Starting on January 2026, an amendment to the State Language Law will come into effect, requiring that information about goods and services be provided in the official language. Individuals directly serving customers will be required to communicate in Lithuanian. The purpose of this law is not only to ensure that Lithuanian citizens receive services in a language they understand but also to facilitate smoother integration for newcomers.

According to data from the Migration Department, as of January 1, 2025, there are nearly 218,000 foreign citizens residing in Lithuania, with the largest group being Ukrainians (77,000). A significant portion of these individuals will, at some point, need to interact with customers in Lithuania and obtain a certificate proving their Lithuanian language proficiency. As these important changes approach, it is crucial to systematically address foreigners’ needs by informing them about legal requirements and language learning opportunities.

IOM Lithuania has launched the website MiCenter.lt, where foreigners can find essential information about life in Lithuania. A dedicated webpage provides details on Lithuanian language learning opportunities: micenter.lt/lt/lietuviu-kalbos-mokymasis.

On this platform, information is available in Lithuanian, English, and Russian, including:

• Key details about the new amendment to the State Language Law;
• Examination categories and registration links for the National Examination Center (NŠA);
• Structured information on both paid and free Lithuanian language courses at universities, private institutions, language clubs, and mobile applications.

The MiCenter.lt website was created as part of the “MiCenter” project. Project manager Aistė Kasperė notes:

"Our consultants receive an increasing number of inquiries about learning Lithuanian. For foreigners living in the country, it is not always easy to find reliable information in an understandable language. Most government websites provide information only in Lithuanian – MiCenter.lt aims to fill this gap. As the number of migrants in the country grows, people looking for learning opportunities are not only in the capital but throughout Lithuania. It is essential to ensure that everyone has access to clear and easily accessible information."

IOM Lithuania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, aims to facilitate the integration of foreigners living in the country in multiple ways. One of the key needs is accessibility of information in different languages.

Gražina Genė, advisor to the Foreigners' Integration Group, states:

"The state language is not just a means of communication; it is a cornerstone of integration. When a person learns the language of the country they have moved to, they gain a better understanding of local culture and history, integrate into the labor market, and become a true part of the community. When coming to Lithuania or planning to do so, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with language requirements and learning opportunities in advance. We must ensure the availability of such information, especially as the new Lithuanian language requirements will soon come into force."

The State Language Inspectorate actively contributed to preparing the Lithuanian language learning subpage. This institution is responsible for verifying whether the managers and employees of service-providing businesses and institutions comply with the government-mandated language proficiency categories.

Donatas Smalinskas, Acting Head of the State Language Inspectorate, states:

"This year marks thirty years since the State Language Law was established in Lithuania. Over these years, a strong state language policy system has been developed, but the changing socio-political situation and the rapid increase in the number of migrants call for amendments to the law. With the upcoming changes in 2026, there is a growing need to provide broader opportunities for foreigners living in the country to learn Lithuanian. To ensure that foreigners start speaking Lithuanian, we need not only legal amendments but also changes within state institutions, the private sector, and society itself. It is our collective responsibility to raise the prestige of our native language."

The Lithuanian language learning subpage will be continuously updated and expanded.

For information about Lithuania, consultations, services, and training for foreigners, visit MiCenter.lt.

Contact: iomvilniusmic@iom.int, 0 800 22922 (toll-free line).

The MiCenter project is funded by the EU Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund.