Essential First Steps for New Arrivals

Register Your Address
Required for stays longer than 3 months.

Obtain a Lithuanian Personal Identification Number (Asmens Kodas)
Required for employment, banking, healthcare, digital services, and housing contracts.

Residence Permit (if required)
Non‑EU citizens may need temporary residence permits, work permits, EU Blue Cards, startup visas, student permits, or family permits.

Open a Lithuanian Bank Account
Employers typically require a local account.

Healthcare Registration
Residents must register with the National Health Insurance Fund (VLK).

Housing in Lithuania

Types of Housing

• Private rentals
• Furnished and unfurnished apartments
• Shared housing
• Student dormitories
• Houses in suburban areas

Market Characteristics

• High demand in Vilnius and Kaunas
• Prices vary significantly by region
• Deposits typically 1–2 months
• Many apartments furnished or semi‑furnished

Practical Advice

• Use reputable real estate platforms
• Understand heating types (central, gas, electric)
• Check whether utilities are included
• Be cautious of scams

Working in Lithuania

Work Permits and Visas

• Standard work permit
• EU Blue Card
• Highly qualified specialist permit
• Startup visa
• Seasonal work permit
• EU/EEA citizens do not require a permit

Employment Standards

• Standard workweek: 40 hours
• Minimum 20 paid vacation days
• Strong worker protections
• Overtime compensation required
• Notice periods vary

Key Industries

• Technology and software development
• Fintech and financial services
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Logistics and transportation
• Life sciences and biotechnology
• Creative industries

Financial Overview: Taxes and Income

Income Tax for Employees
Lithuania uses a progressive system with social and health contributions and tax allowances.

Taxes for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Self‑employed individuals pay income tax, social contributions, VAT (if applicable), and quarterly filings. Simplified regimes available.

Corporate Tax
Standard rate: 15%
Small business rate: 5%

VAT (PVM)
Standard rate: 21%
Reduced rates: 9% and 5%

Healthcare System

Lithuania has a public healthcare system funded through taxes and social contributions.

General Practitioner (Šeimos Gydytojas)
Residents register with a family doctor; referrals required for specialists.

Costs

• Public healthcare low‑cost
• Private clinics faster but more expensive
• Dental care mostly private

Transportation and Mobility

Public Transport

• Buses and trolleybuses in major cities
• Regional and intercity buses
• Trains connecting major regions
• Ride‑sharing widely available

Driving

• EU licenses valid
• Non‑EU licenses may require exchange
• Road conditions generally good
• Winter tires mandatory in winter

Cycling
Infrastructure improving, especially in Vilnius and Kaunas.

Culture and Society

Lithuanian culture values calm communication, privacy, nature, digital literacy, and punctuality.

Social Norms

• Silence respected
• Relationships develop gradually
• Environmental responsibility widespread
• Cashless payments common

Religion in Lithuania

Predominantly Roman Catholic, with Orthodox, Protestant, and Jewish communities.

Daily Life

Shopping and Services
Maxima, Rimi, Lidl, Iki.

Language
Lithuanian is official; English widely spoken; Russian and Polish common in some regions.

Digital Services
E‑government, online tax filing, e‑prescriptions, digital signatures.

Education and Family Life

School Options

• Public schools
• Private schools
• International schools
• Bilingual programs

Childcare

• Nurseries
• Kindergartens
• After‑school programs

Community and Integration

Active expat communities exist in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.