Living and working in Lithuania
Lithuania is a little gem full of stunning nature and enticing history. It’s a mix of an urban and ancient vibe.But what else? And what is it like to live there?
Here we will try to give you a little more of a local point of view on the charming country.
Latest available jobs in Lithuania
Dutch remote freelancer – B2B credit card sales
Work remotely as a Dutch Account Executive from Athens or Barcelona. Manage the full B2B sales cycle and grow with a global tech-focused sales organisation.
German B2B Sales, fully remote
We are currently looking for a German employee in sales for a fully remote position. Full-time and part-time positions available.
German Key Account Manager, fully remote
We are currently looking for a German Key Account Manager for a fully remote position. You will be responsible for conducting company meetings and presentations, guiding sales processes from start to finish.
Currency
The Euro (€, EUR) has been the official currency in Lithuania since 2015
Famous people
Some famous Lithuanian people are Arvydas Romas Sabonis, Andrius Mamontovas, and Aksana
Population
Lithuania has ~2.8 million, residents, many living in Vilnius and Kaunas
Typical food
Fried bread sticks, cepelinai (potato dumplings with minced meat), Šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), Lithuanian cheese with honey, herring
Avg. working week
Lithuania has an average of 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
It is located in central Europe and a short coastline along the Baltic Sea. It borders Belarus, Latvia, Poland, and Russia. The capital city is Vilnius
Languages
The official language is Lithuanian, and they mainly use Latin script (can be written with Cyrillic)
Healthcare
Good healthcare system (public and private providers). Healthcare is not free, but it is mostly subsidised by the government, ensuring affordable access to essential services
What you need to know about working in Lithuania
Lithuania is a small country that doesn’t have a huge expat community yet, due to the lack of knowledge of the many benefits regarding life and work. The average salary is about €1050 and the cost of living is very low. Lithuanians are open to receiving foreigners, especially in work environments, because they consider this is a key factor for a growing economy.
Lithuanian work culture is focused on politeness. They appreciate that you arrive at meetings on time and respect each other. They also value business relationships because they perceive them as beginning of friendships, they like to take time to get to know each other and it’s better to avoid awkward questions about salary or family.
Work in Vilnius
Vilnius has a youthful energy that many expats are attracted by. They have security laws regarding work which makes it more attractive to foreigners to live and work here. The IT technology companies are prompt to hire expats and offer many benefits. As an expat you can find job offers in teaching, science, and research as well. Lithuanian people also have a love for coffee, so especially in Vilnius you will find many coffee shops to spend your free time or between working hours.
Taxes in Lithuania
Once you are a resident in Lithuania you need to go to the register in order to obtain your tax identification number. You can check HERE for more information. After this, you’re ready to start making contributions and your salary is registered – the taxes are around 20% for salaries that do not exceed €90,246 annually.
What you need to fix when you start working in Lithuania
- Register your residence; declare your place of residence with local authorities
- Personal identification number; needed for almost everything (taxes, healthcare, banking)
- Tax registration; register with the tax authorities
- Open a local bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get a local SIM card
Popular cities in Lithuania
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Lithuania
Living in Lithuania is like stepping into a treasure chest, where ancient castles, cities, and nature create an extraordinary living experience. There are several compelling reasons to consider moving to Lithuania. Firstly, Lithuania offers a high quality of life with affordable living costs, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle. The country has a well-developed education system and is known for its high literacy rates, making it an excellent place for families and students. Lithuania’s beautiful natural landscapes, including national parks, lakes, and forests, provide opportunities for outdoor activities and a close connection with nature.
5 fun facts about Lithuania
- Every year for Saint Patrick’s Day the river in Vilnius is dyed bright green
- The most popular sport in Lithuania is basketball. The most famous Lithuanian player, who got into the NBA league, was Arvydas Sabonis
- The scent of Lithuania is an aroma with main notes of ginger, wildflowers, raspberry and sandalwood
- Lithuanians celebrate two independence days. One on 16th February and the second, the Day of the Restoration of Independence, on 11th March
- When visiting a nationals’ home, bring an odd number of flowers. Even numbers of flowers will bring misfortune to the household
Proud culture in Lithuania
Lithuania is a country with unique traditions and a rich history:
- Lithuanian is one of the oldest languages in Europe, and around 3 million people speak it.
- Lithuanians care a lot about their family, freedom (two independence days), and they take pride in their internet access.
- Talking about Lithuanian culture, we cannot skip basketball. It’s something more than just sport and you will see people playing basketball on the streets no matter where you go. The Lithuanian national team’s competitive record is also really impressive.
Cuisine in Lithuania
Lithuanian cuisine is hardly ever spicy. For seasoning they mainly use herbs to keep it simple and fresh. During your stay, you can taste everything from traditional dishes to modern compositions. Typical ingredients are potatoes, beets, and wild mushrooms. The cuisine is very hearty and wholesome with local ingredients. Don’t forget to try out Lithuania’s beloved honey cake, “Medaus Tortas,” a mouthwatering treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Some of the most popular dishes you can find in local cuisine are:
- Cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat)
- Cold beetroot soup
- Žirniai su Spirgučiais (peas with cracklings)
- Kepta duona (fried bread with garlic served live fries)
- Potato pancakes
Finding accommodation in Lithuania
Most of the accommodation places available for rent in the city are apartment blocks. If you go to the suburbs you will often also find detached houses – both types are affordable. When looking for an apartment online it’s useful to go through pages like https://m.en.aruodas.lt/butu-nuoma/vilniuje/. You can also join Facebook groups related to finding and renting properties in the city you’re moving to. Expect this for the monthly rent costs in Lithuania:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €600-€750
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €400-€550
- Room in a shared apartment: €200-€300
Cost of living in Lithuania
It is cheap to live in Lithuania compared to other European countries. Below you can see examples on everyday expenses:
- Groceries: €200-€350 a month
- Basic meal in a restaurant: €10-€15
- Coffee in a café: €2,50-€3,50
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €3-€5
- Gym membership: €30-€70 a month
- Cinema ticket: €7-€12
Expats in Lithuania
Even though the number of expats in Lithuania is low, those who choose to live in this beautiful country have fallen for its charming energy and peaceful vibe. Lithuania has a wonderful merge between historical places and cosmopolitan cities without the feeling of always being in a hurry.
Still not convinced about Lithuania?
Lithuania is a great place to work, but also an amazing place to live in:
- You can explore the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where sandy dunes meet the Baltic Sea.
- Or take a stroll in the insta worthy landscapes of Trakai, which is home to a stunning island castle surrounded by shimmering lakes.
- Connecting with the rest of Europe is fast and easy, and you can fly directly to over 57 airports.
- Furthermore, the capital city Vilnius is home to the “Republic of Užupis,” a bohemian neighbourhood known for its quirky art installations and its self-declared independence, complete with its own constitution! Definitely worth visiting.
- Lithuanian culture also has a lot of traditions and festivities. You can experience the magic of the “Joninės” celebration, with bonfires and people gathering to dance, sing, and welcome the summer solstice. And you should also join the colourful “Kaziuko Muge” fair in Vilnius, where artisans showcase their crafts and you can enjoy traditional Lithuanian delicacies.
FAQ
No, all EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Lithuania, but after three months you will need to register. Expat and non EU citizens need to apply for work permit. You can read more about all of it here.
After your arrival to Lithuania, you are entitled to take part in a free language course. If you would like to know more see this website: studyin.lt/learn-lithuanian/. For those who really can’t wait, there are also online courses. You can find both paid and unpaid ones on the internet and start today.
As with most Slavic languages, the beginning can be a little bit hard, but everyday practice in a grocery store, at work, or in the queue will make you more confident. It will also improve your professional skills and open more opportunities in the Lithuanian job market.
Lithuania is located in a temperate seasonal climate. Summers (June to August) are generally mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) on average. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, averaging around -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures, but can be quite unpredictable with changing weather conditions. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. It’s advisable to check the specific weather forecast for the time of your visit, as conditions can vary.
If you’re just moving around the city or in nearby areas most people people use bikes, buses and in some cities metro and tram. For longer distances train is recommended.
Lithuania has an ok healthcare system with both public and private providers. Healthcare is not entirely free, but the government pays the bigger part, ensuring affordable access to essential services. Patients contribute through taxes, co-payments, and private health insurance for additional coverage. public healthcare system ensures free healthcare for citizens, which includes long-term residents and expats as well. You can read more here.
The cost of living in Lithuania is generally lower compared to many other European countries, making it an affordable place to live. Housing costs, including rent and property prices, are relatively reasonable, especially outside of major cities like Vilnius. Grocery prices are also affordable, and you can find a variety of fresh and local produce at affordable prices. Utility costs, transportation expenses, and healthcare costs are also relatively low compared to many Western European countries.
