Before starting primary school, children in Lithuania can be educated at home or by pre-school education institutions. Pre-school education (known as ikimokyklinis ugdymas) is available from birth until children begin compulsory pre-primary education at age 6. While pre-school is not mandatory, if parents wish to enroll their children, the state or municipalities must ensure that places are available for children from 3 years. 

Foreigners living in Lithuania need to have a national visa or a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for their minor children to attend preschool and general education schools.  

You can choose between public or private pre-school educational institutions for your child. These facilities offer various programmes and activities to support children’s learning and development. Some kindergartens offer classes in different languages, such as English, Spanish, and French in private institutions, and Russian, Belarusian, and Polish in public ones. 

Admission to kindergartens 

Starting kindergarten or primary school is a significant event for both parents and children. However, applying to a kindergarten or school can be challenging, especially in a new country. Kindergarten group lists are made in advance, so it is common to register your child immediately after birth to secure a spot in your preferred kindergarten. Application submission deadlines may vary by institution or municipality (usually in spring) but generally, applications are accepted year-round. Pre-school typically starts in September, but if there are free spots, children can be accepted throughout the entire year. In some cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Marijampolė and other, the enrolment process is centralized and conducted through an electronic system.  

Each municipality has its own procedure for prioritizing applications, considering factors such as place of residence, siblings attending the same kindergarten, and the family’s social status. You will need to present a medical check-up certificate, so it is recommended to obtain this document well in advance.  

How much does preschool education cost? 

Twenty hours a week of preschool education are funded by the national or municipal budget. In state or municipal kindergartens, families typically pay 50–60 euros per month to cover the cost of meals and learning materials. In private kindergartens, fees range from 120 to 500 euros per month.

Compensation for private kindergartens 

If you are enrolling your child in a private kindergarten, please note that some city municipalities provide compensation to parents who choose private kindergartens for their children. In Vilnius, this compensation is €120, while in the Klaipeda region, it is €250 per month for one child.

Pre-primary education 

Pre-primary education (known as priešmokyklinis ugdymas) in Lithuania is compulsory for children. Children must start pre-primary education in the calendar year that they turn 6.  Every child is guaranteed a place in a state or municipal educational institution. Parents have the option to enroll their children a year earlier, but not before the age of five. Pre-primary education lasts for one year. During this time, children are taught to concentrate for longer periods, maintain attention, and complete tasks, ensuring a smooth transition from pre-primary to primary education. 

Since pre-primary education is compulsory, every child is guaranteed a place in a state or municipal educational institution.

Free meals at school 

In Lithuania, all first-graders, and second-graders receive free school meals regardless of family income. Students in higher grades can receive free meals if their family’s average monthly income per member is less than €264.