Foreign-born population – 2024 | 9.4% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.3 million, 46% women | Evolution since 2014: +95% | Belarus (25%), Russia (24%), Ukraine (23%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Lithuania received 5 700 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑18% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 11% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 32% labour migrants, 51% family members (including accompanying family) and 3% humanitarian migrants. Around 5 900 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 50 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 9 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 40% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Belarus, Ukraine and Uzbekistan were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Belarus registered the strongest increase (5 900) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑50 000) in flows to Lithuania compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑42%, to reach around 300. The majority of applicants came from Belarus (100), Russia (40) and Ukraine (25). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Ukraine (20) and the largest decrease nationals of Belarus (‑200). Of the 400 decisions taken in 2024, 48% were positive.
Emigration of Lithuanian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑8% in 2023, to 17 000. Approximately 17% of this group migrated to Germany, 14% to Norway and 13% to Spain.
Lithuania has taken steps to refine its labour migration policy and improve regulatory compliance. Amendments adopted in 2024 aimed to better align migration with national priorities by managing lower-skilled entries and expanding access for highly qualified professionals.
A new population-based immigration quota was also introduced at maximum 1.4% of the resident population. The employment quota for third-country nationals is set at 24 830 in 2025, without any breakdown by economic activities. Once this threshold is reached, foreign hires must be offered a salary above the national average. The quota is not applicable to highly qualified specialists.
Lithuania also introduced additional compliance measures in 2024. From December, only nationals of countries where a Lithuanian-approved external service provider operates are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit via an external service provider. Highly qualified, third-country nationals, students, researchers and lecturers, ICT and family members can apply for a temporary residence permit in any country where an approved Lithuanian external service provider operates. Other third-country nationals can apply for a temporary residence permit in Lithuania.
Border security was further strengthened through the Integrated Border Management Plan 2024‑2028, which aims to improve inter-agency co‑ordination, infrastructure, and surveillance, with a focus on regional and EU-level co‑operation. In April 2025, the parliament tightened sanctions against Russian nationals, allowing residence permits to be revoked if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once in three months without valid justification. In parallel, a new Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking (2024‑2026) was adopted in July 2024, providing specialised training for officials to identify victims.
A new Reception and Integration Agency under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour became operational in January 2025. It is responsible for ensuring reception conditions for asylum seekers, providing temporary accommodation, age assessment, health screening, transport, and legal services. Recipients of international or temporary protection have the right to live free of charge in accommodation of the Reception and Integration Agency for up to six months. The period may be extended up to one month (up to three months for vulnerable persons). After this period, the recipients of international and (or) temporary protection, as well as other vulnerable groups may stay for up to three months at their own expense.
In January 2025, Lithuania adopted a new strategic plan to improve migrant integration. Foreign residents integration policy co‑ordinators were employed in 16 out of 60 municipalities (more than 65% of foreign residents in Lithuania are covered) and they have been drafting integration measures needed for each specific municipality. Sociocultural adaptation and mental health, together with information access and language trainings are some of the core measures.
Diaspora engagement efforts also progressed. In October 2024, the government approved the 2025‑2027 “Global Lithuania” Action Plan, involving nearly 100 institutions. The plan supports cultural identity, youth engagement, return migration through targeted educational and community programmes.
For further information: www.migracija.lt | www.stat.gov.lt | www.emn.lt.
