Foreign-born population – 2025 | 9.9% of the population | Main countries of birth: Belarus (23%), Russia (22%), Ukraine (22%) |
Size: 0.3 million, 44% women | Evolution since 2015: +107% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, Lithuania received 8 200 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 30% more than in 2024. This figure comprises 15% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 34% labour migrants, 49% family members (including accompanying family) and 2% humanitarian migrants. Around 6 800 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 66 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 9 800 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 10% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Belarus and Uzbekistan were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Pakistan registered the strongest increase (700) and Belarus the largest decrease (‑10 000) in flows to Lithuania compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants remained stable at around 300. The majority of applicants came from Belarus (120), Somalia (45) and Ukraine (30). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Somalia (45) and the largest decrease nationals of Belarus (‑45). Of the 290 decisions taken in 2025, 45% were positive.
Emigration of Lithuanian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑13% in 2024, to 15 000. Approximately 18% of this group migrated to Germany, 14% to Spain and 12% to the Netherlands.
Lithuania continued implementing labour migration reforms adopted in 2024, with most operational effects materialising during 2025-2026. The shortlist was abolished and the employment quota for third-country nationals was fixed at 24 830 for 2025, and at 24 706 for 2026. Highly qualified specialists remained exempt from the quota.
On 14 May 2026, amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners were adopted (LLSF, No. IX‑2206). The amendments aim at streamlining migration procedures and at strengthening employer liability for violations related to the employment of foreign workers. Foreign nationals will only need to satisfy one of the following conditions to obtain a temporary residence permit on employment grounds: (i) qualifications related to the intended work; or (ii) at least one year of work experience related to the intended work acquired within the last three years; or (iii) remuneration not lower than the average gross monthly salary. The amendments also clarify cases where employment quotas will not apply (e.g. completed studies in Lithuania within five years after graduation; people granted temporary protection or a temporary residence permit on humanitarian or family reunification grounds).
The implementation of the Integrated Border Management Plan 2025‑2027 continued into 2025-2026, focussing on inter‑agency co‑ordination, modernisation of border infrastructure and surveillance capacity. Lithuania also adopted amendments in April 2025, allowing revocation of Russian nationals’ residence permits if individuals travelled repeatedly to Russia or Belarus within a three‑month period without justified grounds. Pursuant to a joint order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, from June 2025 Lithuania no longer recognises non-biometric ordinary passports issued by the Russian Federation.
From January 2026, foreigners working in customer-facing roles are submitted to Lithuanian language proficiency requirements, with exemptions for Ukrainian refugees. They must pass A1‑level immediately and A2‑level after two years.
In December 2025, the government decided to accept half of the migrants allocated to Lithuania under the EU’s solidarity mechanism in 2026 and contribute financially for the remainder.
Municipal implementation of Lithuania’s new integration strategy expanded in 2025. Integration co‑ordinators employed in 16 municipalities continued preparing and implementing locally tailored measures in areas including language learning, access to public information, socio-cultural orientation and mental health support.
A new information system to administer and centralise translation services was launched in January 2026. It allows for centralised ordering and management of translation services for all third-country nationals or stateless persons in Lithuania and can be used by municipalities, migrants, and other interested parties.
Lithuania also continued implementing the Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking 2024‑2026. Activities included specialised training for migration, labour inspection and law‑enforcement authorities, aimed at improving identification of trafficking victims and co‑ordination between institutions.
For further information: www.migracija.lt | www.stat.gov.lt | www.emn.lt
