The Land of The Kaunas Castle, The Pazaislis Monastery & Courland Spit

Information on Relocating to Lithuania

• The capital city of Lithuania is Vilnius with about 541,300 thousand people. The political centre is also in Vilnius where the President resides. Lithuania is a Republic.

• Languages: Lithuanian is the official language. Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian (Aukstaiciai) and Low Lithuanian (Zemaiciai).  The TV programs are in their original language. Cable TV is available with some English, Russian, German, Italian, French, etc. language channels.

• Population: The population is about 3.43 million people - 80.6% are Lithuanian,  8.7% Russian, 7% Polish, 1.6% Belarusian, 2.1% other.

• Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Vilnius.

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house. Expat Homes are available as of euro 1200-4000, depending upon size, location, style. The local currency is Litas (Lt).

• Schools: We have the American school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Lithuania has a good and not expensive public transport system. In Vilnius around 50 bus lines and 20 trolley-bus lines cut through the capital. Tickets can be bought in most kiosks and they must be punched in the validation machines found on buses.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday-Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm. Some banks also open Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm .

• Shopping: Grocery shops open Monday-Friday 8.00 am - 8.00 pm.

• Climate: Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months.

• Culture: Cinemas can be found in all towns. Lithuanian theatres, most of which are concentrated in the capital, are also renowned. The Jaunimo theatres in Vilnius are famous throughout the country. Opera and ballet are staged in the city at the Vilnius Opera Theatre and Kaunas has a Musical Theatre. Puppet shows are staged for children in Vilnius and Kaunas. There are restaurants with live music as well as numerous discos and nightclubs with variety shows in the larger towns.

• Public holidays: January 1st New Year's Day; 16 February 16th Restoration of the State Day (1918); March 11th Restoration of Independence Day (1990); March-April (date varies) Easter; May 1st International Labor Day; June 24th Jonines (St John's Day/Midsummer's Day); July 6th Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas, August 15th Assumption Day; November 1st All Saints' Day; December 25th Christmas Day; December 26th Boxing Day.