LIVING IN LITHUANIA

Lithuania is located in the northeastern part of Europe, next to Latvia, the Republic of Belarus, Poland, and Russia. This small Baltic state is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and has many beautiful forests, lakes, and rivers. The history of the Republic of Lithuania dates back to the 13th century, and the modern era began after its secession from the Soviet Union in 1990.

Lithuania has a population of only 2.6 million people, of which about 85% are native Lithuanians. Major ethnic groups include Poles, Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians. More about prices and costs of living, taxes, specific employment, wages, education, medicine, the pros and cons of living in Lithuania in 2023.

Living in Lithuania

Pros and cons of living in Lithuania

Life in Lithuania is not as attractive as in the more developed European countries, yet many migrant workers, especially Belarusians and Ukrainians, are seeking to obtain a Lithuanian work visa and stay in this country permanently. Let us highlight the positive and negative aspects of living in the Lithuanian territory.

Pros of living of living in Lithuania

  • Lithuania is a member of the European Union, so Lithuanian citizens and permanent residents enjoy all the benefits of this association, including the right to free employment.

  • Lithuania is a beautiful country with many places to spend interesting leisure time.

  • Affordable prices on real estate, food and services. Low taxes.

Pros of living of living in Lithuania

Cons of living in Lithuania

  • Weak labor market and low wages..

  • The Lithuanian language is very difficult to learn..

  • The weather in Lithuania can be volatile and unpredictable..

  • Younger generation continues to leave Lithuania in search of a better life abroad.

Prices and cost of living in Lithuania

Compared to other EU countries, life in Lithuania is noticeably cheaper. The rent of a one-room apartment in the central part of the city costs about 610 euros, and in remote areas about 400 euros. The price of one square meter of real estate in the center is 3,315 euros, while in the countryside it is 2,065 euros.

Prices in Lithuania in 2023

  • Bread (500 g) – 1.30 euros.

  • Milk (1 L) – 1.26 euros.

  • Eggs (12 eggs) – 2.12 euros.

  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg) – 6.28 euros.

  • Potatoes (1 kg) – 0.73 euros.

  • Lithuanian cheese (1 kg) – 9.60 euros.

  • Bananas (1 kg) – 1.34 euros.

  • Apples (1 kg) – 1.26 euros.

  • Gasoline (1 liter) – 1.73 euros.

  • Cab (1 km) – 0.70 euros.

  • Public transport fare – 0.90 euros.

  • Monthly bus pass – 29 euros.

  • Utilities (85 sq. m.) – 177.86 euros per month.

  • Mobile Tariff Local (1 minute) – 0.18 euros.

  • Internet – 12.95 euros per month

Note. Above are average prices in different cities of Lithuania.

Tax rates in Lithuania

Tax rates in Lithuania in 2023

Corporate income tax – 15%. If the number of employees is less than ten people and the annual turnover does not exceed 300 thousand euros the rate is 5%.

VAT – 21%. Preferential rates are 9% (printed publications, district heating, domestic passenger transportation, hotel accommodation), 5% (pharmaceutical products, medical equipment for the disabled) and 0% (domestic and international transport).

Income tax – 20%, in some cases there is an increase to 32% if annual income exceeds 60 average salaries (101,094 euros in 2023).

Dividend tax – 15%

Social security contributions – 19.5%

Health insurance premiums – 6.98%

Work and wages in Lithuania

Despite the fact that both local and foreign entrepreneurs actively develop business in Lithuania, it is very difficult to find a job with a high salary in this country. Among the professions in short supply are engineers, drivers (cab drivers, truck drivers), construction workers and agricultural workers. Legal employment in Lithuania usually implies that a foreigner has a work permit, which is issued for a maximum of two years with the right to extension.

In terms of the minimum wage on January 1, 2023, Lithuania is no longer in the penultimate place in the European Union. The rate is 840 euros per month. The rate is lower not only in Bulgaria, but also in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Latvia and Estonia. According to official data from the local Department of Statistics, the average salary in Lithuania before taxes is 1,887.8 euros per month or 1,177.30 euros after all deductions. Professionals in the field of information and communication earn the most – 3,527 euros. Jobs in Vilnius bring an average of 1,200 euros net.

Higher education in Lithuania

Higher education in Lithuania

The Lithuanian higher education system offers over 400 study programmes many of which are available not only in Lithuanian but also in English and Russian. The most popular fields of study are medicine, biotechnology, and information systems. By the way, about 7 thousand foreign students from no less than 95 countries study at Lithuanian universities today.

The oldest educational institution in Lithuania is Vilnius University, founded in 1579. Other top Lithuanian universities include Vytautas Magnus University and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. The average cost of education in Lithuania (bachelor's degree) varies from 1,000 to 5,000 euros per year. Master's programs will cost from 2,200 euros, and a doctoral degree from 7,000 euros.

Medicine in Lithuania

Lithuania has a modern public health care system, financed by the government through the national health insurance scheme. Therefore a large number of services, including emergency care, are free of charge. The overall level of public medical facilities and qualifications of Lithuanian doctors are constantly improving. Naturally, private clinics are even better equipped.

Lithuania is justifiably proud of its health standards, e.g. infant mortality rate in Lithuania is lower than in many Western European countries. Many Europeans come to Lithuania for cheaper but no less quality dental services. Besides, Lithuanian cardiac surgeons enjoy great authority.

To conclude, the average life expectancy at birth in Lithuania in 2023 is 75 years, with men living about 70 years and women 81.

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