From 1990 until 2018 Lithuania's migration balance was negative, but in recent years a turning point has occurred: the number of immigrants has increased significantly - mostly returning Lithuanian citizens, but there are also a lot of labour immigrants, so the migration balance (net migration) in 2018 approached zero, and in 2019 moved to the positive side. According to the preliminary data provided by the State Data Agency, for the fourth year in a row we are observing a positive migration balance of Lithuanian citizens. 

The number of foreigners living in Lithuania has surpassed the 200,000 mark for the first time in the country's history. According to the Migration Department, around 50 per cent of all foreigners in Lithuania have come to work in various in-demand professions. These are most often international long-haul freight and passenger carriers, as well as workers in the construction and other industrial service sectors.  

Valid temporary residence permits by the basis of issuance*

1. Work: 115790
2. Family reunion: 12532
3. Temporary protection: 43026
4. Studies: 7191
5. High qualifications: 6085

*2024-06-01 data

Top 10 nationalities with valid residence permits*

1. Ukraine: 75,959 total 
2. Belarus: 62,627 total 
3. Russia: 15,476 total 
4. Uzbekistan: 9,938 total 
5. Kyrgyzstan: 6,762 
6. Tajikistan: 6,701 total 
7. India: 5,826 total 
8. Azerbaijan: 4,564 total 
9. Kazakhstan: 3,905 total 
10. Stateless persons: 2268 total 

*2024-06-01 data

 Most of the foreigners living in the country are settled in the major cities - Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.