Seasonal work in Lithuania: farming, the Baltic coast and the seasonal permit

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What seasonal jobs are available in Lithuania?

Lithuania, the largest of the three Baltic states, has a substantial farming sector and a coastline that fills up in summer. Seasonal needs concentrate between May and October, in fields, orchards, greenhouses, hotels, restaurants and seaside resorts across the country.

Common roles include strawberry and berry picker, orchard worker, vegetable or greenhouse worker, harvest helper, waiter, chef, room attendant, lifeguard and beach vendor. Versatile profiles find longer contracts more easily, especially when they can switch between kitchen, bar and reception.

Farming regions and tourist hubs

The broad plains of the centre and north, around Panevėžys and Šiauliai, produce most of the grain. Orchards, strawberries and vegetables are spread across the whole country, often on family farms or at food processing companies.

Summer tourism centres on Palanga, the main seaside resort, Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit around Nida, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vilnius, Trakai and the spa town of Druskininkai also attract visitors throughout the summer season, creating hotel and restaurant jobs.

Season calendar

Strawberries are picked from late June to July, other berries in July and August, and apples from late August to October. The grain harvest runs through July and August. The short seaside season peaks from mid-June to the end of August.

An official list of seasonal jobs

In Lithuania, only jobs appearing on an official list of seasonal work, approved by ministerial order in 2017 and amended in 2018, can lead to a seasonal permit for a third-country national. Agriculture and tourism make up the bulk of the list.

Who can work in Lithuania as a seasonal worker?

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland work freely in Lithuania. After three months of residence, they declare their residence with the Migration Department and obtain a document certifying their right of residence.

The seasonal permit for third-country nationals

Third-country nationals need a document allowing them to stay in Lithuania and a seasonal work permit. The permit is issued by Užimtumo tarnyba, the Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, which also runs the public job search service.

Maximum duration and changing employer

The seasonal permit is granted for a maximum of six months in any twelve-month period, in one or several blocks. It can be extended with the same employer, or a new permit issued to change employer, only once and within the same limit.

Illegal work and sanctions

According to the State Labour Inspectorate, employing a foreign national is illegal without a work permit or contract and without a visa or residence permit where required. The Migration Department provides information on the residence documents needed before arrival.

Pay and working conditions

The Lithuanian monthly minimum wage rose from EUR 1,038 in 2025 to EUR 1,153 gross on 1 January 2026, an increase of about 11 percent. The minimum hourly rate rose from EUR 6.35 to EUR 7.05 gross.

Equal pay for foreign seasonal workers

A foreign seasonal worker may not be paid less than a Lithuanian resident doing the same work for the same employer. Where no comparison is possible, pay may not fall below the average monthly gross wage for the sector published by Statistics Lithuania.

The Lithuanian Labour Code provides premiums for overtime, night work and public holidays, as well as prorated paid leave. The written contract must specify the role, workplace, pay, working hours and duration of the seasonal employment from the outset.

Amounts, documents and costs

The table below lists the financial and administrative items to check before committing. Large farms often offer accommodation, with a deduction from wages that must be clearly stated in the contract to avoid disputes at the end of the season.

Steps to find a seasonal job

Užimtumo tarnyba, the public employment service, publishes vacancies and handles seasonal permits, while EURES Lithuania supports European candidates. Farms recruit from spring, and coastal tourism employers from April for the summer season.

1. Choose between harvests, greenhouses and coastal tourism, then prepare a CV.
2. Browse Užimtumo tarnyba vacancies and the EURES portal.
3. Contact farms, orchards and hotels in Palanga or Nida directly.
4. Check that the job appears on the official seasonal work list.
5. Get a written contract stating pay, duration and housing.
6. Non-EU applicants: wait for the permit and visa before working.
7. After three months, declare your residence with the migration authorities.

Common mistakes and scams to avoid

Unscrupulous intermediaries mainly target applicants from third countries. A few simple checks, such as confirming the employer legally exists and insisting on a written contract, prevent most unpleasant surprises on arrival.

• Working before the seasonal permit is issued.
• Accepting pay below the EUR 7.05 hourly minimum.
• Paying recruitment fees to a foreign intermediary.
• Exceeding the permit limit of six months in twelve.
• Travelling without a written contract or stated housing cost.

Frequently asked questions about seasonal work in Lithuania

The following answers cover the most frequent situations. Užimtumo tarnyba, the Migration Department and the State Labour Inspectorate remain the official sources to consult whenever there is doubt about a permit, a contract or pay.

Do I need Lithuanian to get hired?

Not always. English is enough in many hotels in Vilnius and on the coast, and Russian or Polish remain useful on some farms. Lithuanian is, however, a real asset for customer-facing roles serving local guests.

Is the Lithuanian minimum wage high?

At EUR 1,153 gross per month in 2026, Lithuania has the highest minimum wage of the three Baltic states, ahead of Estonia at EUR 946 and Latvia at EUR 780. The cost of living remains lower than in Western Europe.

Can a foreign worker be paid less than a Lithuanian?

No. The equal pay rule requires at least the wage of a Lithuanian resident in the same job with the same employer, or failing that the sector average wage. This rule particularly protects seasonal workers recruited abroad through agencies.

Can I work two seasons in the same year?

For non-EU nationals, the total may not exceed six months in twelve, even with two successive employers. EU citizens are not subject to this limit and can freely combine harvest work with the tourist season.