Vilnius: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Vilnius in 2026

Vilnius is a compact European Union capital with low prices by European Union standards, fast internet, a strong IT and fintech sector and a calm pace of life. It suits those who work remotely or for a local tech company and want to live in Europe without Berlin or Warsaw prices. For Russian citizens relocation in 2026 is heavily restricted, as explained below.

What it costs to live in Vilnius

Prices come from two independent 2026 price databases, with euros converted at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026. A square metre costs about $6,000-6,140 in the centre and about $3,330 outside it.

Where to live in Vilnius: districts

• Old Town - the Baroque centre with cafés and museums on foot, but pricier rents and noisier summers.
• Užupis - a bohemian quarter across the river with galleries and quiet lanes next to the centre.
• Žvėrynas - a green riverside district with wooden villas, calm and prestigious.
• Antakalnis - lots of parks and forest, good for families.
• Šnipiškės - the business district with office towers and new builds on the right bank.
• Naujamiestis - lofts in former factory buildings near the station.
• Pašilaičiai and Fabijoniškės - residential districts with affordable housing.

How to get a residence permit in Lithuania

European Union citizens live in Lithuania freely and only register. Others need a residence permit through work, including the EU Blue Card for specialists, business, study or family reunification. Buying property does not give a right to residence.

Special restrictions apply to Russian citizens: acceptance of their temporary residence applications is restricted, and since May 2025 a permit can be revoked if the holder travels to Russia or Belarus more than once every three months without an objective reason. In April 2026 these measures were extended to 31 December 2027. Russian citizens with Lithuanian roots can consider restoring Lithuanian citizenship.

What taxes are paid in Vilnius

From 2026 Lithuanian income tax is progressive: 20% on annual income up to €83,237.40, 25% up to €138,729 and 32% above. Individual activity under a certificate is taxed at an effective rate of about 5% on income up to €20,000. Corporate tax is 17%, 7% for small companies, and VAT is 21%. The double tax treaty with Russia no longer applies. More on the Taxes in Lithuania page.

Buying and renting a home

Foreigners buy flats in Lithuania on general terms, but a purchase does not give residence, and agricultural and forest land is hard for citizens from outside the European Union to buy. Besides the price, allow for notary fees, the Centre of Registers fee for registering ownership and bank charges. If a company buys the property, it pays 17% corporate tax. Rental income is taxed in Lithuania, and a non-resident must also consider home-country taxes. Central flats are usually let for a year with a one-to-two-month deposit, and good options go within days.

Work and transport

The main employers for newcomers are IT companies, fintech and international service centres where the working language is English. Lithuania licenses payment and electronic money institutions, so Vilnius has many fintech teams. The airport is about 5 km from the centre, the city runs buses and trolleybuses, and ride-hailing and e-scooters are popular. Trains connect to other Lithuanian cities, while Riga, Warsaw and Tallinn are easier to reach by bus or plane.

Climate and everyday life

Winters are cold and dark: January temperatures are usually below zero and daylight is short. Summers are warm, around 20-23 degrees, with long light evenings. The city is green, with cycle paths along the river and forests within city limits. The state language is Lithuanian, and young people speak good English. City services, banks and government services work online.

Schools and healthcare

Public healthcare is available to those paying compulsory health insurance contributions, that is, working residents. Many newcomers also use private clinics, where appointments are faster and doctors speak English. State schools teach in Lithuanian, and Vilnius has international schools with an English curriculum and schools teaching in minority languages for foreign children. Places at international schools should be booked early, especially for the start of the school year in September.

Pitfalls of moving to Vilnius

• Restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens and long security checks.
• Bank accounts: banks do not accept deposits over €100,000 from Russian citizens without European Union citizenship or residence and check them especially strictly.
• A long dark winter that not everyone gets used to.
• Good flats in the centre rent quickly, usually on one-year contracts.
• Without Lithuanian, government services and some jobs are harder.

Murblz specialists check whether you have a legal basis for moving to Lithuania and suggest European Union alternatives if you do not.