Lithuania's Labor Law Framework: An HR Perspective

Lithuania has established a comprehensive labor protection system centered around the Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania. This foundational legislation governs critical employment aspects including working hours, overtime regulations, workplace conditions, and termination procedures. Collective bargaining agreements further supplement employee rights, covering compensation, benefits, working conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The legal framework emphasizes employer responsibilities while protecting workers' rights to unionize and collectively bargain.

Working Time Regulations in Lithuania

The standard workweek in Lithuania is 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. However, Lithuanian labor law recognizes several distinct working time arrangements to accommodate different employment scenarios.

Categories of Working Time

Standard Workweek: 40 hours weekly, with a maximum 48 hours including overtime over 7 days
Extended Hours: Certain positions may require 24-hour presence, but must maintain 48-hour weekly average with minimum 24-hour rest between shifts
Reduced Hours: Employees in hazardous environments work maximum 36 hours weekly
Summarized Working Time: Allows flexible scheduling within reference periods (maximum 3 months) while maintaining weekly cap of 52 hours
Minor Employment: Strict limits apply: under 16s maximum 2 hours daily (12 weekly); 16-18 year olds maximum 7 hours daily (35 weekly)

Overtime Provisions and Compensation

Overtime requires employee consent and is limited to 8 hours weekly (extendable to 12 hours with agreement), with annual caps of 180 hours. Compensation structure follows:

Overtime Type	Compensation Rate
Weekday overtime	1.5x base salary
Weekend/public holiday work	2x base salary
National holidays	2x base salary

Employment Contracts in Lithuania

Written employment contracts are mandatory in Lithuania, detailing job responsibilities, compensation, and working conditions. Contracts must be provided in duplicate, with both parties retaining signed copies. Key contractual elements include:

Specific workplace location and job function description
Compensation structure and payment terms
Contract duration and type specifications
Any mutually agreed additional terms

Contract Types Available

Indefinite-term contracts: Open-ended employment with no predetermined end date
Fixed-term contracts: Maximum 5-year duration, with restrictions on permanent positions
Temporary contracts: Maximum 2-month duration for short-term needs
Seasonal contracts: Up to 8 months for weather-dependent industries

Probation Period Regulations

Employers may establish probation periods up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months in specific cases) to assess employee suitability. During probation, all standard labor protections apply, and contract modifications require mutual written agreement.

For organizations navigating Lithuania's employment landscape, SailGlobal provides expert guidance on compliance and best practices. Our HR specialists help international companies implement compliant employment strategies while optimizing workforce management.

Lithuania Labor Law Guide 2024: Working Hours, Contracts & Employment Regulations