officially the Republic of Lithuania, located in the Baltic region of Europe, is a developed country with a high-income advanced economy. Lithuania offers plenty of job opportunities and a low cost of living, which is why many expats seeking employment in Europe head toward Lithuania.
The country is also known for the high quality of education and teaching level. Lithuania consistently ranks high in quality of life as it boasts low pollution, excellent healthcare, and high standards of living at a lower cost than most Western European countries.
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Lithuania?
Whether you need a visa to move to Slovakia depends on your nationality and the country you are traveling from:
- EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens can move to Lithuania with only their valid identity card or EU passport. EU nationals do not need a visa to enter the country since Lithuania is also a member state of the European Union.
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens will need a visa (long stay) if they want to stay in Lithuania for more than three months (90 days). The type of long-stay visa you apply for depends on the purpose of your travel.
How Can I Move to Lithuania as an EU Citizen?
EU/EEA citizens can move to Lithuania without applying for a visa beforehand due to the agreement between member states of the European Union. As an EU citizen, you can work, live and study freely in Lithuania; however, you must register your stay there after three months.
You will be entitled to live, work and study in Lithuania and enjoy the same rights as Lithuanian citizens.
How Can I Move to Lithuania as a Non-EU Citizen?
Non-EU nationals moving to Lithuania need to apply for and obtain a D visa (long-stay visa) if they plan on staying for longer than three months (90 days). Usually, this type of visa is issued for individuals who want to work, live, study, or reunite with their family members in Lithuania. After obtaining any type of long-stay visa, you need to apply for a residence permit and continue your stay in Lithuania.
Moving to Lithuania to Work
Non-EU nationals who have found employment in Lithuania and wish to stay there for longer than three months (90 days) need to apply for a work permit and visa. The Lithuanian employer must apply for a work permit at the Labor Services on your behalf, whereas the application for a work visa should be completed by you after being granted the work permit. You can apply for a work visa at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Lithuania issues different types of work visas that you must choose depending on the type of work you will be doing:
- Work visa for highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card).
- Work visa for intra-company transfers.
- Work permit for employment in Lithuania.
- Seasonal work visa.
Once you receive your work visa, you can come to Lithuania and apply for a temporary residence permit via MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System). You must also register your residence at the Migration Office.
The work visa is issued for a period of one year (12 months) and can be extended. You are also allowed to bring your family with you.
Moving to Lithuania to Study
Students from third countries that want to move to Lithuania for study purposes need to apply for a student visa and a temporary residence permit. You can submit the application for a student visa at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate. However, you need to be accepted to a Lithuanian university before applying for a student visa.
After you get your student visa, you can come to Lithuania and need to apply for a temporary residence permit via the MIGRIS system, which will allow you to stay longer. The student visa is valid for a maximum period of one year (12 months), that’s why you need to get a temporary residence permit to extend your stay.
Moving to Lithuania for Family Reunification
Third-country nationals that wish to join their family members residing in Lithuania will need a family reunification visa beforehand.
You can be eligible for a Lithuanian family visa if:
- You are the spouse of a Lithuanian citizen.
- You are the child (under 21 years of age) of a Lithuanian citizen.
- You are the parent of a Lithuanian citizen.
- Your spouse or parent has a Lithuanian permanent residence permit.
- Your spouse or parent has a Lithuanian temporary residence permit.
There are two types of family visas that you can apply for depending on what type of visa you qualify for. The application for a family visa is completed on the official website of the Migration Department.
After obtaining your family visa, you can enter Lithuania, apply for a temporary residence permit, and register your place of residence. The family reunification visa allows its holder to work and study in Lithuania.
Why Should I Move to Lithuania?
Here are the pros and cons of moving to Lithuania:
| Pros | Cons |
| Healthcare— Lithuania has an excellent healthcare system funded by the government through a national health insurance scheme. The country’s healthcare system consists of private and public sectors. Both private and public healthcare in Lithuania provides good quality medical services. | Low salaries— although there has been an increase in salaries in Lithuania, they still remain among the lowest in the European Union. The minimum wage in Lithuania from January 2023 is €840 per month. However, this depends on the type of work you do. |
| Living costs— Lithuania is more affordable than most countries in Western Europe. A family of four would need around €2700 per month, including rent, whereas the estimated monthly costs for a single person are around €900 to €1200. | Real estate— real estate is overpriced in Lithuania, where you will find the most expensive real estate in Vilnius, the capital city.If you decide to purchase a property, the prices range from €1200 to €5000 per square meter. |
| Job opportunities— Lithuania has an attractive employment market for expats. The Lithuanian Labour Law entitles workers to many benefits, such as health insurance by the national system and paid leaves (sick, maternity, paternity, education, etc.). | Language barrier— Lithuania’s official language is Lithuanian. Even though, most of the population speaks more than one language learning and knowing how to speak Lithuanian will benefit you professionally. |
| Education— Lithuania is home to 24 colleges and 22 universities. The scholar system of Lithuania is one of the most accredited scholar systems in Europe, and getting a degree from a Lithuanian educational institution will open up many doors to the best companies in Europe. | |
| Free movement— the Lithuanian passport is ranked 30th in the world, and Lithuanian citizens can travel visa-free to 148 countries in the world. | |
| Nature— Lithuania is very rich in flora and fauna. The vegetation of Lithuania consists of a mixture of coniferous, broadleaf woodlands, arctic, and steppe species. In Lithuania, you can see many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. |
Does Lithuania Allow Dual Citizenship?
Lithuania’s Law on Citizenship recognizes dual citizenship only in certain cases. This means that you cannot keep another citizenship and Lithuanian citizenship.
If you want to keep Lithuanian citizenship, you must renounce your other citizenship. However, you can always choose which citizenship you want to keep.
How Long Do I Need to Live in Lithuania to Win Citizenship?
To be eligible for Lithuanian citizenship, you must reside legally in Lithuania with a ten-year permanent residence permit. This is known as citizenship by naturalization.
Besides the residence requirement, you must fulfill other requirements, such as passing the Lithuanian Constitution exam and having sufficient financial means.
Other ways you can win Lithuanian citizenship are:
- Citizenship by Marriage.
- Citizenship by Descent.
- Citizenship by Birth.
Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to Lithuania?
EU nationals moving to Lithuania are entitled to import their personal belongings free of customs duties, thanks to the EU Customs Union. However, individuals from non-EU countries (third countries) might have to complete certain formalities that are based on the value of the goods, the country of origin, and the type of goods.
Personal belongings include the following items:
- Furniture.
- Clothing.
- Personal belongings.
- Vehicles (bikes, motorcycles, cars).
- Appliances.
- Computers.
Items listed below are not allowed to enter Lithuania:
- Pornographic materials.
- Explosive and flammable substances.
- Narcotic drugs.
- Toxic substances.
- Extremist materials.
- Materials containing scenes of violence and cruelty, inter-ethnic, inter-religious, social, and other discord and enmity.
- Natural flowers.
Can I Move to Lithuania With Pets?
If you want to bring your pet (dog, cat, or ferret) to Lithuania, you need to complete a set of requirements before the pet’s arrival in Lithuania as follows:
- Your pets (dog, cat, or ferret) must be marked by a transponder as specified in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013.
- Your pets must be vaccinated against rabies by an authorized veterinarian following the rules in Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 (not applicable for rabies-free countries).
- You must present a declaration stating that your pets have had no contact with wild animals or high risk for rabies animals.
- Your pets must have a health certificate.
- Your pets must have an EU Pet Passport with the alpha-numeric code and the details of the vaccination against rabies (applicable for pets traveling from EU countries).
- A written declaration (if your pets will be accompanied by another person).
- Your pets must undergo a rabies antibody titration test.
Under Lithuanian law, the only banned breed of dog is the American Pit Bull Terrier, as it is considered a dog fighting breed. Therefore, this kind of dog cannot enter Lithuania.
Most Popular Areas in Lithuania for Expats
Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Lithuania:
- Vilnius.
- Kaunas.
- Klaipėda.
- Šiauliai.
Vilnius
Expats usually opt for big cities due to the high living standards that they offer. Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. The city is the perfect place for people who are passionate about architecture, and arts, love scenic views, and want to try delicious food.
Vilnius is a famous tourist destination due to the free and low-cost attractions, so you can do many things during the day without much. The city has a vibrant atmosphere and hosts several events throughout the year.
When it comes to living costs, Vilnius is considered to be more expensive than other cities in Lithuania. The estimated costs for a single person can go from €1000 to up to €1500 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Kaunas
Kaunas is located in the south-central part of Lithuania. It is the second largest city in the country and an important center for the economy and culture of Lithuania, and a large center of business and industry.
The beautiful cobblestone streets, galleries, colorful houses, and great cafes charm people from all around the world visiting and moving to Lithuania to come to Kaunas. The city is a more affordable option for expats compared to Vilnius and is very safe, and has a low crime rate.
Kaunas is a great place to live, especially for young adults looking to grow professionally and students looking for a place to continue their studies.
Klaipėda
A beautiful port city on the Baltic Sea coast, is the perfect getaway to the Curonian Spit in Lithuania. Klaipėda has many popular attractions for tourists and is a great place to move in permanently.
The city offers many great things to do and see, so you can spend your days strolling around the city and sightseeing. Klaipėda is considered the best city in Lithuania for the quality of life it offers to its residents. This has made Klaipėda a popular destination among expats that want to move to Lithuania permanently.
Klaipėda is a very safe city to visit and live in, and you can live well at a low cost.
Šiauliai
Šiauliai is Lithuania’s fourth largest city, with a population of almost 100,000 residents. Šiauliai is located in the northern part of Lithuania and is known as “the city of the sun.” Although the city does not have that many attractions, it is still famous among tourists, especially during the summer.
The city is very affordable, and you can live well with around €500 to €1000 per month. Šiauliai makes a great place for people who want to work in Lithuania and is ranked high when it comes to happy employees and work-life balance.