Living in Lithuania
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Lithuania – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Lithuania
Help from the Lithuanian government
For any questions about moving to or living in Lithuania, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Vilnius cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Lithuania.
Professional help in Lithuania
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Lithuania, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Lithuania to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Lithuania. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Lithuania before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit (in Lithuanian) you need to live in Lithuania.
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- work
- study
- live with family in Lithuania
- invest or do business in Lithuania
- do research
For more information, read guidance on legal stays in Lithuania.
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to declare your residency in Lithuania.
If you have any problems or questions about declaring your residency, contact:
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact the Lithuanian Migration Department for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residence permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residence permit
You can also read guidance on:
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Lithuania.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read guidance on:
Citizenship
In most cases, Lithuania does not recognise dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you may have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Lithuanian citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Lithuanian citizenship:
- read guidance on becoming a citizen of Lithuania
- contact the Lithuanian Migration Department
- contact the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Vilnius cannot help with Lithuanian visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Lithuanian Migration Department
- the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in London
- an English-speaking lawyer in Lithuania
Residency if you moved to Lithuania before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Lithuania before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Residence documents if you moved to Lithuania before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Lithuania before 1 January 2021, make sure you have a ‘leidimas gyventi’ residence document. This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
If you have another Lithuanian residence document, you can exchange it for a ‘leidimas gyventi’ for free. Read the Lithuanian government’s information on residence rights for UK citizens and their families under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need a ‘leidimas gyventi’ residence document when entering or leaving Lithuania. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Lithuania or other Schengen countries.
If you do not have a residence document
If you were living in Lithuania before 1 January 2021, but do not have a ‘leidimas gyventi’ residence document, you can still apply for one through the MIGRIS e-system. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.
If your application is successful, you’ll get a ‘leidimas gyventi’ biometric residence card (in Lithuanian).
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Lithuania.
For more information on how to apply, read the Lithuanian government’s information on residence rights for UK citizens and their families under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Renewing your residence document if you moved to Lithuania before 1 January 2021
You’ll need to renew your ‘leidimas gyventi’ residence document every 5 or 10 years.
Contact the Lithuanian Migration Department for information on how to renew your residence document.
Bringing family members to Lithuania if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Lithuanian government’s information on residence rights for UK citizens and their families under the Withdrawal Agreement explains:
- which family members can join you in Lithuania
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
- who to contact for more help and information
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have a Lithuanian residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Lithuania does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and residence permit when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Lithuania using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under must carry a letter of authority if they’re travelling out of the Schengen area without a parent or legal guardian.
Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in London for more information.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Lithuania, and who have a valid Lithuanian residence permit, do not need to register with the EES.
If you’re legally resident in Lithuania but do not have a residence permit, contact the Lithuanian Migration Department for information on how to get one.
For more information about the EES, read:
Healthcare in Lithuania
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on healthcare in Lithuania and health in Lithuania
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Lithuania
Working in Lithuania
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Lithuania, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Lithuania for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Lithuania legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a UK police certificate.
If you live in Lithuania and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Lithuania, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Lithuania
Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Lithuania Migration Information Centre provides information on driving in Lithuania, including:
For more information, read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Lithuania, in safety and security in the travel advice for Lithuania
Exchanging a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence
If you’re resident in Lithuania for more than 185 days, you must exchange your driving licence.
You cannot replace or renew your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence if you live in Lithuania.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for:
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Lithuania, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Lithuania so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.}
Contact the Lithuanian State Tax Authority (VMI) (in Lithuanian) for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Lithuania. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Lithuania.
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Lithuanian pension
Contact the Lithuanian State Social Insurance Fund to find out whether you can claim a Lithuanian pension.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Lithuanian benefits
You may be entitled to some Lithuanian social security benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- contact the Lithuanian State Social Insurance Fund
- read the Lithuania Migration Information Centre’s guidance on support and benefits in Lithuania
Buying and renting property in Lithuania
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
You can also read the Lithuania Migration Information Centre’s guidance on:
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Lithuania if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Lithuania
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Lithuanian elections
You may be eligible to vote in municipal elections in Lithuania if you:
- have been living there for more than 5 years
- are registered as a permanent resident
You cannot vote in parliamentary or presidential elections unless you hold Lithuanian citizenship.
You also cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.
Studying in Lithuania
If you plan to study in Lithuania, you must meet all visa and residence requirements before you travel.
You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Lithuania legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Lithuania
- Study in Lithuania, an initiative from the Lithuanian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport
- the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Lithuania.
All children aged 6 to 16 must attend school or home school in Lithuania.
For more information, read the Lithuanian government’s guidance on education in Lithuania.
Childcare
The Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labour is responsible for childcare services in Lithuania.
All children in Lithuania can get 20 hours of free pre-school education per week from birth to age 6.
For more information, read guidance on:
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Lithuania, register the birth with the Lithuanian authorities.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Lithuania, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
The Lithuania Migration Information Centre provides information on getting married in Lithuania.
For information about LGBT+ rights in Lithuania, read guidance on safety and security in the travel advice for Lithuania.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Lithuania Migration Information Centre offers guidance on divorce in Lithuania.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Lithuania.
Documents for British people in Lithuania
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Lithuania, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Lithuania, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Lithuania through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Lithuanian authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).
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Update to the section on driving in Lithuania.
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A paragraph about the Entry/Exit System (EES) which will be introduced by the EU in autumn 2024 was added.
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Important information in the Working in Lithuania, and National insurance sections if you work in Lithuania, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
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Guidance reviewed and updated throughout.
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Guidance reviewed for Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, and Useful information sections.
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Guidance reviewed for Passport and travel, Healthcare, Working in Lithuania, Studying in Lithuania, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections.
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Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Lithuania after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.
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Working in Lithuania section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
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Minor change
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Healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working and studying in Lithuania section updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services and link to DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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Updated as the transition period ends with new information on residency, pet travel and moving to Lithuania.
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Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
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Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers
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minor update on driving license
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Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
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Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
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Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
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Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
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EU Exit update: added latest information about EU Exit to passports, pensions and returning to the UK sections
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EU Exit update: updated information on healthcare, visas and residency, voting and driving licences
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We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
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Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
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EU Exit update: added in links to the Lithuanian government website
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EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
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EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.
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EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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First published.