292 instances have been recorded where Russians crossed the Lithuanian border towards Russia or Belarus more than once within a three-month period. However, in most cases, documents were provided confirming legitimate reasons for travel, such as work in the transport sector, diplomatic missions, or the need to care for close relatives.

As per the Lithuanian Migration Department, as of June 1, 2024, there were 15,476 Russian citizens residing in Lithuania with valid temporary residence permits. This group ranks third among foreigners in the country, following Ukrainians and Belarusians. There are approximately 144,000 ethnic Russians living in Lithuania. The new restrictions apply only to Russians with residence permits, whose movements are closely monitored.





Lithuania also does not accept applications for residence permits from Russian citizens who do not hold a national visa or residence permit issued by Lithuania or another EU country. Border controls have been tightened: Russians are screened for potential threats to national security, public order, domestic policy, public health, and international relations. Similar checks apply to Belarusian citizens, considering potential risks to the Schengen area. Under the current restrictions, the ban on importing agricultural products and animal feed of Russian and Belarusian origin into Lithuania has been extended. Moreover, Russian citizens without residence permits are prohibited from purchasing real estate in Lithuania.

Earlier, the Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior proposed a ban on granting citizenship to certain categories of foreigners, including those deemed a threat to national security or who support actions against Lithuania and the European Union. This primarily concerns Russian citizens. In addition, Lithuanian authorities have been actively revoking residence permits: more than 24,000 foreigners lost their permits in 2024.

Authorities emphasize that restrictions may be extended or tightened further depending on developments in the geopolitical situation.

See also:

Lithuania to Ban Non-Biometric Passports from Russia: Who Else in Europe Supports the Measure and What It Means

Lithuania Freezes Accounts of Russians and Belarusians: New EU Sanctions in 2025

Lithuania Illegally Refuses to Extend Residence Permits for Ukrainians Without Valid Passports – Red Cross

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