Live and work 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
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.
Account Manager in Construction for Job Squad – Fully Remote
Are you a good sales person and have you worked with construction before? Then maybe this is the job for you!
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 living in Lithuania
Lithuania is a picturesque country by the Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe. The Lithuanian people and a job market that is very open to foreigners, who work abroad. It is known as a country of green cities, blue lakes, and dense forests. There is a low cost of living where expats are a respected part of the society.
If you have already decided to move here, you can check out our current job opportunities in Lithuania by clicking HERE.
Work 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. The working hours are 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. You get 21 days of paid vacation annually, and if you work 6 days a week, then this increases to 24 days. 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. If you’re honest while building relationships with your colleagues, you’ll succeed in to have a spot in the Lithuanians heart just like that.
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.
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.
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
- 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, 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:
- 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. 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.
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.
Lithuanian is a Baltic language and is considered to be one of the oldest living Indo-European languages. It has its own unique grammar and vocabulary. While Lithuanian is the primary language spoken by the majority of the population, many Lithuanians also speak English, especially among the younger generations and in urban areas. In popular tourist destinations, you are likely to encounter English speakers, making communication easier for visitors.
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.
