Foreigners in Lithuania were obliged to serve citizens of the country in the state language

New language rules for foreigners will come into force in Lithuania on January 1. Foreigners working in the field of trade and services will have to serve customers in the state language at least at a basic level.

The requirement to know the state language at the A1 level will be valid for two years from the date of issuance to the foreigner of the first document granting the right to reside in Lithuania.

For those who received such a document before December 31, 2025, the two-year countdown will begin on January 1, 2026. Similar rules will apply to foreigners with a seasonal work permit. After two years of work in the services and trade sector, the A2 level will already be required.