Foreigners Living in Lithuania: Sources of New Ideas and Cultural Dialogue

At the beginning of 2025, nearly 220,000 foreigners hold residence permits in Lithuania. The growing number of migrants sparks discussions about their impact on the country’s social life and economy.

The Migration Information Center “MiCenter,” established by the International Organization for Migration (IOM Lithuania), provides services like consultations for foreigners, integration events, and information through a one-stop-shop approach. Aistė Kasperė, the head of the “MiCenter” project, believes that increasing immigration creates opportunities for positive changes in Lithuania:
“The geographical diversity of migrants living in Lithuania is expanding – more people are coming not just from Europe but also from Africa and Asia. This is evident in our initiatives: language clubs, storytelling evenings, and Christmas markets bring together people from a variety of nationalities. They seek not only like-minded communities but also spaces to develop their business and cultural ideas. It’s inspiring to see Lithuanians actively participating in these events as well. Here, we have the opportunity to connect with migrants who are eager to integrate into local communities, start businesses, and support one another. From carpet weaving to baking cakes, from poetry to organizing language clubs – being part of a community is important to everyone.”

Social Initiatives and Quiz Events

Narmin Aliyeva, an Azerbaijani national, is the founder of “Speak Lithuania” and “Quiz with Narmin” and an organizer of social initiatives and quiz events. “Speak” is a platform that connects locals and migrants aiming to learn languages and explore various cultures. Narmin was awarded the President’s initiative “The Power of Lithuania” for bringing this idea to Lithuania.

Narmin shares: “When I arrived in Lithuania 11 years ago, I knew no one, didn’t speak the language, and had no support network to help with integration. I faced many challenges but realized my situation wasn’t unique – everyone coming to a foreign country goes through similar feelings. I wanted to make integration easier for others, so I started ‘SPEAK Lithuania.’ The community began its activities in Kaunas, where not only Lithuanian but also other language clubs and cultural evenings started to take place. Soon, the initiative expanded to Vilnius and other parts of Lithuania.

Narmin is also known as a quiz host: “Back in my country, I was a quiz enthusiast, and I found these events to be an easy way to meet people. So, I gathered the courage to start organizing quizzes in Lithuania. This allowed me to turn my passion into an opportunity to bring people together. At these events, I create an atmosphere where everyone can relax, socialize, and learn something new.” Narmin observes many positive changes and progress in Lithuania: “Lithuania is becoming an increasingly progressive and welcoming country. My advice to migrants: don’t come empty-handed – bring your ideas, as you’ll definitely find space for creativity here.”

Narmin is no stranger to events organized by IOM Lithuania – her quizzes attract large groups of both foreigners and local Lithuanians.

Innovative Mobile App

Eduard Titov, who obtained Lithuanian citizenship last year, is becoming a familiar face in Lithuanian media. His app “Joiner” connects Lithuanians and foreigners looking for company to attend events and participate in activities together. When asked if it’s easy for a foreigner to integrate in Lithuania, he admits that most foreigners he’s met both in Lithuania and abroad feel socially isolated during their first 6-9 months:
“I’ve lived in different countries and know what it’s like to be a migrant – the beginning is always hard, and loneliness is unavoidable during the first few months. Perhaps this experience inspired me to create ‘Joiner.’”

Eduard shares: “Our app is gaining popularity in Lithuania and beyond because people are looking for friends and meaningful ways to spend their time – something dating sites can’t provide. Personally, I see my future and career in Lithuania, and I think it’s an excellent country for developing a business. I often joke that the only thing missing is an app to help us catch sunny weather!”

Foreigners’ Initiatives – Lithuanian Language Clubs and Cultural Evenings
The activities and needs of foreigners living in Lithuania are well understood by the IOM Lithuania team. According to Aistė Kasperė, integration is encouraged in various ways:
“At ‘MiCenter,’ we provide free services for foreigners living in Lithuania, such as integration, legal, psychological, and career consultations. We also invite them to events, training, and other initiatives. What happens under our roof isn’t always initiated by us – foreigners in Lithuania often come with ideas that we find especially meaningful to support. For example, this is how the ‘Let’s Learn Lithuanian’ club, founded by foreigners, began, along with numerous cultural evenings featuring poetry, storytelling, dancing, and exotic music. Lithuanians also attend these events – integration is a mutual process.”

IOM Lithuania’s Migration Information Center services are accessible both in person and online, with up-to-date information about living in Lithuania available on the MiCenter.lt website in Lithuanian, English, and Russian.