Moving for work can be expensive. Moving to another country for a job? Even more so. But Lithuania wants to make your relocation smoother by helping highly-skilled specialists cover those inevitable moving costs. Starting now, newcomer specialists can receive over €4,200 to help with relocation expenses. Here’s everything you need to know.

Leading our neighbours in supporting foreign talent

Many countries dangle financial carrots to attract new residents, but most come with strings attached. You might need to invest substantial sums, volunteer your time, or settle in remote rural communities. Some offer incentives to launch businesses, subsidise living expenses in regional towns, or provide funds to restore crumbling historic properties.

Look at Lithuania’s Baltic neighbours for comparison. Estonia streamlines its hiring processes for skilled workers but doesn’t offer cash for relocation. Latvia has investment-based residency programs and business subsidies, yet no direct incentives for employees joining local companies.

Lithuania takes a refreshingly straightforward approach: land a job, move to the country, and collect your bonus. Eligible specialists can apply for the relocation incentive after six months of employment (but before two years pass).

Am I eligible?

Lithuania’s updated Employment Law includes a €4,255 relocation incentive for international specialists in high-demand fields. Here’s what you need to qualify:

• An open-ended employment contract with a Lithuanian company
• A gross monthly salary of at least €4,255 for your first six months (or the company’s average wage, whichever is higher)
• The job title is on the official list of high value-adding professions
• No permanent residency in Lithuania during the past five years

What counts as a “high value-adding” occupation? Think IT, engineering, and life sciences roles. There is an official list covering everything from software developers to biotech researchers – find it in full here.

A talent magnet in tech and innovation

Lithuania’s relocation incentive aligns perfectly with the country’s booming tech and innovation sectors. By supporting individuals directly – not just companies – the message is crystal clear: we want you here.

The numbers tell an impressive story. Lithuania consistently ranks high globally for digital public services, internet speed, and startup density. The country’s fintech sector alone boasts over 270 companies serving 27+ million users worldwide. Meanwhile, the ICT sector contributes 5.1% to the national GDP and employs more than 60,000 specialists.

It’s no surprise, then, that career opportunities in Lithuania are nothing short of international. Household names such as Wix, Revolut, Vinted and Nasdaq have offices here, as well as rising startups like KiloHealth, Oxylabs and Surfshark. So, landing a job here, you can expect to develop products and services with a truly global reach.

Smooth sailing through relocation

Moving countries can feel overwhelming, but Lithuania has built the infrastructure to support your transition. The country offers fast-tracked Blue Card procedures for highly-skilled non-EU citizens and a Startup Visa program for non-EU entrepreneurs. Work in Lithuania’s step-by-step relocation guide has the info on paperwork and useful links all in one place.

Lithuania also operates two International Houses – one in the capital Vilnius and another in the port city of Klaipėda. These one-stop shops bring together experts from various national agencies to handle everything from residence permits and social insurance to employment services and taxes. Having all these services under one roof makes integration remarkably straightforward.

How can I apply?

Think you meet the eligibility criteria? You have two ways to apply for your relocation payment. The first option is to submit your application through the E-Government gateway (like most public services in Lithuania, it’s all online and straightforward).

Alternatively, you can fill in the application form and submit it through one of these methods:

• Hand it in directly at any Employment Service office;
• Send it via email with a qualified electronic signature;
• Mail the original signed application to the Employment Service by post.

Final word: why this matters

Lithuania is the only Baltic state offering relocation incentives to incoming talent, easing their move. This reflects a deeper national strategy of attracting, retaining, and nurturing global talent. If you’re a skilled specialist in tech, science, or innovation, this is your sign to consider Lithuania as your next home base.