Moving to Lithuania: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

2,731,464

Population Growth Rate

-0.28%

Urban Population

67.100000

Population in Major Urban Areas

VILNIUS (capital) 546,000

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Age Structure

14.930000

Median Age

40.800000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

9

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

11.48

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.28

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

62.9%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

62.9%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

26.6

Mother's mean age at first birth

26.6

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.060000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-0.73

Ethnic Groups

Lithuanian 80.6%, Russian 8.7%, Polish 7%, Belarusian 1.6%, other 2.1%

Nationality Noun

Lithuanian(s)

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Literacy - total population

99.6%

Literacy - male

99.7%

Literacy - female

99.6%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.4%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

17.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

75.770000

Infant Mortality Rate

6.090000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

6.090000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

8

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

6.8

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

7%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

intermediate

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

27.6%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

99.300000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

98.700000

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Economic Overview

After the country declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, Lithuania faced an initial dislocation that is typical during transitions from a planned economy to a free-market economy.

Macroeconomic stabilization policies, including privatization of most state-owned enterprises, and a strong commitment to a currency board arrangement led to an open and rapidly growing economy and rising consumer demand.

Foreign investment and EU funding aided in the transition.

Lithuania joined the WTO in May 2001, the EU in May 2004, and the euro zone in January 2015, and is now working to complete the OECD accession roadmap it received in July 2015.

In 2017, joined the OECD Working Group on Bribery, an important step in the OECD accession process.

The Lithuanian economy was severely hit by the 2008-09 global financial crisis, but it has rebounded and become one of the fastest growing in the EU.

Increases in exports, investment, and wage growth that supported consumption helped the economy grow by 3.6% in 2017.

In 2015, Russia was Lithuania’s largest trading partner, followed by Poland, Germany, and Latvia; goods and services trade between the US and Lithuania totaled $2.2 billion.

Lithuania opened a self-financed liquefied natural gas terminal in January 2015, providing the first non-Russian supply of natural gas to the Baltic States and reducing Lithuania’s dependence on Russian gas from 100% to approximately 30% in 2016.

Lithuania’s ongoing recovery hinges on improving the business environment, especially by liberalizing labor laws, and improving competitiveness and export growth, the latter hampered by economic slowdowns in the EU and Russia.

In addition, a steady outflow of young and highly educated people is causing a shortage of skilled labor, which, combined with a rapidly aging population, could stress public finances and constrain long-term growth.

Industries

metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, amber

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$28,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.8%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$102,660,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$28,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.8%

GDP - official exchange rate

$41,780,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 64.5% government
• consumption: 16.5% investment in fixed
• capital: 20.3% investment in
• inventories: 3.7% exports of goods and
• services: 83.2% imports of goods and
• services: -88.2%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

3.5%

GDP by Sector- Industry

30.7%

GDP by Sector- services

65.8%

Industrial Growth Rate

2.5%

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Inflation Rate

0.9%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

litas (LTL)

Currency Name and Code

Euro (EUR)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

4.5%

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Labor Force

1,633,000

Unemployment Rate

17.9%

Major Industries

metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, amber

Agriculture Products

• grain, potatoes, sugar beets, flax, vegetables
• beef, milk, eggs
• fish

Population Below Poverty Line

4%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

7.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

19.6%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

72.5%

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Annual Budget

$11,260,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

21.4%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

31%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Lithuania

Country Name

Lithuania

Local - Long

Lietuvos Respublika

Local - Short

Lietuva

Former Name

Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR)

Etymology- history of name

meaning of the name "Lietuva" remains unclear and is debated by scholars; it may derive from the Lietava, a stream in east central Lithuania

Independence

• 16 February 1918 (from Soviet Russia and Germany)
• 11 March 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union)
• 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union)
• notable earlier dates: 6 July 1253 (coronation of MINDAUGAS, traditional founding date)
• 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created)

National Holiday

• Independence Day (or National Day), 16 February (1918)
• note - 16 February 1918 was the date Lithuania established its statehood and its concomitant independence from Soviet Russia and Germany
• 11 March 1990 was the date it declared the restoration of Lithuanian statehood and its concomitant independence from the Soviet Union

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Government Type

semi-presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 25 October 1992, entered into force 2 November 1992
• amendments: proposed by at least one fourth of all Parliament members or by petition of at least 300,000 voters; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of two readings three months apart and a presidential signature; amendments to constitutional articles on national sovereignty and constitutional amendment procedure also require three-fourths voter approval in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2019

Legal System:

civil law system; legislative acts can be appealed to the Constitutional Court

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Gitanas NAUSEDA (since 12 July 2019)
• head of government: Prime Minister Ingrida SIMONYTE (since 24 November 2020)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president, approved by Parliament
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 and 26 May 2019 (next to be held on 12 May 2024); prime minister appointed by the president, approved by Parliament
• election results: 2019: Gitanas NAUSEDA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Gitanas NAUSEDA (independent) 66.7%, Ingrida SIMONYTE (independent) 33.3% 2014: Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE elected president; percent of vote - Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE (independent) 59.1%, Zigmantas BALCYTIS (Social Democratic Party) 40.9%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats; 71 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote and 70 directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 11 and 25 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2024)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - TS-LKD 50, LVZS 32, LSDP 13, LRLS 13, LP 11, DP 10, LLRA-KSS 3, LSDDP 3, LT 1, LZP 1, independent 4; composition as of April 2023 - men 101, women 40, women 28 percent

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the Seimas; judges serve 5-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Seimas from nominations - 3 each by the president of the republic, the Seimas chairperson, and the Supreme Court president; judges serve 9-year, nonrenewable terms; one-third of membership reconstituted every 3 years
• subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; district and local courts

Regions or States:

60 municipalities (savivaldybe, singular - savivaldybe); Akmene, Alytaus Miestas, Alytus, Anksciai, Birstonas, Birzai, Druskininkai, Elektrenai, Ignalina, Jonava, Joniskis, Jurbarkas, Kaisiadorys, Kalvarija, Kauno Miestas, Kaunas, Kazlu Rudos, Kedainiai, Kelme, Klaipedos Miestas, Klaipeda, Kretinga, Kupiskis, Lazdijai, Marijampole, Mazeikiai, Moletai, Neringa, Pagegiai, Pakruojis, Palangos Miestas, Panevezio Miestas, Panevezys, Pasvalys, Plunge, Prienai, Radviliskis, Raseiniai, Rietavas, Rokiskis, Sakiai, Salcininkai, Siauliu Miestas, Siauliai, Silale, Silute, Sirvintos, Skuodas, Svencionys, Taurage, Telsiai, Trakai, Ukmerge, Utena, Varena, Vilkaviskis, Vilniaus Miestas, Vilnius, Visaginas, Zarasai

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Democrats for Lithuania [Saulius SKVERNELIS]
• Electoral Action of Lithuanian Poles or LLRA [Valdemar TOMASEVSKI]
• Freedom and Justice Party or LT [Remigijus ZEMAITAITIS] (formerly Lithuanian Freedom Union (Liberals))
• Freedom Party or LP [Ausrine ARMONAITE]
• Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats or TS-LKD [Gabrielius LANDSBERGIS]
• Labor Party or DP [Andrius MAZURONIS]
• Lithuanian Center Party or LCP [Naglis PUTEIKIS]
• Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union or LVZS [Ramunas KARBAUSKIS]
• Lithuanian Green Party or LZP [Remigijus LAPINSKAS]
• Lithuanian Liberal Movement or LS or LRLS [Viktorija CMILYTE-NIELSEN]
• Lithuanian List or LL [Darius KUOLYS]
• Lithuanian Regions Party or LRP [Jonas PINSKUS] (formerly Lithuanian Social Democratic Labor Party or LSDDP)
• Lithuanian Social Democratic Party or LSDP [Vilija BLINKEVICIUTE]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Lithuania dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

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Capital Name

Vilnius

Capital - geographic coordinate

54 41 N, 25 19 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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International Organization Participation:

• Australia Group
• BA
• BIS
• CBSS
• CD
• CE
• EAPC
• EBRD
• ECB
• EIB
• EU
• FAO
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NATO
• NIB
• NSG
• OAS (observer)
• OECD
• OIF (observer)
• OPCW
• OSCE
• PCA
• Schengen Convention
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• Wassenaar Arrangement
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Tamir WASER (since 12 August 2023)
• Embassy: Akmenu gatve 6, Vilnius, LT-03106
• Mailing Address: 4510 Vilnius Place, Washington DC 20521-4510
• Telephone: [370] (5) 266-5500
• FAX: [370] (5) 266-5510
• Email: consec@state.gov
• Website: https://lt.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Audra PLEPYTE (since 7 July 2021)
• Chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
• Telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860
• FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466
• Email: info@usa.mfa.lt
• Website: https://usa.mfa.lt/usa/en/
• Consulate(s) General: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

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Geographic Location

Europe

Geographic Coordinates

56 00 N, 24 00 E

Total Area

25,212 Square Miles 65,300 Square Kilometers

Land Area

24,201 Square Miles 62,680 Square Kilometers

Water Area

1,012 Square Miles 2,620 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

978 Miles 1,574 Kilometers

Border Countries

Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Coastline

56 Miles 90 Kilometers

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Terrain

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Highest Point

292 Meters

Highest Point Location

Juozapines/Kalnas 292 m

Lowest Point Location

Baltic Sea 0 m

Natural Resources

peat, arable land

Irrigated Land

5 Square Miles 13 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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Climate

Lithuania's climate is moderate.

Summer brings average temperatures of 65°F (afternoon highs in the 70s and 80s) and plentiful rain.

July is the warmest month.

Summer days are long, with only a few hours of darkness.

Winters tend to be cold, damp, and overcast.

Temperatures average about 30°F, and days are very short.

Average annual precipitation amounts to about 26 inches.

Terrain

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Location

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia

Total Area

25,212 Square Miles 65,300 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Environment - Current Issues

contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$19,290,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$20,340,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

mineral products 23%, textiles and clothing 16%, machinery and equipment 11%, chemicals 6%, wood and wood products 5%, foodstuffs 5%

Major Imports

mineral products 21%, machinery and equipment 17%, transport equipment 11%, chemicals 9%, textiles and clothing 9%, metals 5%

Top Export Partners

UK 13.4%, Russia 12.1%, Germany 10.4%, Latvia 9.7%, Denmark 5.1%, Sweden 4.2%, France 4.1%

Top Import Partners

Russia 22.2%, Germany 17.8%, Italy 5.1%, Poland 5%

Export Partners

UK 13.4%, Russia 12.1%, Germany 10.4%, Latvia 9.7%, Denmark 5.1%, Sweden 4.2%, France 4.1%

Import Partners

Russia 22.2%, Germany 17.8%, Italy 5.1%, Poland 5%

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Country Description

Lithuania is a stable democracy.

Tourist facilities in Vilnius, the capital, and to a lesser extent in Kaunas and Klaipeda, are similar to those available in other European cities.

In other parts of the country, however, some of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries may not be available.

Safety & Security

There have been no incidents of terrorism directed toward U.S. interests in Lithuania.

Incidents of anti-Americanism are rare.

Lithuania is not experiencing any civil unrest at this time.

However, marches and protests do occur, especially in larger cities.

Although such events have generally been peaceful in nature, U.S. citizens are reminded that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational.

Therefore, we urge you to avoid the areas of demonstrations, if possible, and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any event.

You should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

From time to time, especially late at night near bars and night clubs, foreigners have been subject to violent crimes, such as muggings, or have become involved in altercations with inebriated individuals.

Racially motivated verbal, and sometimes physical harassment of foreigners and ethnic minorities in major cities have occurred.

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Crime

Although Lithuania is relatively safe, both violent and non-violent crimes affecting tourists have occured throughout the country.

You should maintain the same awareness and practice good personal security that you would in any U.S. metropolitan area.

Large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry should be secured in a hotel safe or left at home.

Common crimes against foreigners include pick-pocketing and thefts, so personal belongings should be well protected at all times.

Thefts from cars and car thefts occur regularly.

Valuables should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been increasing reports of car windows being smashed and items stolen.

You should avoid walking alone at night or utilize a taxi service arranged by telephone.

Isolated ATMs should be avoided after dark.

Like in the United States., public inebriation should be avoided as criminals have been known to take advantage of drunken pedestrians.

U.S. citizens have reported being robbed and/or scammed while intoxicated.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Lithuania, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own, and criminal penalties vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in Lithuania, but still illegal in the United States; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Lithuania, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not.

If you break Lithuanian laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lithuania are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

For more information about arrest procedures in Lithuania please visit the

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Medical Facilities

Medical care in Lithuania has improved, but medical facilities do not always meet Western standards.

There are a few private clinics with medical supplies and services that nearly equal Western European or U.S. standards.

Most medical supplies are now widely available, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals; however, hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources.

Lithuania has highly trained medical professionals, some of whom speak English, but their availability is decreasing as they leave for employment opportunities abroad.

Depending on a patient’s condition, an appointment with a specialist may not be available for several weeks.

Western-quality dental care can be obtained in major cities.

Elderly travelers who require medical care may face difficulties.

Most pharmaceuticals sold in Lithuania are from Europe; travelers will not necessarily find the same brands that they use in the United States.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars or more.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, particularly if immigration status in Lithuania is unclear.

Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are widespread throughout the country.

Those intending to visit parks or forested areas in Lithuania are urged to speak with their health care practitioners about immunization.

Rabies is also increasingly prevalent in rural areas.

Traffic Safety

While in Lithuania, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

You may drive in Lithuania with a U.S. driver’s license for up to 90 days.

U.S. citizens who reside in Lithuania for 185 days or more in one calendar year and who wish to continue driving in Lithuania must acquire a Lithuanian driver's license.

An applicant for a driver’s license must take both the written and driving exams.

The foreign license must be given to the Lithuanian Road Police to be processed by the Consular Department of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For more information, please visit the

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Airports - total

61

Airports with Paved Runways

22

Railways

1,098 Miles 1,767 Kilometers

Roadways- total

52,298 Miles 84,166 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

44,923 Miles 72,297 Kilometers

Waterways

274 Miles 441 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Butinge, Kaunas, Klaipeda

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Pipelines: Gas

1,194 Miles 1,921 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

75 Miles 121 Kilometers

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Telephones

747,400

Cell Phones

4,912,000

Internet Users

1,333,000

Internet Country Code

.lt

Internet Hosts

1,170,000

Broadcast Media

• public broadcaster operates 3 channels with the third channel - a satellite channel - introduced in 2007
• various privately owned commercial TV broadcasters operate national and multiple regional channels
• many privately owned local TV stations
• multi-channel cable and satellite TV services available
• publicly owned broadcaster operates 3 radio networks
• many privately owned commercial broadcasters, many with repeater stations in various regions throughout the country

Telephone System

• assessment: adequate; being modernized to provide improved international capability and better residential access
• domestic: rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services has resulted in a steady decline in the number of fixed-line connections; mobile-cellular teledensity stands at about 140 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 370; major international connections to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by submarine cable for further transmission by satellite; landline connections to Latvia and Poland

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

9,612,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

6,606,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

5,649,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

12,090,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

3,300,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,400,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

70,390

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

211

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

190,100

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

12,360

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

12,000,000

Anthem History

"Tautiška Giesme" is the national anthem of Lithuania. It was written in 1898 by Dr. Vincas Kudirka and became the official national anthem in 1919.

Anthem Lyrics

Lietuva, Tevyne musu, Tu didvyriu žeme, Iš praeities Tavo sunus Te stiprybe semia.

Tegul Tavo vaikai eina Vien takais dorybes, Tegul dirba Tavo naudai Ir žmoniu gerybei.

Tegul saule Lietuvoj Tamsumas prašalina, Ir šviesa, ir tiesa Mus žingsnius telydi.

Tegul meile Lietuvos Dega musu širdyse, Vardan tos Lietuvos Vienybe težydi!

Anthem Lyrics English

Lithuania Our Homeland, land of heroes, let your sons draw strength from the past.

May your children walk only ways of goodness, Let them labor for your good And for the welfare of the people.

Let the sun eliminate Lithuania's shadows, and may light and truth Accompany our footsteps.

May the love for Lithuania burn in our hearts, and, for Lithuania's sake, let unity flourish!