Once in a new city, you may have many questions and feel unsure where to begin. This guide will help you make yourself at home and become a resident of Kaunas quickly.
Kaunas accommodates startups working with foreign markets and international companies, so people speaking English and other languages are more than welcome here.
This is the average rental price of two bedrooms apartment of higher quality in the centre of Kaunas (utilities excluded). 250–350 EUR/month costs same size apartment in residential area.
1–2 months’ rental fee.
Paid before moving in and refundable upon vacating the premises (if no damage was done).
To ensure your security, we recommend signing a tenancy agreement with the landlord and having it translated into your language, e.g. English. Sample agreement is available here.
Notify the authorities of the country of your residence about your departure. Information on where and how to file the notification of departure should be made available by the public authorities of the country of your prior residence.
Before leaving, be sure to collect and bring with you the following valid documents/documents issued during the current year:
When arriving in Kaunas for a longer period of time, it is important to know the conditions of transportation of personal belongings. In Lithuania, the Customs of the Republic of Lithuania is responsible for the collection of customs duties and border taxes and for the control of goods entering the country.
When travelling within the EU, the amount of items you buy or transport is not limited if they are for personal use and not for sale. VAT and excise duties are included in the price of such items and you do not have to pay any taxes in another EU country. For more information on customs declarations and transportation of goods, please visit: lrmuitine.lt.
Natural persons who change their place of residence and move from a third country to the EU can bring in their personal property without import duties and VAT. All they need to do is present a proof of residence abroad of at least 12 months and if the person is not a Lithuanian citizen, a residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania. For more information about the relocation process, please visit: lrmuitine.lt.
Without a medical prescription, it is allowed to bring into Lithuania or receive by post not more than 10 packages of medicinal products at a time. The above quantity may be transported or received by post only once per calendar month. For more information, please visit lrmuitine.lt.
More information is available in the section of the website of Lithuanian Customs dedicated to travelers (‘For Passengers’).
You can bring your pets to live with you in Kaunas. Pet’s documents required when arriving from the European Union and most other countries:
• Microchip;
• Rabies vaccination or the respective declaration;
• Pet passport.
Note. Due to favorable rabies and other disease situation, some countries may impose stricter national requirements for the import of pets. For more information, please visit: vmvt.lt.
Kaunas Airport is 15 km away from the center of Kaunas. Direct flights to Kaunas are available from 26 European airports and are operated by Ryanair, Wizz Air and LOT Polish Airlines (due to Covid-19 some flights are not available).
Kaunas is easy to reach by train, especially on the Vilnius–Kaunas route, where most national railways intersect.
Once you arrive in Kaunas by bus, you will find yourself in a bus station that was renovated in 2017 and now accommodates a shopping center, eating establishments and a waiting hall that is open 24/7. Kaunas bus station is located near the train station and the main pedestrian artery of Kaunas city – Laisvės Avenue.
Buses and trolleybuses offer a convenient way to get around Kaunas.
Bus and trolleybus tickets can be purchased:
Kaunas is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Lithuania with a constantly expanding network of bike paths and LikeBike Kaunas platform.
Xavier Mansa, who recently relocated to Kaunas, Lithuania, created video series that will help you make yourself at home and become a resident of Kaunas quickly.
Lithuania, like the rest of the world, is currently facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before arriving to live in Kaunas, be sure to check the self-isolation requirements. They are published on the Korona Stop website at: koronastop.en.
Lithuania is one of the global leaders in terms of the Wi-Fi speed and free Wi-Fi is available in most public spaces. If you wish to set up a permanent Internet connection at home, sign a contract with one of the Internet providers and purchase a modem (extra cost). Internet providers in Kaunas:
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Once you have arrived/returned from abroad, you are required to declare the place of residence in Lithuania so that you can have access to all the necessary medical assistance. To declare your place of residence at the address of a rented accommodation, you are first required to obtain the landlord’s consent. More information about the declaration of place of residence is available here
You can declare your place of residence in Kaunas online at epaslaugos.kaunas.lt
In Lithuania, the public body SoDra administers the collection of compulsory health insurance (CHI) contributions and the payment of benefits in the event of illness, maternity or paternity leave, pension, etc. CHI also ensures access to free emergency medical care services in Lithuania.
In 2021, one month’s CHI contribution is 6.98% of the minimum monthly wage (EUR 607 as of 01/01/2020), i.e. 6.98% x €607 = €42.37.
In Kaunas, children aged 1–6 can be registered in a public or private pre-school institution.
Private pre-school institutions that also offer education in foreign languages:
• Istorijų Namai – private kindergarten for children aged 1–5, mixed groups of Lithuanian and non-Lithuanian speaking children;
• Vaikystės Sodas – private kindergarten for children aged 1–6 offering English lessons;
• Eureka – early education school for children aged 2–5
If you wish to register your children in a public pre-school institution in Kaunas, you are required to declare your place of residence in Kaunas and file an application at idarzeli.kaunas.lt.
Kaunas also has public and private schools that provide primary, basic and secondary education, depending on the child’s age and attainment level.
The laws of the Republic of Lithuania require children to stay in school until they reach the age of 16. Foreign nationals wishing to complete the general education curriculum are required to study the official language, i.e. Lithuanian.
Schools that cover 1–12 school years and apply an integrated curriculum that helps students from abroad integrate in the general education process:
For your children to be able to go to a public general education school, you must have a declared place of residence in Kaunas and enroll for Lithuanian language studies.
You are also required to file an application at imokykla.kaunas.lt.
If you have any health concerns that do not require immediate medical attention, you should contact your general practitioner. To receive free medical treatment, you or your employer must pay compulsory health insurance contributions. You are also required to register for the doctor’s consultation in advance.
Appointments with public medical institutions are made through the patient registration platform at esveikata.lt or you can contact your general practitioner.
Should you experience toothache or other dental problems, you can opt for a public or private dental practice. Both types of clinics offer paid services and require advance registration.
If you wish to register with the Kaunas City Polyclinic, you can choose one of its subdivisions. More information about registering as a patient: kaunopoliklinika.lt.
You can choose from a variety of private clinics that also offer consulting in English, however you may have to pay for the medical advice and other services. Some of the private clinics available in Kaunas:
Dental practices at the subdivisions of Kaunas City Polyclinic (Dainavos, Šilainių, Centro, Kalniečių, Šančių) offer both general and specialised dental services. For more information, please visit kaunopoliklinika.lt.
In private dental practices, consulting and services may also be provided in English. Some of the private dental practices in the city:
Do you feel unsafe or did you have an accident? Dial 112 to call the police, fire brigade and/or ambulance.
Once the nature and location of the threat have been ascertained, emergency services are sent immediately.
You can visit Kaunas County Police Headquarters at Kęstučio str. 42, Kaunas. Each area in the city also has its separate police station.
Trauma and Emergency Centre at Kaunas Clinics is available 24/7 at Eivenių g. 2, Kaunas (access from the J. Lukšos-Daumanto Street).
Dial +37037703485 to call the reception of the Emergency Department.
Would you like to to get involved in the cultural life of Kaunas, get to know its history, enjoy some active leisure activities and embrace the true spirit of Kaunas? Follow the news of Kaunas Tourism Information Centre and you will not be disappointed!
Still, have a question after reading this guide? Don’t hesitate and contact us at business@kaunasin.lt or give us a call +370 671 61451.
