🇱🇹 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Lithuania, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Lithuania at a glance?
• Flag: 🇱🇹
• Population: ~2.7 million (national, 2025)
• Currency: Euro (EUR) — Prices are often compared internationally in USD or GBP.
• Average salary: around EUR 22,000 per year (~USD 23,500)
• Live EUR ←→ USD / GBP: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
👉 Reviewed by Statistics Lithuania (Lietuvos statistikos departamentas), last updated in June 2025; Bank of Lithuania, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Lithuania?
The cost of moving to Lithuania depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 2,100–2,700 (≈ EUR 1,950–2,500) for a 20-ft FCL from Europe/USA to Lithuania Three Movers, Inc.+2BR LOGISTICS+2 |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 3,400–5,000 (≈ EUR 3,100–4,600) depending on origin & route Three Movers, Inc.+1 |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~5–10 days | Typically higher; often several thousand USD depending on urgency & distance (insufficient stable public benchmark) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Lithuania import duty rates vary by product category; plus standard VAT at 21% applied on import value including duty & shipping costs. finmin.lrv.lt+2Grant Thornton International Ltd. Home+2 |
👉 Reviewed by Freight & Logistics market sources & Lithuanian Customs / Tax guides, last updated mid-2025.
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes.
Real-life case:“I moved to Lithuania in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of belongings in a 40ft container from Toronto, costing around USD 5,600 including door-to-door delivery and customs clearance.”— Marjeta R., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Lithuania choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, includingVilnius,Kaunas,Klaipėda,Šiauliai, andPanevėžys. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and growing expat communities, making them ideal destinations for newcomers planning to move to Lithuania.
What do I need to know about Lithuania visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in Lithuania. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Family or Partner Visa, Startup or Entrepreneur Visa, and Residence or Long-Term Residence Permit options available after an extended stay.
Visa categories and eligibility check:
https://www.migracija.lt/en/
Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents):
https://keliauk.urm.lt/en
👉 Reviewed by the Lithuanian Migration Department (Migracijos departamentas) & Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, last updated June 2025.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Lithuania, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Lithuanian Customs regulations. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to shipment.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival in Lithuania.
At customs, present:
- Detailed inventory list of goods
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of prior residence abroad (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods may be subject to Lithuania’s import duties and 21% VAT, applied on the customs value including freight and insurance (CIF).
👉 Reviewed by the Lithuanian Customs (Muitinė), last updated mid-2025.
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
If you’re moving to Lithuania, you must declare your vehicle at customs. Import duties and 21% VAT may apply unless you qualify for relocation or returning-resident exemptions. Vehicles must meet EU safety and emissions standards, and most imports require inspection and registration through the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration (LTSA – Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija) before being approved for road use.
Driver’s licences from EU/EEA countries are valid in Lithuania and can be exchanged without testing.
Drivers from non-EU countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Japan) may need to exchange their licence within 12 months of residency; depending on the country, a theory and/or practical driving test may be required.
👉 Reviewed by the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration (LTSA) and Lithuanian Customs, last updated July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Lithuania?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by the required import documents issued by the State Food and Veterinary Service of Lithuania (VMVT – Valstybinė maisto ir veterinarijos tarnyba) under the Ministry of Agriculture. A valid rabies antibody (titration) test may be required depending on the country of origin.
Import requirements vary by species, and all pets must arrive through approved EU entry points, such as Vilnius Airport (VNO), Kaunas Airport (KUN), or other designated EU Border Inspection Posts for animals entering Lithuania by air or road.
👉 Reviewed by the State Food and Veterinary Service of Lithuania (VMVT), Government of Lithuania, last updated March 2025.
How do I open a bank account and get Lithuania’s national identity number (Tax ID / Social Security Number)?
To open a Lithuanian bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of address in Lithuania (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment, student enrollment, or income source
Lithuania’s national identity number is the Personal Identification Number (Asmens kodas), used for taxation, social security, healthcare, banking, and official registrations.
Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Social Security Number are issued after:
- Registering your residence in Lithuania through the Lithuanian Population Register
- Completing registration with the State Tax Inspectorate (VMI) or the National Health Insurance Fund (VLK – Valstybinė ligonių kasa)
👉 Reviewed by the State Tax Inspectorate (VMI) & National Health Insurance Fund (VLK), last updated November 2024.
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Lithuania?
In Lithuania, renting usually requires a security deposit (normally one to two months’ rent) and proof of stable income or financial means. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are often not included in the rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of income or employment/study contract
- Lithuanian residence registration (Asmens kodas or temporary residence certificate)
To buy property in Lithuania, budget an extra 5–10% for notary fees, Land Register fees, and transaction costs.
Non-EU citizens may need permission from the National Land Service (NŽT – Nacionalinė žemės tarnyba) or relevant authorities before completing a property purchase, especially in protected zones or border areas.
Top areas for newcomers:
- Vilnius – capital city and economic hub with strong international job markets
- Kaunas – second-largest city, known for universities, logistics, and tech growth
- Klaipėda – coastal port city with maritime, logistics, and trade opportunities
- Šiauliai – northern city with affordable living and expanding industry
- Panevėžys – central–northern city with good transport links and lower housing costs
👉 Reviewed by Statistics Lithuania (Lietuvos statistikos departamentas) & Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (LCCIC) / Real Estate Market Sources, last updated March 2025.
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Lithuania?
If you’re a tax resident in Lithuania (living more than 183 days per year or having a permanent home there), you’re generally taxed on your worldwide income.
Contributions to social security and pension schemes are mandatory for employees under Lithuanian employment contracts.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Standard rate: 20% on most income (with progressive rates applicable to high earners) | Non-residents are taxed only on Lithuania-sourced income |
| Social Contributions | Cover pension, healthcare, sickness, maternity, unemployment, and accident insurance | Employee contributes ~19.5%; employer contributes ~1.8% (rates vary by contract type) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Lithuania has agreements with 55+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and all EU members |
👉 Reviewed by the State Tax Inspectorate of Lithuania (VMI) & National Health Insurance Fund (VLK), last updated 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a virtual relocation consultation, or explore international moving guides for Estonia and Latvia.