Lithuania Decides to Cancel Residence Permits of Russians for Trips to Russia and Belarus

The Lithuanian Seimas has extended national sanctions against citizens of Russia and Belarus, tightening them with a provision on the cancellation of residence permits for Russians. The results of the meeting were published on the website of the Lithuanian parliament.

115 deputies voted for the amendments, one abstained. With the approval of the parliament, the law was supplemented with a provision that a residence permit issued to a Russian citizen in Lithuania will be cancelled for trips to Russia or Belarus more than once within three months.

The tightening does not apply to those who visited Russia and Belarus "for objective reasons beyond their control." The measure will also not affect employees of companies engaged in cargo and passenger transportation to and from EU countries, including transit through Lithuania.

Speaking in parliament, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said that the reasons for the law's adoption had not changed. "In the face of existing threats, these measures are necessary and appropriate," the text of the bill stated.

Representatives of the opposition faction proposed to extend the cancellation of residence permits to citizens of Belarus. However, parliamentarians did not support the initiative.

The law on the introduction of national sanctions against Russian citizens was adopted in May 2023. Last year, their effect was extended for another year. Vilnius does not accept applications from Russians for temporary residence, with the exception of persons with a valid Schengen or national visa, a residence permit in the republic or another EU country. In addition, Russian citizens are prohibited from purchasing real estate in Lithuania .

Not only Lithuania, but also other EU countries have tightened the requirements for granting residence permits to Russians. For example, in Latvia, Russian citizens must pass a Latvian language exam to extend their residence permits. Other EU countries, such as the Czech Republic, have stopped issuing residence permits to Russians.

After the start of the military operation in Ukraine , Lithuania lowered the level of diplomatic relations with Russia, recalled its ambassador from Moscow and ordered the Russian ambassador to leave its territory. After a series of tightening sanctions, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused Lithuania of “systemic discrimination against Russian compatriots.”

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