From 1 January 2026, foreigners living in Lithuania and working in service jobs are obligated to speak Lithuanian. The matter was already agreed upon by parliament (Sejm) in 2024, but with only a few months left, there are some worries if all the service workers will manage.
All those working supporting services, trade and transport and have contact with customers need to have A2 level in Lithuanian. For those working in education, cultural institutions, health care, social services, civil administration and other public employees the requirement is one step higher (B1). Finally, those who are managers and specialists in state or municipal institutions, aviation, the maritime sector or in managing position within school and universities need to have the even higher B2 level. Normally, a language spoken fluently is C2 level – two steps higher.
The law change is reportedly supported by 80% of all Lithuanians. Note that 60% of the country’s native population already has another first or second language, namely Russian. | © 2025 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com. Photo: Sejm, the Lithuanian parliament (Photo: Augustas Didžgalvis (CC))