WORK IN LITHUANIA:
- Register and ask questions at the Employment Service, tel.: +370 679 94915 or E-mail: [email protected]
- You are also welcome to visit the Employment Service at Savanorių Square 13, on I–IV from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 12.45 to 17.00; on V from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 12.45 to 15.45.
Regarding the implementation of protocol decision of the Committee on Education and Science of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania for foreigners.
Since January of 2026, the requirement of the Law on the State Language came into force. It declares that foreigners working in the service sector must speak Lithuanian at the determined level.
The Government has decided that a new (A1) language proficiency level (basic category) applies to foreigners.
Knowledge of the state language at A1 level will be required only for two years. After the two-year period, in order to continue working in Lithuania in the service and trade sectors, it will be necessary to know the state language at A2 level.
This period is calculated from the day on which a document confirming or granting the right to reside in Lithuania was first issued to the foreigner.
If the document granting the right to reside in Lithuania was first issued by 31 December 2025, the two-year period is calculated from 1 January 2026.
An exemption from the requirement to know the state language applies only to foreigners who have temporary protection status (Ukrainians who have fled the war).
The first state language proficiency category (A2 language level) applies to employees in the service, manufacturing, trade, transport and other sectors (e.g. drivers, waiters, sales assistants) if they have the obligation to communicate with clients for work purposes.
State language examinations are organized by the National Education Agency according to an approved schedule.
Examinations for the basic category (A1 level) and Category I (A2 level) are scheduled for January 28, 29 and 30.
The National Education Agency has prepared information leaflets for persons wishing to take the A1 level state language examination (in Lithuanian and English):
https://www.nsa.smsm.lt/for-foreigners/atmintines/
Each leaflet contains schedules, lists of basic schools, deadlines, links, and explanations.
When applying for employment, only certificates issued by this institution are valid; certificates of completion of Lithuanian language courses are not accepted.
Donatas Smalinskas
Deputy Head
State Language InspectionTel. +370 5 264 3150
Email: [email protected]
