When it comes to choosing a country for life, not many Russian emigrants turn their eyes to this cool Baltic state. Nevertheless, Lithuania has a common Soviet heritage with us and is close to us in terms of geographical location. It is these arguments that are decisive for some emigrants.
This Baltic state is a "young" member of the European Union. That is why life in Lithuania, for some indicators, cannot yet reach the level that is observed in the EU countries that have joined it from the very beginning. In order to understand how attractive this state is for immigrants, consider the pros and cons of living in Lithuania.
general information
Lithuania became an independent state in 1990. It happened after the collapse of the USSR. Immediately after joining the EU, life in Lithuania was rather difficult. After all, the state’s economy was going through hard times. But neighbors helped the country, providing investments for the development of all spheres of the national economy. Today we can say that life in Lithuania has become much better. The country is considered completely independent. A large number of enterprises operate here, mainly related to machine and shipbuilding, as well as to the agricultural sector. An important sector contributing to the development of the Lithuanian economy is tourism. This direction provides many residents of the country with seasonal work. In addition, tourism is an area in which private business is most common.
Recently, many large European enterprises are moving their offices to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. This contributes to the revitalization of the country's economy and is due to the diligence of local residents, who in this regard are much better than their colleagues located in other countries.
After Lithuania joined the EU, its economic recovery is obvious. It accordingly reflects on the life of the population, while making the country attractive for immigration. However, someone who wants to come here for a long ruble will have to be upset. The economic situation of Lithuania is still at a lower level than that possessed by the states of Western Europe. In this regard, there is a lag in the standard of living of citizens of the Baltic state. So, many Russians sometimes find that after moving to Lithuania they did not receive large incomes. Indeed, from the point of view of the economy, the Baltic country is nevertheless closer to the Russian Federation than to Germany or, for example, Hungary.
Wage
The standard of living in Lithuania, as well as in any other state, can be judged by the income and expenditure indicators of the population. Of all the Baltic countries, this republic is considered the most successful, based on the analysis of many indicators. But as regards the size of the minimum wage, in Lithuania it falls short of the Latvian and Estonian figures. In addition, there is a slight difference between the sum of the minimum and average wages. In the language of specific figures, this is, respectively, 400 euros and 600 euros. It is also interesting that the amount that is set in the country for minimum wage is equal to the amount of benefits paid to the unemployed.
Based on the reviews about the life of many tourists and businessmen visiting Lithuania, it is rather difficult to judge the level of income and expenses in this Baltic country. After all, people's opinions often radically differ, depending on what their measure of assessment of the current situation is. But, nevertheless, the standard of living in Lithuania can be put on one level with the average for Russia. This applies to wages and pricing.
Since January 2018, the minimum wage in Lithuania has been brought to the level of 400 euros (gross, that is, before taxes are deducted from it). This figure is much lower than that which exists in the EU countries, but higher than in the Russian Federation and other republics of the former USSR.
Judging by the reviews, positive changes are taking place in life in Lithuania after joining the EU. When analyzing the indicators of the size of the wages offered in the country, one can see their steady growth. Of course, keeping up with prices is rather difficult, but in general, the Lithuanian government seeks to improve the lives of its citizens. This is evidenced by the steady increase in the size of the minimum allowable wage. Moreover, below 400 euros, based on government decisions, not only those people who work full time, but also when part-time, should not receive. Such remuneration exists for those who are engaged in unskilled labor and do not have higher education.
Drivers of public transport, hostel staff, as well as employees of catering organizations are paid a salary that is only slightly higher than the minimum income. The same applies to young professionals who have recently graduated from universities and who have neither qualifications nor experience.
For the average worker, the average wage in Lithuania is five hundred euros. This figure is given after deductions of all necessary taxes. Such income should be counted on by those who wish to take the vacancy of an office worker, as well as find a job in the public service in the social sphere.
Salaries, and therefore the standard of living in Lithuania, directly depend on the length of service, specialization, as well as on the person’s place of residence. For example, in Vilnius, the average salary reaches 700 euros. At the same time, in those areas where agriculture is developed, only 400 euros can be claimed.
Salary and qualifications
Remuneration for labor in Lithuania is characterized by an incredible range of values. For example, a doctor in this country may receive 1,500 euros. The income of a nurse ranges from 730 to 750 euros. At the same time, the personnel of private medical institutions receive more than their colleagues working in public hospitals and clinics.
Workers in the construction industry enjoy considerable demand in Lithuania. Without much work, a bricklayer, plasterer or facade decoration specialist can find a highly paid job. The income level of workers of these specialties can be compared with those received in this country by parliamentarians. High incomes in Lithuania have specialists in computer and scientific fields.
Employment
Based on national statistics, there are very few unemployed in Lithuania. Only 7% of able-bodied residents of the country do not have official work. However, this figure is approximate. After all, remote and home-based work statistics do not take into account.
Such a low level of unemployment among the indigenous people of the state became possible due to the adoption by the government of certain basic principles. One of them is the priority provision of vacancies to Lithuanian citizens. Foreign specialists may be involved in this case only as an exception.
Education
The life of Lithuania today is characterized by the constant concern of the government for the younger generation, in particular for obtaining the proper level of knowledge. That is why the state constantly supports the education sector with financial investments. In addition, this system is currently undergoing regular reform. The essence of the work is to increase the remuneration of teachers, as well as the growth of scholarships. In addition, local budgets everywhere support kindergartens and schools.
Such close attention to the educational sphere is due to the need to increase the level of training of qualified specialists, who will continue to be employed in Lithuania. Such an approach to the acquisition of knowledge by the younger generation will allow the state to annually reduce the country's unemployment rate by at least 1%.
Employment of foreigners
Judging by the reviews, life in Lithuania for Russians allows us to open some perspectives. However, for citizens of the Russian Federation, work in the Baltic state has not only advantages, but also some disadvantages.
Living in Lithuania is attractive to Russians in that this state is very close to their homeland in terms of mentality, climate, way of life and spoken language. However, immigrants claim the average income for foreigners is around 450 euros. Moreover, more than half of them will have to be spent on the purchase of vital goods and services. That is why few are sent to work in Lithuania. More favorable in this regard is the prospect of moving here for permanent residence. In addition, life in Lithuania after joining the EU allows you to find a high-paying job in any EU state. By the way, many indigenous people do the same. So, over the past 13 years, about 800 thousand people have left the country. The reason for this lies in the low level of wages, which is much lower than in EU countries. For example, in Germany, residents receive 3.5–4 times more Lithuanians.
Price policy
Considering the pros and cons of life in Lithuania, anyone will certainly want to know about the level of cost of basic necessities and services in the country. It is worth noting that in general prices here are at an average level. For basic goods and services they are not much different from those that are installed in the CIS countries. And all this taking into account the level of salary of about five hundred euros.
However, housing tariffs are very high in Lithuania. For example, only for renting an apartment you will have to pay about 400 euros. One half of this amount will go to the owner, and the second will go to reimburse utility bills.
The remaining 100 or 150 euros from the average salary will be needed to purchase clothes, food, fare, and other needs. Of course, it will be impossible to live on such an amount. That is why families with one breadwinner, as a rule, live in very modest conditions, but they are not talking about accumulation. So with such expenses, the level of Lithuanian income is unlikely to seem so great.
Communication
Considering the pros and cons of life in Lithuania, I would like to note that it is quite difficult to start talking with locals in their native language. The fact is that it belongs to the Finno-Ugric group, and it is very difficult for our people to master it. The process of mastering makes great efforts even to a person who is gifted with the ability to learn languages. Such a lack of residence in Lithuania should not be discounted when considering moving. The fact is that without knowing the state language at a good level, it will be impossible to find a decent job. It will be difficult to live in this country, despite the fact that many Lithuanians know and speak English and Russian.
Healthcare
Medicine in Lithuania has a fairly high level. For health reasons, the Baltic state is included in the list of the most prosperous powers in Europe. This contributes to the fact that life expectancy in Lithuania is quite long and amounts to 75.5 years.
However, it should be borne in mind that medical services in the country are paid. Moreover, even in public institutions, patients are forced to give money behind the scenes. But thanks to the paid principle, the country's healthcare system is in excellent condition. Medical centers and hospitals are equipped with the most modern equipment, which is constantly being upgraded and updated.
However, the health system also has its drawbacks. They relate to the long waiting period for admission, which the patient will have before he gets to the right specialist. Sometimes it lasts for a month or a longer period. First, the patient should visit a family doctor, and only then get the appropriate direction from him.
Well the country has developed surgery. Moreover, Lithuanian doctors brilliantly perform transplantation of internal organs.
Free medical assistance can be obtained with the existing threat to human life. However, all subsequent procedures will need to be paid. You can do this in cash or using a credit card. It should also be borne in mind that, despite the well-developed pharmacy network in the country, the purchase of potent drugs is possible only according to the prescription prescribed by the doctor.
Attitude to Russian
Lithuania is an amazing country, which you can discover for yourself endlessly. Original culture, ancient history, loyalty to the traditions of their ancestors - all this makes the Baltic state completely dissimilar to others. In Lithuania, there is a very close interweaving of European clarity with the Slavic spirit.
What is the attitude towards Russians in this country? All in all, good. The bulk of the locals are friendly to our fellow citizens and respect them. Many understand the Russian language and enjoy speaking it. Lithuanians are generally not aggressive.
However, there have been cases of negative attitudes both to immigrants and tourists from the Russian Federation. At the same time, the Lithuanian can say one thing, do another, and for the eyes begin to discuss the third. Among the native inhabitants of the country there are also those who are attuned to the Russians wary or obviously hostile. But you should understand that such shots are found in any country in the world.
Climate
When considering a country for moving to permanent residence, do not forget to take into account local weather conditions. Obviously, a heat lover in Lithuania will not like it. After all, the Baltic States are characterized by a large number of cloudy and cool days. But in general, the weather here is considered mild, with a prevailing marine climate on the coast and continental in the center.
Of course, not everyone will attribute cool weather to the shortcomings of the state. But those who crave a hot climate should consider other options.