First Steps in Lithuania: Handbook for Migrants

CONTENTS

A FEW WORDS ABOUT LITHUANIA ........................................... 5

FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO COME TO LIVE AND WORK IN LITHUANIA .................................................................... 9• PermitstoliveandworkinLithuania..................................................... 10• Temporaryresidencepermits..................................................................... 10• Ifyoucometowork.......................................................................................... 11• IfyouintendtostartabusinessinLithuania..................................... 12• IfyouintendtostudyinLithuania........................................................... 12• Ifyouarriveforfamilyreunification......................................................... 12• Howtobringyourfamilymembers........................................................ 13• Reasonsforthewithdrawaloftemporary

residencepermits............................................................................................... 14• Permanentresidencepermits..................................................................... 15• Reasonsforthewithdrawalofpermanent

residencepermits............................................................................................... 16• Termsfortheissuanceoftemporaryand

permanentresidencepermits.................................................................... 16• IfyourspouseisacitizenofaEuropeanUnion

MemberState........................................................................................................ 16• Termsfortheissuanceofresidencepermitsforfamily

membersofacitizenofaEuropeanUnionMemberState...... 17• TravelwithintheEuropeanUnionwitharesidence

permitinLithuania............................................................................................. 17• Extensionofaresidencepermits.............................................................. 18

DECLARATION OF A pLACE OF RESIDENCE .......................... 19

CITIZENSHIp OF THE REpUBLIC OF LITHUANIA ................... 21• Children’scitizenship........................................................................................ 22• Grantingofcitizenship/naturalization................................................. 23

REGISTRATION OF A MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, CHILDBIRTH OR DEATH ............................................................. 25• MarriageinLithuania........................................................................................ 26• Marriageaccordingtothecivilprocedure......................................... 26• Marriageaccordingtotheprocedureestablished

byaChurch(denominations)..................................................................... 27• RegistrationinLithuaniaofamarriageconcludedabroad..... 27• Registrationofmarriagedissolution....................................................... 27• Birthregistration................................................................................................. 28• Deathregistration............................................................................................. 28

EMpLOYMENT IN LITHUANIA ................................................... 29• Jobsearch.............................................................................................................. 30• Refresher/retrainingopportunities....................................................... 31

ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMpANY ........................................... 33

TAXATION ..................................................................................... 35

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN LITHUANIA .................................. 37• Educationofchildreninschools............................................................... 38• Learninganativelanguage......................................................................... 39• StudiesinLithuanianhigherschools..................................................... 39• Adulteducation.................................................................................................. 39• LearningtheLithuanianlanguage......................................................... 40

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IN LITHUANIA ............................ 41• Socialservices...................................................................................................... 42• Socialbenefits....................................................................................................... 42

HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN LITHUANIA.................................... 43• Healthinsurance................................................................................................. 44• Voluntaryhealthinsurance........................................................................... 44• Compulsoryhealthinsurance..................................................................... 44• Healthcareinstitutions................................................................................... 45• Arranginganappointmentwithadoctor........................................... 45

OTHER pRACTICAL INFORMATION ......................................... 47• Housing/Realestate:rent,purchase.................................................... 48• Bankingservices.................................................................................................. 49• Legaladvice............................................................................................................ 49• Trafficconditionsanddrivinglicenses.................................................. 50• Publictransportsystem.................................................................................. 51• Communicationsystem(telephone,internet,e-mail)................ 52• Shopping.................................................................................................................. 54

NATIONAL COMMUNITIES ........................................................ 55

EMERGENCY TELEpHONE NUMBERS ..................................... 57

USEFUL LINKS .............................................................................. 59

SHORT GLOSSARY OF THE LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE ......... 67

WElCOmE TO liThuaNia!

This small handbook is for foreign nationals who have recently come to Lithuania and intend to live here.Here, you will find answers to such questions as: How can I ob-tain a residence permit? How can I search for a job? Where can I study in Lithuania? Where can I seek health advice? It also in-cludes lots of other useful information and links.We hope this Handbook will be useful and will facilitate your integration in Lithuania.

This Handbook is a part of the “Accessible Information – Guaran-tee of Successful Integration” project being carried out by the Inter-national Organisation for Migration. The project is co-financed by the European Union – European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals.

AFEWWORDSABOUTLITHUANIA 5

AFEWWORDSABOUTLITHUANIA6

Full name: Republic of LithuaniaCapital city: VilniusOfficial language: LithuanianNational currency: litas (1 EUR = 3.4528 LTL)area: 65,200 km²Population in 2008: 3,366,357Of which:• Lithuanians – 84.3% • Poles – 6.2% • Russians – 5.0% • Belarusians – 1.1% • Ukrainians – 0.6% • Other – 2.7% By religion, 79% of the population are Catholics, 4.07% – Or-thodox, and 14.86% are other.

The Republic of lithuania (lithuania) has borders with the following countries:• Latvia • Belarus • Poland • Russia The total length of the Lithuanian border is 1,732 km. The Baltic Sea coast length is 90.66 km. The Lithuanian border with Belarus and the Lithuanian border with the Russian Federation is also a border of the European Union.

hiSTORy

Lithuania’s name was first mentioned in the Quedlinburg Annals in 1009. In the 14th century, Lithuania was the largest country in Europe: it was part of the current territory of Belarus and Ukraine, and part of Poland and Russia. In 1569, the Union of Lublin created a single state of Lithuania and Poland, a new republic – the Commonwealth, which lasted more than 200 years, until the neighbouring countries in 1795 annexed its territories. Lithuania declared its independence on 16 February 1918, but in 1940, in the beginning of the Second World War, it was re-occupied by the USSR, and later by Hitler’s Germany. After the defeat of Germany in WWII, Lithuania remained a


part of the USSR. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare its independence. Iceland was the first to recognize the independence of Lithuania on 11 February 1991.On 17 September 1991, Lithuania joined the United Nations.On 25 October 1992, the citizens of the Republic of Lithua-nia adopted by a referendum the current Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania.After Lithuania regained its independence, Algirdas Brazau-skas was elected as its first President on 14 February 1993 as a result of direct universal suffrage.Since 29 March 2004, Lithuania has belonged to the NATO bloc.Since 1 May 2004, Lithuania has been a full member of the European Union.On 21 December 2007, Lithuania joined the Schengen area.

admiNiSTRaTivE diviSiONS

The Lithuanian territory is divided into 10 counties, com-prising 60 municipalities (9 cities, 43 districts and 8 mu-nicipalities newly formed in 2001). Municipal territories are divided into 546 elderates (Lith. seniūnija).Municipalities and elderates are an individual’s immediate authorities to address first for various concerns and issues.

Persons who have permanent residence permits in Lithuania have the right to vote in municipal elections and be elected (be candidates) to municipal councils.

POliTiCal SySTEm

The State of Lithuania is an independent democratic republic.

The head of the State is the President, directly elected for a term of five years. The President appoints the Prime Mi-nister (approved by the Seimas), appoints ministers on the nomination of the Prime Minister, is the chief commander of the Armed Forces, and also appoints judges of all courts, including the Constitutional Court. The President has a voice in determining Lithuanian foreign policy.

AFEWWORDSABOUTLITHUANIA8

The legislative branch is the Seimas (unicameral parlia-ment).141 Members of the Seimas are elected for four years. Half of them (71) are elected directly, the other 70 – according to party lists (proportional representation). Only parties that receive more than 5% of the votes get a seat in the Seimas.The Executive branch is the Government, consisting of 14 ministers, and it is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.

Municipal council members are elected directly, and the Council elects the Mayor. The Government appoints gover-nors of each county.

All citizens of at least 18 years of age have the right to vote in an election. The minimum age for a citizen to be elected to the Seimas is 25.

PubliC hOlidayS

Public holidays, days off in Lithuanian companies, institu-tions and organizations:January 1 – New Year’s Day February 16 – Day of the Restoration of the Lithuanian State March 11 – Day of the Restoration of Lithuanian Indepen-dence Easter (Sunday and the first Easter Monday, in accordance with the western tradition) May 1 – International Labour Day The first Sunday in May – Mother’s Day The first Sunday in June – Father’s Day (since 1 January 2009) June 24 – Rasos (Midsummer Day) July 6 – Statehood Day (Coronation of the Lithuanian King Mindaugas) August 15 – Žolinė (Assumption), Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary November 1 – All Saints Day December 25 and 26 October – Christmas


FORTHOSEWHOWISHTOCOMETOLIVEANDWORKINLITHUANIA

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The legal status of foreigners in the Republic of Lithuania is governed by the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens.

Under this law, a foreigner who wishes to reside legally in the Republic of Lithuania shall:a) obtain a permit for temporary or permanent residence in lithuania. An alien has to submit his first appli-cation for a temporary residency permit and other docu-mentation to the Lithuanian diplomatic mission or consular office abroad, and an alien who is lawfully present in Lithua-nia, – to the Migration Office of Public Police at the terri-torial police office. Submission of such a request does not entitle an alien to stay in the Republic of Lithuania while his/her application is pending, but only after a residence permit is issued and the decision has been made;b) declare a place of residence, if he/she, after receiving a temporary residence permit in Lithuania, comes to live in the Republic of Lithuania or changes his/her place of resi-dence in the Republic of Lithuania, or leaves the Republic of Lithuania for more than 6 months.

PERmiTS TO livE aNd WORK iN liThuaNia

There are two types of residence permits: temporary (is-sued for 1 year) and permanent (extended every 5 years) which are issued in Lithuania. Residence permits are issued according to the basis upon which the alien came to live in Lithuania. A work permit is necessary for individuals who come to Lithuania for the purpose of employment, and students, if they want to work during their studies.

TEmPORaRy RESidENCE PERmiTS

documents necessary to be presented to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit:

1) an application (a special form issued at a Lithuanian Em-bassy or the Lithuanian Migration Service is filled out);

2) a valid travel document (passport) and a copy of it;


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3) documents proving the eligibility of a foreign resident to obtain a temporary residence permit (including the purpose of arrival: work permit; marriage certificate; company establishment documents; a document prov-ing enrolment for studies, etc.);

4) a document proving sufficient means for subsistence while in the Republic of Lithuania. A bank statement, employment contract or the obligation of a person to maintain you must be presented. The minimum monthly amount for subsistence equals the minimum monthly wage valid in Lithuania at the time;

5) a document proving that you have a legal place of resi-dence in Lithuania (e.g. ownership documents; lease agreement; agreement of a person for your stay on their premises);

6) a receipt proving the payment of the state fee for the handling of documents in the amount of LTL 300.

When you receive notice that you will be issued a residence permit, you will then additionally have to provide a health in-surance certificate, and pay LTL 20 for the issue of the permit.

documents issued in other countries must be legalised by an “aPOSTilE”, and be translated into lithuanian and notarized.

iF yOu COmE TO WORK

If you intend to work in Lithuania, you must obtain a permit to work in Lithuania before applying for a residence permit. Therefore, you will have to find an employer in advance who will have to handle the documents needed to obtain a work permit (work permits for foreign residents are issued by the Lithuanian Labour Exchange – www.ldb.lt). The ap-plication of an employer for the issuance of a work permit to a foreign resident must be analysed and processed with-in 2 months.A work permit is issued for no longer than 2 years and indi-cates the particular company that the foreign resident will work at. So, you will not be able to freely change your work-place, because the work and residence permits in Lithuania will automatically become void upon termination of the


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employment contract with the employer who obtained a permit for you to work in Lithuania, You can only apply to a Lithuanian Embassy or the Migra-tion Service in Lithuania regarding the issue of a temporary residence permit after obtaining a work permit.

iF yOu iNTENd TO STaRT a buSiNESS iN liThuaNia

If you are establishing a company of your own and intend to work in it, you do not need a work permit; you only have to obtain a temporary residence permit in Lithuania.In order to obtain a residence permit in Lithuania, the in-vestment/the value of the authorized capital of your com-pany must be no less than LTL 50,000 (fifty thousand); you must also prove that your stay in Lithuania is necessary to ensure the activities of the company.

iF yOu iNTENd TO STudy iN liThuaNia

Before applying for a residence permit on the basis of stu-dies, you must obtain a document certifying that you are enrolled in a specific educational institution officially regis-tered in Lithuania (secondary school, full-time department of a higher school, vocational training institution, in-service training institution), or you are invited to take part in an in-ternship programme.In such cases, a residence permit is issued for 1 year or for the period of studies (if it is shorter).If you want to undertake employment during your studies, you will have to obtain a work permit in Lithuania. Aliens who receive a work permit for their period of studies shall have the right to work no more than 20 hours per week and only at the beginning of the second year of studies.

iF yOu aRRivE FOR Family REuNiFiCaTiON

Family reunification includes the following cases:1) the alien’s parents or one of them, who are citizens of the

Republic of Lithuania, reside in the Republic of Lithuania;


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2) the alien’s child, who is a citizen of the Republic of Lithua-nia, resides in the Republic of Lithuania;

3) the alien’s spouse or the person with whom a registered partnership has been contracted and who is a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien holding a residence permit resides in the Republic of Lithuania;

4) the alien’s parents, who are incapable to work due to being of pension age or disability and holding a perma-nent residence permit, reside in the Republic of Lithuania.

The application for a residence permit on the basis of family reunification must be accompanied by an invitation from a person (e.g. spouse) to come to live in Lithuania (in the form filed at the migration service according to the place of residence). After receiving a permit of residence in Lithuania on the ba-sis of family reunification, a work permit (if there are plans to seek employment in Lithuania later) is not required.

hOW TO bRiNG yOuR Family mEmbERS

An alien whose family members’ arrival is for the purpose of family reunification, must have spent the last 2 years in lithuania, have a temporary residence permit valid for at least one year, and have reasonable prospects of acquiring the right of permanent residence in the Republic of Lithua-nia.Aliens who hold a permit to live and work in Lithuania, can bring their family members: • a spouse or a person with whom a registered partnership

has been contracted;• minor children;• other immediate family: parents, grandparents and

grandchildren.

The following foreigners can invite family members immediately:- who perform a job requiring high professional skills for

which, during the period of validity of the temporary residence permit, their monthly salary received is not less than three of the most recently announced monthly ave-rage salaries of the national economy;


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- who have arrived to teach or take part in internship prog-rammes at institutions of education and science in the Republic of Lithuania under international treaties of the Republic of Lithuania or under the European Union aca-demic exchange programmes with third countries;

- who, being directly involved in projects of importance to the State, have invested in the Republic of Lithuania any property owned, borrowed or managed and used by the right of trust.

REaSONS FOR ThE WiThdRaWal OF TEmPORaRy RESidENCE PERmiTS

A temporary residence permit of an alien to live in Lithuania may be withdrawn if:1) it is found that the permit has been obtained by fraud

(for instance, through a marriage of convenience; forged documents, etc.);

2) it appears that the person poses a threat to the State of Lithuania; has committed international crimes, etc.;

3) the marriage is dissolved (which was the basis for a per-son to have a residence permit);

4) an alien’s work permit in the Republic of Lithuania has been withdrawn;

5) an employment contract with the alien has been termi-nated;

6) it is established that the enterprise, agency or organisa-tion whose owner or co-owner is an alien does not per-form the declared activities and/or the alien’s stay in the Republic of Lithuania is not necessary for the pursuit of the aims and carrying out of the activities of the enter-prise, agency or organisation;

7) the alien has been removed from the lists of students or pupils, his internship programme is discontinued or is completed before schedule, or, when studying, he does not comply with the restrictions to work part-time a maximum of 20 hours per week and only at the begin-ning of the second year of study;


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8) the alien departs to reside or has been residing in a fo-reign country for a period longer than six months.

PERmaNENT RESidENCE PERmiTS

A permanent residence permit in Lithuania is issued on other grounds than a temporary permit.If you have received a permanent residence permit in Lithuania and plan to seek employment later, you do not need a work permit.

a permanent residence permit is granted, provided that:1) the alien has entered the Republic of Lithuania for resi-

dence together with a citizen of the Republic of Lithua-nia as his family member (this condition applies when the Lithuanian national has declared his departure, and life in another country, and returns to Lithuania to live with the alien family member);

2) the alien is a child under the age of 18, and his parents or one of the parents whose place of residence has been declared in the Republic of Lithuania or who holds a per-manent residence permit;

3) the alien who has lived legally in the Republic of Lithua-nia without a break in the last 5 years having a temporary residence permit (in this case, the alien shall pass the ex-amination of the state language and the fundamentals of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania);

4) is a person of the Lithuanian origin or has retained the right to the Lithuanian citizenship.

Required documents that must be presented in order to obtain a permanent residence permit:1) free-form application for a permit for a permanent resi-

dence permit;2) a valid passport (or other travel document);3) documents showing that the alien has valid health insu-

rance;4) documents evidencing the alien’s right to obtain a per-

mit for permanent residence (e.g., marriage certificate, statement of declaration of the spouse’s place of resi-dence abroad);

5) documents certifying that the alien has adequate means of subsistence and/or receives regular income which is


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sufficient for his stay in the Republic of Lithuania (the minimum monthly salary);

6) receipt of payment for the 150 litas state charge for pa-perwork.

documents issued in another country must be verified by a certificate (Apostille), translated into the lithuanian language and the translation must be notarised.

REaSONS FOR ThE WiThdRaWal OF PERmaNENT RESidENCE PERmiTS

A permanent residence permit of an alien may be with-drawn if:1) the permit has been obtained by fraud;2) the alien has been residing in a non EU Member State for

a period exceeding 12 consecutive months.

TERmS FOR ThE iSSuaNCE OF TEmPORaRy aNd PERmaNENT RESidENCE PERmiTS

The examination of an application for the issue of a permit for temporary or permanent residence in Lithuania takes up to 6 months. If a person does not have a visa for that period, he/she must leave Lithuania. A temporary residence permit is issued for 1 year.A permanent residence permit is extended every 5 years.

iF yOuR SPOuSE iS a NaTiONal OF a EuROPEaN uNiON mEmbER STaTE

If you come to Lithuania to live for longer than 3 months with your family member who is a national of a European Union Member State, you must obtain a residence permit of a family member of the citizen of the European Union Member to live in the Republic of Lithuania.An application for this permit can be submitted to the Lithuanian Embassy, or if you are staying in Lithuania, to the migration service according to your place of residence.


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Required documents that must be presented when applying for this permit: 1) free-form request;2) valid passport (or other travel document);3) documents certifying that you are a family member of

the citizen of a European Union Member State (for in-stance, the family member’s personal documents, mar-riage certificate, or a certificate issued to your family member confirming his legal residence in Lithuania);

4) documents evidencing that the alien has valid health in-surance;

5) receipt of payment for the 10 litas state charge.

TERmS FOR ThE iSSuaNCE OF a RESidENCE PERmiT FOR Family mEmbERS OF a CiTiZEN OF a EuROPEaN uNiON mEmbER STaTE

Examination of the application for a permit takes up to 1 month.This permit may be issued for 5 years or for a shorter period (depending on how long your family is planning to live in Lithuania).

TRavEl WiThiN ThE EuROPEaN uNiON, WhilE haviNG a RESidENCE PERmiT iN liThuaNia

Aliens who hold residence permits and a valid travel docu-ment, may travel in other Schengen Member States for no longer than three months within each half a year, i.e. in the European Union Member States (except Ireland, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, Cyprus and Romania – before travelling to these countries, they should contact the embassies of these countries and check for any additional documents required), as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.


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EXTENSiON OF RESidENCE PERmiTS

You must apply at least 2 months before the expiration of a residence permit for its renewal. You must submit the ap-plication to replace / extend the permit and other neces-sary documents (same as for your first application for a resi-dence permit) to the migration service according to your place of residence.


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DECLARATIONOFAPLACEOFRESIDENCE20

A place of residence must be declared by foreigners who have come to live in Lithuania or who are changing their place of residence in Lithuania, or leaving the Republic of Lithuania for more than 6 months.If you are changing your place of residence, you must no-tify the Migration Service within 7 days. Upon failing to do so, your temporary residence permit in Lithuania may be withdrawn.

Declarations are completed in the elderate (Lith. seniūnija) according to your place of residence. Along with your dec-laration (a special form filled in at the elderate), you are also required to submit the following documents:1) a passport (or other identity document);2) a residence permit;3) a document certifying the right of residence in the

declared place (this may include: real estate property documents, agreements on the lease of premises, or the premises owner’s consent (certified by a notary) stating that you can live in his room).

DECLARATIONOFAPLACEOFRESIDENCE 21

CITIZENSHIPOFTHEREPUBLICOFLITHUANIA22

Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania is governed by the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania.Dual (Lithuanian and other countries) citizenship in Lithua-nia is only permitted in very exceptional cases, so if you want to become a Lithuanian citizen, you will need to give up your current citizenship.

ChildREN’S CiTiZENShiP

Citizenship to a child (under 18 years) is granted when both of his parents or one parent is a citizen of the Repub-lic of Lithuania, irrespective of whether the child was born in Lithuania or abroad.

When applying for the citizenship of a child, you must submit:1) a free-form written application of the parents (one of the

parents);2) the child’s birth certificate or its copy; 3) if the child has another citizenship – a citizenship docu-

ment or its copy (the child may have two citizenships);4) the parents’ passports (or other proof of citizenship);5) a statement of the parents’ declared place of residence

and the alien’s residence permit in Lithuania or another EU country.

Persons permanently residing abroad must submit ap-plications for the citizenship of their children together with the relevant documents to the Migration Department un-der the Ministry of the Interior (L. Sapiegos g. 1, LT-10312 Vilnius, tel. (8 5) 271 7112, e-mail: [email protected]) or the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Lithuania abroad.

documents issued in other countries must be translated into the lithuanian language and verified by a certificate (Apostille), and their copies must be certified by a notary public or a public servant receiving the documents.

CITIZENSHIPOFTHEREPUBLICOFLITHUANIA 23

GRaNTiNG OF CiTiZENShiP / NaTuRaliZaTiON

Citizenship of the Republic of lithuania may be granted to a person if he/she meets the following conditions:1) has been residing in the territory of the Republic of

Lithuania for the last 10 years (if the foreigner is married to a citizen of Lithuania, then for 7 years);

2) has passed the examinations of the state language and the basic provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania;

3) at the time of submission of the application has a docu-ment certifying that he/she is habitually a resident in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania;

4) has a legal source of income in the territory of the Repub-lic of Lithuania;

5) is a stateless person or declares in writing of his/her in-tention to refuse the citizenship of another state, upon being granted citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania;

6) a person who is granted citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania shall swear an oath of allegiance to the Repub-lic of Lithuania.

Persons habitually resident in the Republic of lithuania must submit applications for citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, together with relevant documents to the migra-tion service for their place of residence.

REGISTRATIONOFAMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,CHILDBIRTHORDEATH 25

REGISTRATIONOFAMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,CHILDBIRTHORDEATH26

Marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, name or family name change and death are recorded in the civil registry offices according to the place of residence (if you live abroad, then at the Lithuanian Embassy in that country).If you have a permit for temporary residence in Lithuania on the basis of marriage, then after a divorce, the residence permit will be revoked (if there are no other grounds for is-suing a residence permit in Lithuania, for example, if you have a child who is a citizen of Lithuania).

maRRiaGE iN liThuaNia

In Lithuania, you can register your marriage according to the civil procedure (i.e., at the civil registry office or another place of your choice), or in the church (according to the cus-toms of the religions that are recognized as traditional in Lithuania). According to the Law on Religious Communities and Associations, the state recognizes the following tradi-tional religious communities and associations existing in Lithuania: Latin Rite Catholic, Greek Rite Catholic, Evangeli-cal Lutheran, Evangelical Reformed, Orthodox, Old Believer, Judaistic, Sunni Muslim, and Karaite.

maRRiaGE aCCORdiNG TO ThE Civil PROCEduRE

On the conclusion of marriage you must apply to the civil registry office in your area of residence in person and sub-mit the following documents:1) application (filled in place); 2) birth certificates;3) passports (or other identity documents);4) if you are divorced – the divorce certificate;5) an alien has to additionally submit a document issued by his/her public office stating that there are no obstacles to his/her marriage (that he/she is not married or is divorced). documents (except a passport) issued in another country must be verified by a certificate (Apostille), translated into the lithuanian language and the translation must be notarised.

REGISTRATIONOFAMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,CHILDBIRTHORDEATH 27

A marriage is registered after a minimum of one month from the date of the application.A marriage ceremony can be organized in a civil registry of-fice or in another location established by the municipality (of your choice); the ceremony takes place in Lithuanian.

maRRiaGE aCCORdiNG TO ThE PROCEduRE ESTabliShEd by a ChuRCh (dENOmiNaTiONS)

For the marriage you have to contact your priest, discuss your marriage arrangements with him, including the cere-mony itself and its date. For example, in order to marry at a Catholic church, it is necessary to contact your parish priest no later than 3 months before the intended / desired date of the marriage.Marriages concluded in accordance with the procedure es-tablished by a church (denomination) must be registered, i.e. recorded in the civil registry office (according to the place of residence). It is best to contact the civil registry of-fice for the marriage’s inclusion into the records within 10 calendar days after the marriage, otherwise the marriage record date will be different from the actual marriage date.

REGiSTRaTiON iN liThuaNia OF a maRRiaGE CONCludEd abROad

If you want to record a marriage concluded overseas into the registry in Lithuania, you have to apply to the civil regis-try office according to your place of residence in Lithuania, or, if you have not yet declared a place of residence – to the Civil Registry Office in Vilnius. If you live abroad, you should contact the Lithuanian Embassy in your country about in-cluding your marriage into the records.

REGiSTRaTiON OF maRRiaGE diSSOluTiON

Marriage dissolution is registered in the civil registry office according to the location of the court that passed the de-cision on dissolving the marriage. Marriage dissolution is

REGISTRATIONOFAMARRIAGE,DIVORCE,CHILDBIRTHORDEATH28

registered by making a record of the marriage dissolution and issuing the divorce certificates.

biRTh REGiSTRaTiON

A child’s birth must be registered within 3 months from the date of birth. The application that is submitted by the pa-rents (or one of them) to the civil registry office, according to the place of residence, must specify the child’s name and nationality.

When registering the birth you must submit the following documents:1) a certificate issued by a hospital (or other medical institu-

tion) of the child’s birth;2) a marriage certificate (if the parents are married).

Registration of a child born abroad takes place using the same procedure. If you live abroad at the time of registration, please contact the Lithuanian Embassy in your country.

dEaTh REGiSTRaTiON

A statement regarding a death must be filed with the civil registry office (according to the place of residence) no later than 3 days from the death. The statement should be ac-companied by the following documents:1) the deceased person’s identification documents (you will

have to surrender them);2) a medical death certificate.

The identity documents of a foreign citizen who died in the Republic of Lithuania, along with a certified copy of the death records, shall be sent by the civil registry office to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which shall forward these documents to the corresponding foreign consular of-fice.

EMPLOYMENTINLITHUANIA 29

EMPLOYMENTINLITHUANIA30

If you come to Lithuania for the purpose of employment, you must obtain a corresponding permit (see the section If You Come to Work). Students intending to receive employ-ment must also obtain a work permit (see the section If You are Going to Study in Lithuania).If you have a permit for temporary or permanent residence in Lithuania (for other than work reasons), you are entitled to look for a job and to work (except when it is necessary to obtain a work permit, i.e. when you arrive in pursue of em-ployment or when you are a student). In most workplaces they require you to speak the state language – Lithuanian, so it is not very easy for foreigners to find a job. When start-ing to work, iT iS NECESSaRy to sign a Labour contract and to obtain a social security (SODRA) certificate, see www.so-dra.lt. The minimum monthly wage in Lithuania is LTL 800 (ac-cording to the data of October 2009).If the employer treats you unfairly, does not pay you your wages, or if the working conditions do not comply with your agreement, you can approach the Labour Inspector-ate for help at www.vdi.lt.

JOb SEaRCh

You can look for work through the territorial departments of the Lithuanian Labour Exchange (www.ldb.lt), according to your place of residence. In this section you can also get advice on a job search, on how to fill out a curriculum vitae, and so on. A number of job advertisements are published in major newspapers.Lithuania has a number of employment agencies, but their services must be paid for. If you have access to the Internet, we advise you to look in specialized job search sites (using any internet search en-gine) and the general information telephone number 118 (price – 1,5LTL/minute)

EMPLOYMENTINLITHUANIA 31

REFREShER / RETRaiNiNG OPPORTuNiTiES

If you are currently unemployed and have registered your-self in the Labour Exchange as unemployed, you have the right to attend training courses for the unemployed organ-ized by the Labour Exchange, or seek a non-formal educa-tion (www.ldb.lt). You can also take part in professional training courses or-ganised by the Lithuanian Labour Market Training Author-ity, but their education must be paid for. This Authority also provides the services of career information, professional counselling and psychological counselling (www.ldrmt.lt). Lithuania has a number of vocational schools, where you can obtain the desired profession.

ESTABLISHMENTOFACOMPANY34

The establishment of enterprises in Lithuania is regulated by the Civil Code, Law on Companies, Law on Public Institu-tions and others.When establishing a private limited liability company in Lithuania, the amount of the authorized capital has to be 10,000 (ten thousand) litas, but in order to obtain a resi-dence permit in Lithuania, your investment / value of the share capital must be at least 50,000 (fifty thousand) litas, and your presence in Lithuania must be necessary to en-sure the enterprises’ operations as well.When starting a business, it is necessary to consult with the State Tax Inspectorate, www.vmi.lt, and register the com-pany with the Register of Legal Entities, www.registrucen-tras.ltYou can consult the Lithuanian Development Agency at www.lepa.lt, tel. (8 5) 262 7438, e-mail: [email protected], on in-vestment in Lithuania and on starting your business.

ESTABLISHMENTOFACOMPANY 35

TAXATION36

The main taxes paid in Lithuania by individuals are: 1) resident income tax; 2) compulsory health insurance contributions; 3) state social insurance contributions.

If you are employed according to a labour contract, these taxes are deducted from your salary and paid for by the employer.Copyright agreements are also subject to these taxes – but they are usually deducted from the agreed remuneration and paid for by the employer.For tax purposes, tax payments and a declaration of assets, you should consult the State Tax Inspectorate offices ac-cording to your place of residence (www.vmi.lt). Informa-tion on taxes is provided by dialling the short telephone number 1882 (in Lithuanian, Russian and English).

TAXATION 37

EDUCATIONALSYSTEMINLITHUANIA38

Under Lithuanian law, aliens are entitled to use the services of the education system in Lithuania (the majority of public educational institution services are free). In Lithuania, education is compulsory until the age of 16, and children usually start attending school at the age of 6–7 years. Thus, the primary and basic education is compulsory and fur-ther learning depends on personal desires and abilities.A person who graduated from a basic school (10 grades), can continue to learn (graduate from secondary school and enrol in a college or higher education institution (university or academy), or choose a vocational education. The academic year in Lithuania begins on 1 September and ends around early July (depending on the educational insti-tution and its type). Education is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education (www.smm.lt), and is located depending on your place of residence according to the Municipal Education Division.

EduCaTiON OF ChildREN iN SChOOlS

In order for your child to start attending school, you must submit documents (assessment of learning results) from the former school (if the child has previously attended another school in Lithuania or abroad) and an application to the principal of the school of your choice. If your child was studying abroad, his achievements are further assessed in the particular school and the school determines which grade he can study in.Education in Lithuanian schools is conducted in the Lithua-nian language, but there are schools where teaching is provided in Russian and English (English is used in private schools).If your child does not speak Lithuanian or his language skills are insufficient, he can receive additional Lithuanian lan-guage training or, if there are more learners at school who do not speak Lithuanian, bridging classes may be organised for them.

EDUCATIONALSYSTEMINLITHUANIA 39

lEaRNiNG OF a NaTivE laNGuaGE

Many ethnic communities in Lithuania have Sunday schools where their children can learn their own native language, get familiar with their ancestral culture, and participate in community activities. For more information about Sunday schools, see the National Minorities and Emigration Depart-ment at www.tmid.lt.

STudiES iN liThuaNiaN hiGhER SChOOlS

The holder of a temporary or permanent residence permit in Lithuania, who has graduated a high school, may attend enrolment selection competitions for Lithuanian higher educational institutions.If you have studied in a foreign country, your educational documents must be validated in Lithuania. This is carried out by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Edu-cation (www.skvc.lt). The documentation for this Centre can be sent by mail before your arrival to Lithuania and enrolment to a higher education institution. If the docu-ments (copy of passport, certificate of educational results obtained and its translation) are mailed, their copies must be notarized. Education documents issued abroad must be verified by a certificate (Apostille). Studies in the Lithuanian higher education institutions are organised in the Lithuanian language, but most schools have several areas of study which are taught in English.Information on admission requirements and the submis-sion of documentation online can be found at www.lam-mabpo.lt, or www.smm.lt.

adulT EduCaTiON

If you have not completed secondary education and would like to do this, you can join adult schools in your area. You can find out which school is responsible for foreign adult education at the municipal education department.In Vilnius, the education of foreigners is organized by the Vilnius Adult Education Centre (Vykinto g. 11, LT-08118 Vil-nius, tel. (8 5) 275 1577, e-mail: [email protected]).

EDUCATIONALSYSTEMINLITHUANIA40

This Centre accepts foreigners without higher education. They must provide a proof of identity, a residence permit for living in the Republic of Lithuania, and an education docu-ment (statement of learning results), which must be trans-lated into Lithuanian and certified by a notary. Studies take place in Lithuanian, Russian and Polish. The Vilnius Adult Education Centre offers adult bridging classes (groups) for foreigners who do not speak Lithuanian. In bridging classes (groups), people study for 1 academic year, and they have up to 28 weekly lessons in Lithuanian language studies. Af-ter completing a bridging class (group), and based on the person’s submitted education document, it is determined as to which class a person should be appointed to. Educa-tion at the Vilnius Adult Education Centre is free.

lEaRNiNG ThE liThuaNiaN laNGuaGE

Children can learn the Lithuanian language in general edu-cation schools, while adults can learn it in adult schools and centres, as well as in private language learning facilities.In Vilnius, you can learn Lithuanian for free at the Vilnius Adult Education Centre (Vykinto g. 11, LT-08118 Vilnius, tel. (8 5) 275 1577, e-mail: [email protected]).Those wishing to study at Lithuanian higher educational institutions in the Lithuanian language must pass an ex-amination of the Lithuanian language organized by the Department of the Lithuanian Language of the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University (Universiteto g. 5, Vilnius, www.lsk.flf.vu.lt).Examinations of the Lithuanian language (and the funda-mentals of the Constitution) for those wishing to obtain a permanent residence permit in Lithuania or Lithuanian citizenship are organized by the Teacher Professional De-velopment Centre (http://www.pprc.lt/vkm/) – each town has a designated basic school which organises these exami-nations (you can find a list of schools at http://www.pprc.lt/vkm/).

SOCIALSECURITYSYSTEMINLITHUANIA42

Social security includes social services (information, counsel-ling, nursing, visitations, etc.) and social benefits (various al-lowances, pensions, paternity and maternity benefits, etc.).

SOCial SERviCES

Following the Law on Social Services of the Republic of Lithuania, the following persons are entitled to social ser-vices: citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, aliens, includ-ing stateless persons holding a permanent or temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania, and other persons in the cases provided for in international treaties of the Republic of Lithuania. Municipalities are responsible for social services, so if you need social services, you should contact a social services unit at your municipality or elderate (according to your place of residence).

SOCial bENEFiTS

Social benefits can only be received by insured persons, i.e. by those who either work and pay contributions to the so-cial insurance fund, or hold a permanent residence permit in Lithuania and are insured by the state.For benefits, you should contact a social support depart-ment within your place of residence.For some benefits (e.g. pensions), bilateral agreements have been concluded with other countries, so it is advisable to consult further whether an agreement on seniority or other social benefits has been concluded with the country you arrived in and with the country where you were working at.Information on social care is provided by the telephone hotline 8 700 70080 (information is available in Lithuanian, English and Russian). For more information: www.sodra.lt.

SOCIALSECURITYSYSTEMINLITHUANIA 43

HEALTHCARESYSTEMINLITHUANIA44

The health care system is administered by the Ministry of Health (www.sam.lt) and at the local level by the territorial patients’ funds (www.vlk.lt). To contact a medical institution, you must be insured by compulsory health insurance, voluntary insurance, insur-ance at an insurance company of your choice, or you must pay for the services yourself.

hEalTh iNSuRaNCE

Before obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania, every foreigner must arrange for his/her health insurance. To apply to a medical institution, you must have a valid insurance document (insurance policy or if you are em-ployed – a SODRA certificate). Otherwise, you will have to pay for all the services and an insurance company shall not compensate you for these costs.

vOluNTaRy hEalTh iNSuRaNCE (PRivaTE)

Various insurance companies offer health insurance services for foreigners. It is very important in choosing an insurance company to ask about its services and terms (for example, will the insurance company pay directly to the treatment provider? – or will you have to pay for medical services and then have the insurance company compensate you for that amount).

COmPulSORy hEalTh iNSuRaNCE (PubliC)

All legally employed workers (holding a permit for tempo-rary or permanent residence in Lithuania) and their minor family members are insured with compulsory health insur-ance.

HEALTHCARESYSTEMINLITHUANIA 45

Public funds shall only be used for the insurance of un-employed persons with permanent residence permits in Lithuania, if they are:1) unemployed, and registered in a territorial labour ex-

change;2) entitled to a pension;3) state supported individuals who are receiving social se-

curity benefits;4) disabled.

hEalTh CaRE iNSTiTuTiONS

Lithuania operates both public and private health care fa-cilities – clinics, medical centres / offices and hospitals. You can apply to any (other than hospitals – they can only be addressed if you are sent by your doctor or need emergen-cy help, for example, at night) at your request, regardless of your place of residence. If you pay for services yourself, public institution rates are lower, but there are longer queues, which may require longer waiting until you can get access to a specialist. Also, public institutions have few specialists who are able to pro-vide consultations in a foreign language (most of them can speak Russian).Contact details and short descriptions of health care insti-tutions can be found at www.medicina.lt.

aRRaNGiNG aN aPPOiNTmENT WiTh a dOCTOR

When contacting a healthcare institution for the first time, you must have your identity documents and insurance do-cuments, or if you are insured, a social insurance certificate or voluntary insurance policy / book. You must arrange an appointment with specialists in advance, and it is best to do so by telephone.

OTHERPRACTICALINFORMATION48

hOuSiNG / REal ESTaTE

RENT

You can rent a dwelling depending on what you afford and what you need. It is advisable to conclude a lease agree-ment with the lessor to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. When renting housing you usually pay rent to the lessor and, in addition, pay for the utility services according to the bills received and meter readings (water, electricity, gas). Rental contracts are short term – for a few months, and long term – for a few years.You can find housing in advertisements in newspapers and on the Internet, or through real estate agencies. A list of real estate agencies can be found on the Internet (through any Internet search engine) and by calling the general informa-tion telephone number 118.

PURCHASE

Aliens in Lithuania can purchase property without restric-tions except for agricultural land. You can look for housing or other real estate advertise-ments in newspapers and on the Internet, or through real estate agencies. A list of real estate agencies can be found on the Internet (through any Internet search engine) and by calling the general information telephone number 118.Real estate purchases and sales must be formalised in an agreement, and approved by a notary. A list of notary offices and more information about their rates can be found at www.notarai.ltIf you buy a home from available funds, then after selecting the property, the whole procedure does not take long. You only need to sign the contract at a notary, then receive a confirmation that you have settled in full, and take the documents to the Centre of Registers for the property to be registered in your name.If you purchase a home through bank credit services, the purchase process may take 20–30 days. After selecting a desired home, you should contact your chosen bank, which will explain the housing purchase process further.

OTHERPRACTICALINFORMATION 49

baNKiNG SERviCES

Banks provide a range of services in Lithuania for both Lithuanian citizens and persons with temporary or perma-nent residence in Lithuania.Key services: 1) account opening; 2) issue of payment cards; 3) electronic banking; 4) issue of credit cards; 5) provision of loans.

Opening an account in most banks is free of charge. When applying to a bank, you must have an identity document and a residence permit in Lithuania.Banks usually charge a small fee for issuing and servicing payment cards, it also depends on what cards you want to get.

Electronic banking is widely used in Lithuania: it is a con-venient and inexpensive way to manage your accounts, make local or international payment orders, pay for utility services, and others.

Credit cards and loans are issued depending on your regu-lar income received in Lithuania.

You can find out more about all banking services and their conditions at any specific bank chosen.

lEGal adviCE

You may need legal advice on various issues. You can find a list of all practicing lawyers in Lithuania at www.advoco.lt. Advocate fees must be paid for.Foreigners holding residence permits in Lithuania can use free initial legal advice: it includes legal information, legal advice and the drafting of legal documents for state and lo-cal authorities. For free legal assistance, you should contact the municipality of your place of residence.Secondary legal aid includes the drafting of documents, defence, and representation in court. Secondary legal aid


is only provided to individuals for free if the individual’s an-nual income does not exceed 12 minimum monthly salaries (in 2009, the minimum monthly salary was 800 litas). Sec-ondary legal aid is organized by state-guaranteed legal aid services at www.teisinepagalba.lt.

For free legal advice, you can also refer to the Vilnius Univer-sity Law Clinic at www.teisesklinika.lt, tel. (8 5) 231 2800.

TRaFFiC CONdiTiONS aNd dRiviNG liCENSES

in the Republic of lithuania, road traffic is on the right side of the road.A motor vehicle driver must carry in his/her possession:1) a driver’s license;2) documents of the vehicle’s registration and technical in-

spection;3) a compulsory public liability and third party insurance

policy.

dRIvER’S LICENSE

If you have a driver’s license issued outside a European Union Member State, and you live in Lithuania for longer than 6 months, you should replace your license. When replacing your driver’s license, you must surrender the old one, and pass the theory test. The test can be held in Lithuanian, Russian or other languages, if a translator par-ticipates.If you do not have a driver’s license and want to obtain one, you need to pass the theory and practical tests. Driving schools help prepare for the tests (the list of schools can be found on the Internet, through any search engine or by the general information telephone number 118).

More details regarding the procedures for obtaining or re-placement of a driving licence and tests are available at the state enterprise, REGITRA, tel. (8 5) 264 6467; www.regitra.lt.


CAR REGISTRATION

If you come to Lithuania by your own car, it must be regis-tered in Lithuania within 3 months and the registration fee must be paid.You should contact the state enterprise, REGITRA, tel. (8 5) 266 0098; www.regitra.lt, regarding issues con-cerned with vehicle registration.

PubliC TRaNSPORT SySTEm

AIRPORTS

Lithuania has 3 international airports:Vilnius – www.vilnius-airport.ltKaunas – www.kaunasair.ltPalanga – www.palanga-airport.lt

TRAINS

It is very convenient to travel by train. Lithuania has a rela-tively well organized railway system, so you can travel by trains inside and outside Lithuania. More information and train schedules are available at www.litrail.lt.

INTER-CITY BUSSES

It is also very convenient to travel between the cities of Lithuania by bus: they run continuously both between large cities and small towns or villages. You can find intercity and international bus schedules at every town’s bus station, or by calling the general information telephone number 118, and also online at www.stotis.lt.International bus schedules and other information can be found at www.eurolines.lt.

CITY TRANSPORT

Every town and city has different / various types of urban transport: buses, trolley buses and minibuses.


When taking a bus or trolley bus, you must have a single ticket, which must be punched or marked immediately af-ter boarding the vehicle. Tickets can be bought from news-paper kiosks or from the driver (when buying a ticket from the driver, you will pay a higher price). In kiosks you can also purchase a monthly pass, which is valid for the particular calendar month (it is worth it to buy such a pass, if you use public transport often). Vilnius and Klaipėda also have an electronic ticket system. Once you purchase an electronic ticket card, you will only have to recharge it later at the usual trade places marked by a special e-ticket mark (for more information, see www.vilniusticket.lt or www.klap.lt). Shuttle minibuses are a popular means of transport in the big cities, they pull over wherever you stop them (by raising your hand) and not only just at the designated stops (such as for buses and trolley buses), but also in other places ac-cording to the passenger’s preference. Minibus tickets are only available from the driver.

TAXI

Taxi services are quite popular in the cities. Their prices (in 2009) ranged from 1.2 to 4 litas per kilometre, and there is also a boarding or call fee (2–2.5 litas). It is cheaper to call a taxi by phone than to catch it by waiting on the street (the most expensive taxis are at an airport). Taxi phone call num-bers and rates can be found at www.taksi.lt.

COmmuNiCaTiONS SySTEm

FIXEd dIAL COMMUNICATION ANd PUBLIC PAY TELEPHONES

Fixed telephony services in Lithuania are provided by se-veral companies (find out who provides them in your area of residence). After signing a contract with a telecommuni-cations company, a fixed line to your home will be installed within a few days.Public pay telephones are in many public places. To make a call from a payphone, you have to buy a payphone card (which are of different denominations, and cost from 9 to 30 litas). Cards can be bought from newspaper kiosks.


You can call emergency numbers for free from a payphone (such as the general emergency number 112), so you can call for emergency assistance from them if needed.It is also convenient to call from a payphone to another pay-phone. Calls between payphones are free. You can make free calls from one payphone to another, no matter which place in Lithuania you are. Just insert a valid public phone calling card, dial the short number 1686 and the number of the payphone you are calling to (the number is written on each pay phone).

MOBILE TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS

It is very easy to buy a mobile telephone card in Lithua-nia. There are several mobile telephone operators, whose services are available in Lithuania and abroad. Mobile tel-ephone communications can be used in two ways:1) by signing a long-term contract with the operator and

paying each month for the services rendered;2) by purchasing a pre-paid card, and then charging it

(there are no contract commitments).You can sign contracts at any mobile telephone operator’s office, and buy pre-paid cards and recharge them at news-paper kiosks and grocery shops.

INTERNET

In Lithuania it is easy to connect to the Internet at home. Simply choose one of the Internet providers in your area. Mobile telephone operators also offer mobile internet which you can use anywhere.In the big cities there are public areas that have free wire-less Internet connection, and you can learn about them at www.wifi.lt. The Internet is available free of charge in public libraries and in most universities (if you are a student there).Cities also have Internet cafes, where you can use the com-puters and the Internet for a fee.

POSTAL SERvICES

You can use postal services – send letters or parcels within Lithuania and to any other country in the world (a stand-ard letter (up to 20 g), if sent inside Lithuania, costs 1.35


litas, if within the European Union – 2.15 litas; to other countries – 2.45 litas). You can also use the Western Union money transfer system in almost all post offices. For more about postal rates, post offices and other services, see www.post.lt (information is available in the Lithuanian and English languages).

ShOPPiNG

Most of the food shops are open every day (also on week-ends) 8:00–22:00. In most shops you will not only find food, but also essential household items. Clothing and other specialty shops in urban centres typi-cally work Mondays thru Fridays 10:00–20:00, and on week-ends 10:00–18:00 (not all shops are open on Sundays). In large commercial and entertainment centres, all the shops are open 7 days a week, 10:00–20:00. There are also shops in cities that are open 24/7.In Lithuanian shops you can pay in cash, by payment (debit) or credit card (cards can be used for payment in most, but not all shops). The only payment currency is litas; payment in other currencies in shops or cafes is not allowed.

NATIONALCOMMUNITIES56

Lithuania, like other European countries, is a multicultural country. For many centuries, people of different natio-nalities, different cultures, religions, and customs have lived here.In Lithuania, ethnic communities enjoy broad language, educational, cultural rights and freedoms: the right to create and support their organizations, the right to cultural links with compatriots and the fostering of herit-age, including the right to education and information in their native language. The Lithuanian State is committed to protecting these rights.You can find the contact details of different national com-munities registered in Lithuania at www.tmid.lt. In your ethnic communities, you will meet with fellow countrymen who have long been living in Lithuania and can advise you on many issues. You can also find Sunday schools for your children and will have the opportunity to develop your culture and celebrate your traditional holidays among like-minded people.

NATIONALCOMMUNITIES 57

EMERGENCYTELEPHONENUMBERS58

General emergency number – 112

Fire station – 01 101 (OMNITEL)011 (BITĖ GSM, TELE2)

Police – 02102, 112 (OMNITEL)022 (BITĖ GSM, TELE2)

ambulance – 03103 (OMNITEL)033 (BITĖ GSM, TELE2)

information – 118

EMERGENCYTELEPHONENUMBERS 59

USEFULLINKS60

For issues relating to the issuance and extension of residence permits, and citizenship of the Republic of lithuania, please contact the following institutions:

migration department under the ministry of the interior L. Sapiegos g. 1, VilniusTel. (8 5) 271 7112 (reception; they also provide information)Fax (8 5) 271 8210E-mail: [email protected] www.migracija.lt

migration services by county:

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of alytus county Jotvingių g. 8, AlytusTel.: (8 315) 55 716, 55 717E-mail: [email protected]

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of Kaunas countyChemijos g. 4B, KaunasTel.: (8 37) 30 32 46, 30 32 47E-mail: [email protected]

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of Klaipėda county Taikos pr. 63, KlaipėdaTel.: (8 46) 35 46 24, 35 46 23, 35 46 30, 35 46 36E-mail: [email protected]

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of marijampolė county J. Basanavičiaus a. 2, MarijampolėTel.: (8 343) 24 435, 24 436, 24 459E-mail: [email protected]

USEFULLINKS 61

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of Panevėžys county K. Binkio g. 14, PanevėžysTel.: (8 45) 50 30 27 – Manager (8 45) 50 31 34, 50 31 45 – passport and identity card

issues (8 45) 50 31 37, 50 31 42, 50 31 35 – issues concerning

the legal status of foreigners (8 45) 50 31 38, 50 31 39 – document acceptance (8 45) 50 31 33 – issuance of documentsE-mail: [email protected]

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of Šiauliai county Aušros al. 19, ŠiauliaiTel.: (8 41) 39 74 94, 39 74 52, 39 74 65E-mail: [email protected]

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of Tauragė county Gedimino g. 17, TauragėTel. (8 446) 20 283E-mail: [email protected]

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of Telšiai county Respublikos g. 28, TelšiaiTel.: (8 444) 72 428, 72 416E-mail: [email protected]

migration division of the General Police Commissariat of utena county Maironio g. 4, UtenaTel.: (8 389) 64 327, 64 328 – issues concerning the legal

status of foreigners (8 389) 55 389 – issues of citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, issuance of passports and personal identity cardsE-mail: [email protected]

migration Office of the General Police Commissariat of vilnius county Naugarduko g. 100, VilniusInformation tel.: (8 5) 271 6444, 271 9987E-mail: [email protected]

USEFULLINKS62

For issues relating to job search, work permits and services for the unemployed, please contact the following institutions:

National labour Exchange under the ministry of Social Security and labour Geležinio Vilko g. 3A, VilniusTel. (8 5) 236 0793Fax (8 5) 236 0788, 236 0794 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

lithuanian labour market Training authorityAguonų g. 10, VilniusTel.: (8 5) 231 03 69, 233 65 14Fax (8 5) 231 06 20E-mail: [email protected]

For issues relating to taxation and company establishment, please contact the following institutions:

State Tax inspectorate Vasario 16-osios g. 15, VilniusTel. (8 5) 266 8200 Fax (8 5) 212 5604E-mail: [email protected] telephone 1882www.vmi.lt

State Enterprise Centre of RegistersV. Kudirkos g. 18, Vilnius-9Tel. (8 5) 268 8262, OMNITEL and BITĖ customers should call 1637E-mail: [email protected]

lithuanian development agencyJogailos g. 4 (block B, floor 2), VilniusTel. (8 5) 262 7438Fax (8 5) 212 0160, 272 6554E-mail: [email protected]

USEFULLINKS 63

For issues relating to the educational system, please contact the following institution:

ministry of Education and ScienceVolano g. 2/7, VilniusTel. (8 5) 219 1190Fax (8 5) 261 2077E-mail: [email protected]

For issues relating to the social security system, please contact the following institutions:

State Social insurance Fund board under the ministry of Social Security and labourKonstitucijos pr.12, VilniusTel. (8 5) 272 4864Fax (8 5) 272 3641E-mail: [email protected] www.sodra.lt

ministry of Social Security and labourA.Vivulskio g. 11, VilniusTel. (8 5) 266 4201 Fax (8 5) 266 4209 E-mail: [email protected] www.socmin.lt

For issues relating to the health care system, please contact the following institutions:

State Patient FundKalvarijų g. 147, VilniusTel. (8 5) 236 4100Fax (8 5) 236 4111E-mail: [email protected]

USEFULLINKS64

ministry of healthFree phone line 8 800 66 004Vilniaus g. 33, VilniusTel. (8 5) 268 5110Fax (8 5) 266 1402E-mail: [email protected] www.sam.lt

OThER uSEFul liNKS

department of National minorities and lithuanians living abroad under the Government of the Republic of lithuaniaT. Kosciuškos g. 30, VilniusTel.: (8 5) 261 3049, 261 9431Fax (8 5) 261 9431E-mail: [email protected]

ministry of Foreign affairsJ. Tumo-Vaižganto g. 2, VilniusTel. (8 5) 236 2444Fax (8 5) 231 3090E-mail: [email protected] www.urm.lt (you can find addresses of all embassies)

Equal Opportunities Ombudsman institution (you can contact it if you are discriminated against)Šeimyniškių g. 1A, VilniusTel. (8 5) 261 2787Fax (8 5) 261 2725E-mail: [email protected]

Children’s Rights Ombudsman institution (you can contact it if your child’s rights are violated)B. Radvilaitės g. 1, VilniusTel. / fax (8 5) 210 7176E-mail: [email protected]://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter/vaikai

USEFULLINKS 65

State labour inspectorate (you can contact it if your rights as an employee are violated)Algirdo g. 19, VilniusTel. (8 5) 265 0193Fax: (8 5) 213 9751E-mail [email protected]

Office in vilnius of the international Organization for migration (information / consultation on the various integration issues)Jakšto g. 12, VilniusTel. (8 5) 212 7653E-mail: [email protected]

SHORTGLOSSARYOFTHELITHUANIANLANGUAGE 67

SHORTGLOSSARYOFTHELITHUANIANLANGUAGE 69

Hello – Labas [labas]

Good afternoon – Laba diena [laba diena] (used during light hours of the day)

Thank you – Ačiū [achoo]

Good bye – Viso gero [viso gero]

Yes – Taip [taip]

No – Ne [ne]

Excuse (me) – Atsiprašau [atsiprashau]

Please – Prašau [prashau]

Help me – Padėkite [padeakite]

My name – Mano vardas [mano vardas]

I live – Aš gyvenu [ash givenu]

I don’t understand / don’t speak Lithuanian – Nesuprantu / nekalbu lietuviškai [nesuprantu / nekalbu lietuvishkai]

Cheers (also, “Bless you”) – Į sveikatą [ee sveikata]

How much does it cost? – Kiek kainuoja? [kiek kainuoya]

Where is ...? – Kur yra ...? [kur eera]

One – Vienas [vienas]

Two – Du [du]

Three – Trys [trees]

Four – Keturi [keturi]

Five – Penki [penki]

Six – Šeši [sheshi]

Seven – Septyni [septini]

Eight – Aštuoni [ashtuoni]

Nine – Devyni [devini]

Ten – Dešimt [deshimt]

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First Steps in Lithuania: Handbook for Migrants

Economy & Finance

real estate agencies

general police commissariat

mobile telephone operators

civil registry office

minimum monthly salary

health care system

lt migration division

social security system