Live and work in Lithuania

Basic facts about Lithuania

The Republic of Lithuania covers an area of 65,300 km2 and a population of almost 2.8 million people. Their national language is Lithuanian and the capital city is Vilnius. Their currency is the Euro (€). Lithuania has a semi-continental climate, which results in cold winters and warm summers that are a bit rainy. 

5 fun facts about Lithuania

1. Every year for Saint Patrick’s Day the river in Vilnius is dyed bright green
2. The most popular sport in Lithuania is basketball. The most famous Lithuanian player, who got into the NBA league, was Arvydas Sabonis
3. The scent of Lithuania is an aroma with main notes of ginger, wildflowers, raspberry and sandalwood
4. Lithuanians celebrate two independence days. One on 16th February and the second, the Day of the Restoration of Independence, on 11th March
5. 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, and the nationals are proud of e.g. their language. 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. In Lithuania, you can enjoy fast, easy, and cheap internet access all over the country. It’s the 4th fastest network in Europe. 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.

Most of the society speaks English, however, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic words or sentences in Lithuanian. It will help you get around better, and feel more at home. Lithuania is also a beer and sport-loving nation, so if you like doing sports (especially outdoors in nature), or going to the bar in the evening, then you will have no problem making new friends. 

Cuisine in Lithuania  

When mentioning culture it automatically leads to talking about the traditional food in Lithuania. No matter if you are going for a quick vacation, or you plan to stay for a longer period of time, you have to try the food 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:

1. Cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat)
2. Cold beetroot soup
3. Žirniai su Spirgučiais (peas with cracklings)
4. Kepta duona (fried bread with garlic served live fries)
5. 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. Costs of accommodation are low, and the same applies to cost of living in general. For a one bedroom apartment in the city centre of the capital city, you will have to pay around €500 – €700.  

You should start to look for a place to stay before you leave. Of course, you can live in hotels and Airbnb for a while but it will be a significant part of your budget. 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. Sometimes people are also looking for a flatmate!

Be sure to prepare all documents beforehand, and read the lease before you sign it. Also, don’t pay anybody any money unless you have already signed the papers. Finding accommodation remotely is not an easy task, so take your time and look at more than a few offers. 

Cost of living in Lithuania

As previously mentioned, it is cheap to live in Lithuania compared to other European countries. Earnings are also slightly lower, however, while living and working in Lithuania the balance between income and expenses are nicely kept. The low costs of goods and services, combined with the tax rate – being the lowest in Europe – gives a very nice budget. 

Below you can see examples on everyday expenses: 

Description	Cost in Euros
Accommodation*	450 – 600
Food**	7.50
Mobile rate	0.13
Public transport (single)	0.90
Fitness club monthly pass	37
Monthly internet pass	10.77
Pint of beer	3.50
Cinema ticket	5.30
Total	565.10

* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.

**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks from.

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. But don’t get confused, it is not boring at all, there’s always something to do in Lithuania, especially if you live in the capital city Vilnius. There are always concerts, art exhibitions, sport events, opera, ballet, and many other events to attend. 

Where to Learn Lithuanian?

Despite the fact that most of the society speaks English, in most business environments basic knowledge of the Lithuanian language is appreciated and partly required depending on your job. You are able to handle everyday life using only English, but knowing simple phrases in Lithuanian will help you dive deeper into the culture and traditions. And you can be sure your new Lithuanian friends will help you.

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.

Still not convinced about Lithuania?

Lithuania is a great place to work, because it is open and respectful towards expats. With low costs of living, fair salaries, and a healthy and clean environment you can develop and boost your career as well as personal growth here. Lithuania has a high standard of education and innovation with excellent universities and a thriving tech industry which nurtures a culture of knowledge and entrepreneurship.

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. Moreover, English is commonly known by society, so it’s easy to get by.

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.