Starting from 1 January 2026, an amendment to the Law on the State Language of the Republic of Lithuania will come into force. It requires that persons who communicate directly with customers must ensure that residents are served in the Lithuanian language at no lower than a basic language proficiency level. The newly established basic state language proficiency category corresponds to the A1 level of Lithuanian. The National Education Agency (NŠA) is the only institution where, upon passing the required examinations, you can obtain the necessary state language proficiency category.

IMPORTANT: The requirement for foreigners to serve residents at the basic level of state language proficiency will apply for two years. After the two-year period ends, those who wish to continue working in the services or trade sectors will need to demonstrate Lithuanian language proficiency at the A2 level. This two-year period is counted from the day when a foreigner is first issued a document granting the right to reside in Lithuania. The requirement also applies to foreigners holding a permit to work in seasonal jobs in Lithuania.

If the document granting the right to reside in Lithuania was issued for the first time before 31 December 2025, the two-year period will be counted from 1 January 2026.

An exception to the state language proficiency requirement is made for foreigners holding temporary protection status. This category includes Ukrainians who have fled the war.

Foreigners who need to take the Lithuanian language exam in order to obtain a residence permit must register for the exam through their MIGRIS account. Foreigners who need a Lithuanian language category for work in customer service or other fields must register for the I category by creating a personal account on the NŠA website.

Before registering for the exam, you can assess your knowledge and complete the National Education Agency (NŠA) practice test.

For those who wish to obtain the basic or Category I state language proficiency level, we recommend choosing to take the state language proficiency exam for basic–I categories (A1–A2 levels). Based on the results of the exam you choose to take, you will be issued a certificate confirming either the basic level (A1) or Category I (A2).

Select the language proficiency level you need and submit an application to take the exam. After submitting it, you will receive a confirmation to the email address you provided, stating that your exam location has been registered. You will take the exam at the designated school.

IMPORTANT: Once you receive the registration confirmation, you must pay for the exam within 24 hours; otherwise, your application will be cancelled. The exam fee is 57 EUR. Once the payment is received, the status of your application will change to CONFIRMED.

What should you know before going to the exam?

• Arrive at the designated school at least 15 minutes early;
• Bring a personal identification document;
• The Lithuanian language exam is conducted electronically.

Within 12 working days after the exam, the results will be sent to your email. You can also check the results in your personal NŠA account. The Lithuanian language proficiency exam certificates are prepared by the NŠA, and within 3 working days of receiving them, they are issued by the designated school. For candidates who took the exam remotely, the designated school will send the certificate to the address provided during registration.

If you disagree with your exam evaluation, you have the right to submit an appeal to the NŠA Director within 2 working days after the results are announced. Send the signed appeal by email to: [email protected]

Applies to foreigners working in the services or trade sectors for two years. The two-year period is counted from the day the foreigner is first issued a document granting the right to live in Lithuania. It also applies to foreigners who have a permit to work at seasonal jobs in Lithuania.

Applied to employees in the services, manufacturing, trade, transport, and other sectors (e.g., drivers, waiters, shop assistants) if their work requires communication with customers.

Applied to employees in the fields of education, culture, healthcare, social protection, and other sectors, as well as civil servants and state officials.

Applied to heads of state and municipal institutions, agencies, companies, and organizations; civil servants and state officials; teachers; aviation specialists; maritime and inland water transport specialists; and others.