Law on the imposition of restrictive measures in view of military aggression against Ukraine enters into force
On 3 May, the Law on the imposition of restrictive measures in view of military aggression against Ukraine enters into force.
This new legislation, which establishes the restrictive measures to be applied in Lithuania as a result of military aggression by foreign states against Ukraine, is aimed at safeguarding the country's national security and foreign policy interests.
As of Wednesday, the acceptance of applications for temporary residence permits for Russian citizens in Lithuania through an external service provider is suspended. An exception may apply if the application is mediated by an institution authorised by the Government.
The acceptance of applications for temporary residence permits by Russian citizens in Lithuania is also suspended. Exceptions in this case will only apply to Russian citizens who hold a valid Schengen or national visa or residence permit issued by Lithuania, or a residence permit issued by another Member State of the European Union.
The acceptance of applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens for Lithuanian electronic resident status and the validity of electronic identification certificates and qualified electronic signature certificates for electronic resident cards already issued are suspended. This provision does not apply to citizens of the aforementioned countries who have valid temporary or permanent residence permits in Lithuania.
According to the Law, citizens of Russia and Belarus will continue to be unable to apply for national visas through external service providers abroad, and will only be able to apply for visas through visa services abroad if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania acts as an intermediary for the issuance of the visa.
The above-mentioned legal act also introduces restrictive measures on travelling across the external border of the European Union to Lithuania, the acquisition of real estate and the transportation of cash, Ukrainian hryvnias, across the state border. They will be implemented by various Lithuanian authorities within their competence.
The Law on the introduction of restrictive measures by the Republic of Lithuania in view of the military aggression against Ukraine will remain in force for one year, until 3 May 2024.