Lithuanian Parliament Passes New Language Requirements for Foreign Workers Starting 2026

Lithuania’s parliament has recently passed amendments that will require foreigners and the companies employing them to serve clients in Lithuania in the national language starting in January 2026. The legislation aims to improve communication and customer service in Lithuanian while balancing the needs of foreign workers and businesses.

The law does, however, include certain exemptions. Foreigners whose regular occupations do not demand proficiency in Lithuanian, such as individuals selling goods or forest produce at fairs and similar venues, will not be required to learn the language.

"It is believed that citizens of the Republic of Lithuania should have the right to be served in the national language," the Lithuanian Parliament stated, underlining the rationale behind the new requirement.

This move comes in response to significant language challenges highlighted by the country’s diverse population. Data from the 2021 census, released by the State Data Agency, showed that approximately 60 percent of the Lithuanian population speaks Russian, while the remaining 40 percent often face difficulties accessing services in a language they understand.

In response to these findings, the Seimas adopted amendments that mandate foreign workers and their employers to conduct business in Lithuanian starting in 2026.

According to the European Migration Network, around 220,000 foreigners currently reside in Lithuania. In 2023, the country welcomed approximately 66,920 new immigrants, while 21,986 people emigrated from the country. Lithuanians were most likely to migrate to Ukraine (8,122), Belarus (1,817), Norway (1,368), and Germany (1,343). Among newcomers to Lithuania, Belarusians made up the largest group, with 15,675 arrivals in 2023, followed by Ukrainians (10,539) and Kyrgyz (3,227).

Despite ongoing labor shortages in sectors such as cleaning, food service, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and construction, the Lithuanian government has recently tightened employment rules for foreign workers. Currently, only individuals with residence permits are allowed to work in the country. However, certain workers, including teachers, researchers, and citizens from economically developed countries, are exempt from this policy and have easier access to the Lithuanian job market.

Lithuania continues to face labor shortages in 59 different occupations, as noted in a recent report, but the government is seeking to balance these shortages with stricter rules for foreign employment to maintain control over its workforce and ensure that citizens are served in the national language.

By fLEXI tEAM