Lithuania has lived under Russian rule for more than 200 years; Among other things, the Russian rulers had divided the society based on age bands. Each age group was expected and forced to live life in a particular manner and adopt certain traits. For instance, children were expected to indulge in board games and drink refreshing drinks, but not the adults. Similarly, old (retirees) folk were supposed to stay home and engage in gardening or rearing grandchildren; in case someone didn’t have a garden or children to tend, they were expected to assist the community with their wisdom or running small elderly chores for the locality.
Imagine a society, when saw President Valdas taking a slug of Coca-Cola, was struck with disbelief! – just one year after the Supreme Council restored Lithuania’s independence. Although the Russian influence on the Lithuanian economy has over the years withered, however, the trade & economic sanctions hindered the progress that this country was capable to achieve.
New and better Lithuania
Today, the economy of Lithuania is the largest among the three Baltic States. After joining the European Union in 2003, the country has experienced a boost in the power & energy, manufacturing, & agriculture sectors. The combined GDP of Lithuania stands at US$ 55.89 Billion as of December 2020. New advanced infrastructure for transportation, housing, education, and healthcare services can be seen all over the country as the economy and employment growth point towards a flourishing nation.
With changing times, society has changed too. You can expect a vibrant, sports-loving nation boasting efficient infrastructure and beautiful countryside. Lithuanians have taken basketball and made it their own. It’s a sport everyone here loves in a fashion Australians love rugby!
Healthcare services
The only thing visible in new age Lithuania from the Soviet era are the marks of mismanagement. This holds for the healthcare sector as well. Though the new regime is desperately working to change things over; and they have, for instance, the medical staff is highly qualified, advanced surgery has been made possible, and the overall healthcare delivery is accessible and free for Lithuanian citizens. Having said that, it will still take a lot of time and effort to completely overcome the disaster Russian rulers have left behind.
Cost of living
Since most of the accommodation in city centers dates back to the Russian era, these old buildings cost low as compared to other parts of Europe. If you go farther from city centers, the prices drop accordingly. Food too in Lithuania is cheaper than anywhere in Europe. On average you may spend 7 to 8 Euros on a meal compared to 12 to 18 Euros elsewhere.
Expatriates’ families and children
If you are retiring with school-going children, you need not worry. Education is one area where Lithuania has always excelled. Education for citizens is free, while there are plenty of options for foreign students as well. Vocational, missionary, catholic, private, and homeschooling options are also available.
Visa requirements for retiring in Lithuania
For a simple visit as a tourist in Lithuania, you will only require a Schengen visa, which is valid for 90 days. However, usually, retirement is planned for a longer period, and in many cases permanent, you will require a temporary residence permit initially. A temporary residence permit is valid for 1 to 2 years generally, and for a shorter time in some cases.
You can fill out and submit your application online and request processing of the same after you have paid the fee, which is 120 to 250 Euros. The Lithuania Migration Information System (MIGRIS), is an official portal that allows you to submit all types of visa applications with an easy-to-use interface. Just register yourself on MIGRIS and follow the simple steps to begin processing as soon as you pay the prescribed fees.
