Study in Lithuania: Complete International Student Guide

Welcome students to Lithuania

Picture this: stepping off a plane into a country of contrasts, where medieval streets meet the fastest internet in Europe. Moving to Lithuania comes with a unique mix of digital bureaucracy and cultural adjustment, but you don’t have to go it alone.
We’ve summarized all the essential steps for you — from securing a modern co-living space to getting your e-permit — so you can focus on what really matters: your studies and your new life in the Baltics.

Road Map

STEP 1

Find your home & Security Deposits

Start your search early on dedicated platforms to secure your studio or co-living room.
- EU Students: Landlords only ask for your passport or ID card and directly propose standard contracts.
- Non-EU Students: Landlords ask for a copy of your passport and visa. The university issues the mediation letter in the government system MIGRIS only after confirming a physical accommodation address.

- All students: Private landlords and co-living centers ask for a security deposit (depozitas).
- Costs: The amount usually varies between 1 and 3 months of rent.
- Rule: The money is paid in full upon signing the contract and is returned in full at the end of the contractual period.

STEP 2

Mandatory Insurance

Medical insurance is a critical bureaucratic step before arrival.
-EU Students: You must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued free of charge by your home country to access public clinics.
- Non-EU Students: A private insurance policy with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, including medical repatriation, is mandatory.
-HubStudentsEurope recommendation: Use HelloSafe — an excellent global comparator that allows you to instantly analyze insurance offers tailored to international students and compliant with visa requirements.

STEP 3

Mobile Data & Connectivity

A Lithuanian phone number is mandatory for 2 reasons

Get connected to the internet from the moment you arrive in the country.
- Non-EU Students (First Weeks): We recommend the eSIM data plan from Airalo (known locally as Bonbon Mobile). Activate it online before takeoff and you have instant internet at the airport for maps, transport apps and messaging, without having to search for physical stores upon arrival.
- Local Prepaid SIMs: Once you’ve settled in, buy a local prepaid card with no contract (Pildyk, Ežys or Labas) from any Narvesen kiosk to get your official phone number with the +370 prefix.
- Smart-ID application activation: Local banks use Smart-ID exclusively for secure login and transactions. Without a local number with the prefix +370, the application cannot be configured.
- Official notifications and courier: All migration authorities, delivery services and universities use SMS as the main quick contact channel.

STEP 4

Open your Bank Account

Required for paying rent, utilities and receiving any student grants.
- Tip for Non-EU Students: Traditional banks like SEB or Swedbank charge high application fees for non-EU citizens (up to 250 EUR).
- Fintech solution: Open a free account online at Revolut Bank or Paysera in just 5 minutes, using only your passport and visa on your phone. After obtaining your residence permit (TRP), you can open an account at traditional banks for free.

STEP 5

Register your Address, Get LSP & ISIC Student Cards

Once you have signed the rental agreement, you need to formalize your status in the city.
- Address declaration: Go to the local town hall (seniūnija) within one month of moving to register your address and receive your personal identification number (asmens kodas).
- Student Card: Apply immediately on the official platform for the national card LSP (Lietuvos studento pažymėjimas) or ISIC.

STEP 6

Public Transport, ESN Lithuania & Working Rights

Urban networks are fully digitalized, and integration into the labor market is well regulated.
- TRAFI App: Download TRAFI for buying digital tickets and planning routes in real time.
- 80% Discount: Based on a valid LSP or ISIC card, the price of the monthly transport subscription drops by 80%, reaching only a few euros per month.

- Intercity connections: LTG Link: LTG Link is the national passenger rail operator in Lithuania, a subsidiary of Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos geležinkeliai). For a student, the train is the safest, most comfortable and fastest way to travel between major cities and explore the Baltic region

- Join ESN Lithuania: Get actively involved in the activities organized by the local ESN Lithuania (Erasmus Student Network). They organize Welcome Weeks, accessible trips to the Baltic countries, and cultural integration evenings.
- Buddy System: Sign up for the national Buddy System platform managed by ESN to receive a local mentor (a Lithuanian student) before your arrival. He or she will help you navigate your first days at the university and in the city.

- EU Students (Work): You can work full-time (40 hours/week) from the first day, without limitations.
- Non-EU Students (CRITICAL 2026 UPDATE): Your work rights depend strictly on the year of study:
- Bachelor's degree (Years 1 and 2): Strict legal limit of maximum 20 hours per week.
- Bachelor's degree (Years 3-4), Master's and Doctorate: You have the legal right to work 40 hours per week (full-time).

STEP 1

Find your home & Security Deposits

Start your search early on dedicated platforms to secure your studio or co-living room.
- EU Students: Landlords only ask for your passport or ID card and directly propose standard contracts.
- Non-EU Students: Landlords ask for a copy of your passport and visa. The university issues the mediation letter in the government system MIGRIS only after confirming a physical accommodation address.

- All students: Private landlords and co-living centers ask for a security deposit (depozitas).
- Costs: The amount usually varies between 1 and 3 months of rent.
- Rule: The money is paid in full upon signing the contract and is returned in full at the end of the contractual period.

International Student Rental Safeguards in the Baltics

Vilnius (Direct Institutional Options)

- SHED Co-living
A premium provider of modern, commercially managed and fully vetted accommodation, specifically designed for international students in Vilnius.

- Fully furnished rooms: Fully furnished private studios with private bathrooms and functional kitchenettes.

- All-inclusive setup: Utilities, electricity, heating and Wi-Fi are directly integrated into the single monthly rate.

- Professional amenities: Free access to the complex's fitness room, quiet co-working spaces and administrative security systems.

- Liv-in Vilnius
One of the largest commercial accommodation complexes in the capital, offering safe environments and fully transparent contracts.

- Flexible contracts: Adaptable rental periods, ideal for students arriving through official academic mobility programs.
- Integrated services: Secure self-service laundry, included technical maintenance and 24/7 video monitoring of common areas.
- Strategic location: Located on official urban public transport routes, facilitating direct connection to major universities.

- Atlas Living
Modern residential concept managed by a dedicated company, completely eliminating the risks of transactions intermediated on the grey market.

- Formal study areas: Quiet workspaces designed after the structure of university libraries for maximum productivity.
- Verified infrastructure: Digital card-based access, fully equipped community kitchens and professionally managed relaxation areas.
- Transparent rates: Clear prices with no hidden costs or unforeseen administration fees.

YOUSTON co-living
- Why it's safe: Residential buildings dedicated exclusively to students, where the contract is signed electronically on the official portal of the building administrator.

Kaunas (Direct Institutional Options)

Solo Society Student House Kaunas (Kęstučio g. 36)
- Why it’s safe: It’s operated by the same powerful investment fund behind the SHED brand. It features a 24/7 physical reception, security, video surveillance, and a secure payment system via the resident account.

Sparta coHome Kaunas (Miško g. 16)
- Why it’s safe: A completely new ecosystem dedicated to students and digital nomads. Entry to the building and rooms is exclusively via digital codes generated upon signing the institutional contract.

HousingAnywhere Lithuania
The largest secure European platform for booking student accommodation, recommended for completely eliminating fraud risks in the private real estate market.

- Tenant Protection System: Your money is absolutely safe. The first month's rent payment does not reach the landlord's account immediately. HousingAnywhere blocks the funds in a secure account and transfers them to the landlord only 48 hours after your actual move-in, after you have confirmed that the apartment matches the description.
- Verified Owners and Properties: All property managers and private landlords go through a rigorous administrative authentication process before they can list their rooms, studios or apartments in Vilnius and Kaunas.
- Official Proof for Visa: Once the reservation is fully confirmed online, the platform issues you an official administrative invoice. This serves as legal proof of accommodation (Proof of Housing), a document required by the Migration Department in the MIGRIS system or at embassies for visa issuance.
- No Physical Viewings: The communication process with the owners is done directly through the platform's secure messaging system, allowing you to secure your home a few months before the start of the semester, directly from your phone.

What is MIGRIS and how does it work? (The European Rule)

MIGRIS (Lithuanian Migration Information System) is the centralized and fully digitalized government portal through which Lithuania manages all immigration and residency flows.

Mandatory General European Rule (Over 90 Days)
There is a misconception among young people that EU citizenship allows you to live anywhere without any formalities. In reality, according to European Union law, all students, including those from EU/EEA member states, are required by law to officially register their stay if they spend more than 90 days on the territory of another member state.
The difference lies solely in the bureaucratic complexity of the process:

How do EU students use the MIGRIS platform?
For European citizens, the platform functions as a quick notification point.

1. Go to migracija.lt and request a Certificate of Registration of the Right of Temporary Residence.
2. You do not need visas or work permits. The process is simple, inexpensive and serves strictly as proof that you are registered in the Lithuanian population register, which is later needed to obtain a personal identification number (asmens kodas).

How do Non-EU students use the MIGRIS platform?
For students from outside the European Union, MIGRIS is the central pillar of the entire move.

1. University Mediation: The Lithuanian university must first upload an electronic mediation letter to the government system MIGRIS. This contains a unique registration code.
2. Digital File: Without that mediation code from the university, the Non-EU student cannot open and submit his/her own application for a National Visa D or a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). All documents (passport, insurance, bank statements) are uploaded exclusively in digital format through the account on this platform.

STEP 2

Mandatory Insurance

Medical insurance is a critical bureaucratic step before arrival.
- EU Students: You must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued free of charge by your home country to access public clinics.
- Non-EU Students: A private insurance policy with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, including medical repatriation, is mandatory.
-HubStudentsEurope recommendation: Use HelloSafe — an excellent global comparator that allows you to instantly analyze insurance offers tailored to international students and compliant with visa requirements.

Compare Rates Now and Buy Insurance with HelloSafe

STEP 3

Mobile Data & Connectivity

Get connected to the internet from the moment you arrive in the country.
- Non-EU Students (First Weeks): We recommend the eSIM data plan from Airalo (known locally as Bonbon Mobile). Activate it online before takeoff and you have instant internet at the airport for maps, transport apps and messaging, without having to search for physical stores upon arrival.

A Lithuanian phone number is mandatory for 2 reasons
- Local Prepaid SIMs: Once you’ve settled in, buy a local prepaid card with no contract (Pildyk, Ežys or Labas) from any Narvesen kiosk to get your official phone number with the +370 prefix.
- Smart-ID application activation: Local banks use Smart-ID exclusively for secure login and transactions. Without a local number with the prefix +370, the application cannot be configured.
- Official notifications and courier: All migration authorities, delivery services and universities use SMS as the main quick contact channel.

Get connected to the internet from the moment you arrive in the country

- Non-EU Students (First Weeks): We recommend the eSIM data plan from Airalo (known locally as Bonbon Mobile). Activate it online before takeoff and you have instant internet at the airport for maps, transport apps and messaging, without having to search for physical stores upon arrival.

Why is Airalo (Bonbon Mobile) essential in the first weeks?

When a student from a Non-EU country lands in Lithuania, they have no internet to navigate the city.
Airalo completely eliminates this stress through three major advantages:
- Safety against airport fraud: The student is no longer forced to buy overpriced physical cards at the airport or use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to order a taxi (Bolt).
- Dual SIM works: The student in the regime keeps the physical SIM from the home country active to receive important SMS (from parents or banks at home), while using exclusively Airalo's high-speed data traffic for local applications (Google Maps, Trafi, WhatsApp).
- No contract or bureaucracy: It does not require signing a subscription, presenting a pass or having a residential address in Lithuania. It is a prepaid, transparent and completely digital service.

Buy Now eSIM Airalo Lithuania

Local Telecom Leader- Pildyk (by Tele2)

Pildyk is the most affordable and extensive prepaid mobile service in Lithuania, offering 99% national coverage and direct access to 5G technology.

- Why it is the number 1 choice for students: The brand is officially recognized on the local market as the cheapest and most flexible telecommunications option for young people, operating exclusively on a top-up basis, with no contractual monthly subscriptions or long-term financial obligations.
- Top Speeds and Coverage: Using the official infrastructure of [Tele2 Lithuania](https://pildyk.lt/), the Pildyk network offers affordable high-speed 5G and LTE connections to over 2.7 million users, guaranteeing a stable signal in all university campuses, libraries and co-living complexes in Vilnius, Kaunas or Klaipėda.
- Roaming in the European Union: Top packages purchased in Lithuania automatically include a generous amount of data traffic (GB) that can be consumed in roaming completely free of charge when traveling to other countries in the European Union or the European Economic Area.

Practical guide for students: How to buy and use Pildyk

- Where to find a physical SIM card
Unlike other European countries, in Lithuania you do not need an ID card or a signed contract to buy a prepaid card. You can purchase a Pildyk SIM starter kit (which usually costs only 1 or 2 euros) from any Narvesen convenience store, large supermarkets (Maxima, Iki, Rimi, Lidl) or directly from official Tele2 offices.
- Local Number Activation (+370)
Insert the SIM card into your phone and make a short call or send an SMS according to the instructions on the envelope. From that moment on, you have an official Lithuanian phone number with the prefix +370. This number is the key to setting up your online banking security and the government Smart-ID app.
- Account Management via the Official App
Download the dedicated Mano PILDYK app (available for free on Google Play and App Store). With it, you can instantly check your data usage, instantly top up your account using a European bank card (or Revolut), and activate great deals on unlimited 5G internet and national minutes at student prices (usually between 10 and 18 euros per month).

The High-Speed Choice- Ežys (by Telia)

Ežys is the youth brand of national operator Telia, offering international students access to the fastest and most extensive 5G network in Lithuania.

- Premium Data Infrastructure: Using the official network of Telia Lietuva, Ežys dominates local rankings in terms of connection stability and mobile data download speed, making it ideal for students who rely on hotspots, streaming or online courses on campus.
- Physical or Digital (eSIM): In addition to classic plastic SIM cards, Ežys offers the possibility to purchase and activate an eSIM profile directly from their official website, allowing you to get a Lithuanian number without inserting a physical card into your phone.
- Flexible Packages for Youth: Ežys works exclusively through recharge (Prepaid). It offers a wide variety of weekly or monthly packages (with unlimited 5G internet, minutes and SMS) designed specifically for student budgets, starting from just a few euros.

Practical guide: How to buy and activate Ežys

- Official points of sale
The Ežys SIM starter kit can be purchased instantly for 1-2 euros without presenting your passport or ID. You can find it in all large Narvesen convenience stores, supermarket chains (Lidl, Maxima, Rimi, Iki) or directly in Telia customer centers.
- Activation and obtaining a local number (+370)
Insert the card into your phone and follow the quick activation instructions on the package. Your local number becomes active immediately, giving you the +370 prefix essential for registering on the government portal [MIGRIS](https://www.migracija.lt/) and securing your accounts via Smart-ID.
- Recharge and Control via App
All account management is done digitally through the official Mano EŽYS app. Here you can associate your bank card (or Revolut) for quick recharges, check your available data traffic and activate extra options with internet and minutes valid including roaming within the European Union.

The Student Social Choice: Labas (by Bitė)

Labas is the youth-focused brand of national operator Bitė, known for its most flexible unlimited internet offers and an excellent digital interface in English.

- Massive data-inclusive campaigns: Using the official infrastructure of Bitė Lietuva, the Labas brand frequently offers extremely cheap starter kits that include massive promotional packages (often unlimited data traffic or hundreds of GB in the first month), making it a very economical solution to install.
- Native English app: Unlike other operators where menus can be partially translated, Labas offers excellent English digital support directly in its platforms, making it easy for newly arrived international students to set up.
- Urban flexibility: Labas' 5G/4G network is excellently optimized for the urban environments of Vilnius and Kaunas, making it perfect for daily use of transport apps (Trafi) or streaming media on campus.

Practical Guide: How to Buy and Use Labas

Official Purchase Points
A Labas SIM Starter Kit can be purchased instantly, without a contract, ID card or passport. The physical card is hung directly at the cash registers of large supermarkets (Maxima, Lidl, Rimi, Iki) or can be found in the Narvesen convenience store network and in official Bitė centers.
- Number activation (+370)
Insert the card into your phone and follow the quick instructions in the package (the activation menus have clear options in English). The received prefix (+370) becomes your stable number, used by the authorities in the government portal MIGRIS and by the Smart-ID banking application.
- Total control through the Mano LABAS application
Download the official Mano LABAS application from the App Store or Google Play. From here you can instantly top up your account using your European bank card, activate weekly or monthly 5G internet options, and check available resources for national calls and roaming in the European Union.

STEP 4

Open your Bank Account

Required for paying rent, utilities and receiving any student grants.
- Tip for Non-EU Students: Traditional banks like SEB or Swedbank charge high application fees for non-EU citizens (up to 250 EUR).
- Fintech solution: Open a free account online at Revolut Bank or Paysera in just 5 minutes, using only your passport and visa on your phone. After obtaining your residence permit (TRP), you can open an account at traditional banks for free.

Revolut Bank Lithuania

Revolut Bank UAB operates as a fully licensed official banking institution in Lithuania, being directly regulated by the Central Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos bankas).
For international students, Revolut is often the first choice upon arrival. However, Non-EU student status brings a specific set of major advantages, but also some important administrative limitations.

Pros (Advantages for Non-EU Students)

- No Review Fees: Traditional Lithuanian banks (such as SEB or Swedbank) charge a Non-resident Compliance Fee that can reach up to EUR 200–250 for non-EU/EEA citizens. Revolut opens the account completely free of charge, eliminating this massive start-up cost.
- Fast Opening, Directly from Your Phone: You can open the account in just a few minutes using only your international passport and a valid National D Visa. You don't have to present a physical residence permit (TRP) from day one and there's no need to physically visit a bank branch.
- Local Account with Lithuanian (LT) IBAN: Being registered in Lithuania, Revolut gives you a current account number with the local LT prefix. This IBAN is instantly recognized by universities for transferring scholarships and is mandatory for direct payment of utilities in co-living complexes (SHED, Liv-in) or for collecting your salary if you get a job.
- Advantageous Currency Exchange: Non-EU students who receive money from home in other currencies (USD, CAD, INR, etc.) benefit from the interbank exchange rate offered by Revolut, saving considerable amounts compared to the high conversion fees applied by traditional banks.
- European Deposit Guarantee: Current accounts opened at Revolut Bank UAB are protected by the Lithuanian Deposit Guarantee Scheme, insuring funds held up to EUR 100,000 per customer, offering exactly the same safety standards as a traditional bank.

Disadvantages (Administrative Limitations)

- Security Blocks Upon Change of Residence: When a student changes their tax address from their home country to Lithuania or when their D Visa expires and uploads a new Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), Revolut’s automated compliance algorithms may trigger additional checks. This can sometimes result in the account being temporarily restricted until the documents are manually validated by support.

- Exclusively Digital Customer Support: Revolut does not have physical branches (agents) in Vilnius or Kaunas where you can go to talk directly to an operator in case of an urgent issue. All technical support is carried out via the in-app chat.
- Free Cash Withdrawal Limits: The Standard (free) plan allows you to withdraw cash from any local ATM without a fee up to a maximum of EUR 200 per month (or a maximum of 5 withdrawals). In Lithuania, although digital payments are ubiquitous, some traditional markets or small private services still require cash.
- Income Proof: Due to strict anti-money laundering (AML) regulations imposed by the Central Bank of Lithuania, if you receive large money transfers from parents or relatives outside the European banking network (SEPA), Revolut will temporarily block your transaction until you upload supporting documents (e.g. parent bank statements, donation documents or translated salary certificates).

HubStudentsEurope tips for proper use:

1. Use it as a launching pad: Open your Revolut account as soon as you have obtained your local phone number (prefix +370) to be able to manage your first weeks safely.
2. Migrate gradually after obtaining your TRP: Once you have received your physical residence card from the Migration Department MIGRIS and obtained your personal number code (asmens kodas), we recommend that you also open a free secondary account for young people at a major traditional bank Swedbank or SEB. This way, you will have total flexibility and zero risk of financial blockage.

Paysera Bank Lithuania

Paysera is a licensed, pioneering Electronic Money Institution (EMI), headquartered and fully regulated in Lithuania by the Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos bankas).

For international students - especially non-EU citizens - Paysera is a massive lifesaver. It bridges the gap between digital ease and traditional banking convenience. Here's everything a student needs to know about it.

Pros (Advantages for non-EU students)

- No high compliance fees for non-residents: Unlike traditional Baltic banks that charge non-EU applicants around EUR 200-250 just to open and review a non-resident file, Paysera allows international students to sign up for a free account setup.
- A solid local Lithuanian (LT) IBAN: Like Revolut, Paysera gives you an official European bank account number that starts with LT. This makes it perfectly compatible for receiving university scholarships, paying rent at premium student housing configurations (such as SHED, Liv-in or Atlas Living) and setting up automatic payments of phone bills.
- Combination of web portal and mobile app: While Revolut is almost exclusively app-based, Paysera offers both a powerful mobile app and a fully functional e-banking interface for desktop web browsers. This makes it much easier to manage your finances, pay local utility bills or print official bank statements for MIGRIS immigration offices.

- Paysera Visa Card: You can order a physical Visa payment card directly to your student accommodation address. The card supports contactless payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay and is widely accepted at all retail outlets in the Baltics.

- Cheap international transfers: Paysera is globally renowned for its extremely competitive exchange rates and extremely low fees for sending money to non-EU home countries, making family financial support loops much cheaper.

Disadvantages and limitations

- Identity verification is done via video call: To ensure strict compliance with EU anti-money laundering (AML) laws, Paysera requires you to complete a live digital identification step (submitting your passport, Visa D or TRP and taking a live photo/video). If your internet connection is unstable or your documentation is unclear, the approval process could take several business days.
- Limited physical branches: Although Paysera has an official customer service center in Vilnius, it does not operate a traditional, extensive network of physical branches. Almost all of your interactions with customer service will take place digitally or by phone.
- Fees for specific local points of sale: While digital card payments are completely free, cash withdrawals from ATMs have a small fee, depending on the ATM network you use. Always check their pricing page to see the exact fixed monthly cash withdrawal limits.

AB SEB bankas

Is one of the largest, oldest, and most stable traditional retail banks in Lithuania, operating as part of the prominent Nordic financial services provider, the SEB Group.
While digital fintech platforms like Revolut or Paysera serve as perfect introductory launchpads, transitioning to an established institution like SEB offers maximum security and premium banking features once a student is fully settled in the Baltic region.

Advantages for Students

- Free Youth Plans (18–25): SEB offers highly competitive, specialized service plans tailored directly for students and young adults. These youth plans eliminate standard monthly maintenance fees and provide free daily banking services.
- The SEB Debit MasterCard: Students receive an official physical debit card that integrates seamlessly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and the official SEB Mobile App.
- Massive Local ATM Network: Unlike fintech solutions that enforce strict monthly cash withdrawal caps, a traditional account with SEB provides much higher cash withdrawal limits across a vast network of physical ATMs throughout Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.
- Advanced Authentication Tools: SEB is natively integrated with Smart-ID and Mobile-ID. This allows students to effortlessly sign official university contracts, log into the national MIGRIS migration portal or approve high-value transactions securely.
- Physical Branch Support: If a student encounters an issue or requires complex financial documentation (such as certified bank statements for visa extensions), they can book an in-person meeting at a brick-and-mortar branch to get manual support from an advisor.

Disadvantages & Entry Barriers

- The Non-Resident Compliance Fee: For non-EU/EEA students trying to apply before receiving their local residence card, SEB enforces a strict, non-refundable administrative verification fee that can go up to €200–€250. This fee is charged simply to process and review a non-resident application.
- Strict Onboarding Documentation: To open a traditional bank account, SEB requires solid proof of ties to Lithuania. Non-EU students must present their physical Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) card and their unique local personal code (asmens kodas).
- Appointment Hurdles: Traditional banking is rarely instant. To set up an account, students usually need to register for an online video consultation or book a physical branch slot well in advance.

Swedbank AB

Is the largest retail bank in Lithuania and a mainstay of the Baltic financial sector, operating as part of the prominent Swedish Swedbank Group.

It is widely considered the most popular traditional bank among local and international students, thanks to its unrivaled digital infrastructure and extensive network.

Pros (Student Benefits)

- “Youth Program” (Jaunimo Programa): Swedbank offers specialized accounts for students and young adults (under 26), which are completely free of monthly maintenance fees.

- Most popular banking app: Swedbank’s mobile app is consistently rated as the most intuitive in the Baltics, offering hassle-free budgeting tools, instant peer-to-peer payments via phone number, and full compatibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Garmin/Fitbit contactless payment.

- Unparalleled ATM and branch footprint: Swedbank has the most extensive physical infrastructure in Lithuania. You can find Swedbank ATMs and branches on almost every corner of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, making cash management effortless.

- Seamless Smart-ID integration: As a leading partner of the Smart-ID framework, Swedbank allows students to authenticate their identity instantly. This makes it incredibly easy to securely log in to university student portals, sign lease agreements or access the national migration platform MIGRIS (https://www.migracija.lt/).

- Dedicated English support: Their phone banking and branch staff are highly qualified to provide support to international students fully in English.

Disadvantages (Cons and barriers to entry)

- High verification fees for non-residents: If you are a student from outside the EU/EEA and try to open an account before your official residence card arrives, Swedbank charges a substantial, non-refundable registration fee (usually around EUR 200). This fee covers the compliance checks required for non-residents.

- Proof of local residency required: To avoid the compliance fee and open a free account under the Youth Programme, international students must present their physical Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) card and Lithuanian unique personal code (asmens kodas).

- Mandatory prior appointment: You cannot simply walk into a Swedbank branch and open an account on the spot. Due to high demand, you must register online in advance for a spot in a physical branch or for a digital onboarding consultation.

STEP 5

Register your Address, Get LSP & ISIC Student Cards

Once you have signed the rental agreement, you need to formalize your status in the city.
- Address declaration: Go to the local town hall (seniūnija) within one month of moving to register your address and receive your personal identification number (asmens kodas).
- Student Card: Apply immediately on the official platform for the national card LSP (Lietuvos studento pažymėjimas) or ISIC.

LSP (Lietuvos studento pažymėjimas) Student Card

Apply immediately on the official platform for the national card LSP (Lietuvos studento pažymėjimas)The LSP is the only official national document that legally proves your student status across all higher education institutions and public authorities in Lithuania.
You must apply immediately on the official platform to secure your legal student benefits from day one.
Why is the LSP a critical document in Lithuania?

- Guaranteed State Discounts (Up to 80%): Only by holding the LSP national card you legally benefit from an 80% discount on public transport passes in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda via the official TRAFI app. It also gives you a 50% discount on national train tickets managed by the state operator LTG Link.
- Your Campus Passport: The LSP functions as a mandatory digital access card to the physical facilities of your university. You need it to borrow books from university libraries, enter laboratories or pass through secure turnstiles on campus.
- Integration with the European Student Card (ESC): LSP cards issued automatically include official integration with the European Student Card system (via a QR code and hologram on the back). This means that your status is instantly recognized in all countries in the Erasmus+ network, making it ideal if you are going on a short mobility or if you are traveling within the European Union.
Processing and issuance time

- Data registration: It takes only 3 minutes to set up your online account.
- Order placement : It takes approximately 10 minutes (uploading your passport photo and study details).
- Physical production : Between 5 and 14 working days from the moment your university manually validates your status in the national state register.
- Delivery to destination: 1–3 business days via official courier services directly to your co-living or accommodation address.

3-Step Secure Application Guide
To avoid unsafe platforms, international students must exclusively access the centralized government portal managed by the Lithuanian Students' Union: Official LSP Lithuania Platform

- Step 1: Profile Registration: Go to lsp.lt/en, create a new foreign student account and upload a clear, white background, ID/passport-type photo.
- Step 2: University Validation: Select your higher education institution in Lithuania. The system will automatically send a request to your faculty secretariat to confirm that you are officially enrolled.
- Step 3: Payment and Delivery: As soon as the university provides digital approval, access the "My LSP" section, select the European Student Card integration option, enter your official physical accommodation address in Lithuania and pay the issuance fee directly via e-banking (using your Revolut or Paysera account).

ISIC (International Student Identity Card) Student Card

Apply immediately on the official platform for the national card ISIC(International Student Identity Card)

ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is the only internationally recognized proof of student status, officially supported by UNESCO since 1968.

What are the major advantages of ISIC in Lithuania?

- Official 80% Discount on Public Transport: This is the most important reason why you need it. Based on a valid ISIC card (which has your student number printed on it), you legally benefit from an 80% discount on monthly and annual transport passes in Vilnius and Kaunas via the TRAFI app, as well as a 50% discount on intercity train tickets via the national company LTG Link.

- Daily Commercial Discounts: The card gives you access to thousands of discounts in official partner networks in Lithuania: bookstores, cinemas, museums, theatres, student cafes and global tech/travel partners (such as FlixBus or Apple Education Store).
- 2-in-1 option (Bank Card + ISIC): In Lithuania, traditional banks such as Swedbank or SEB offer the possibility of issuing a MasterCard debit card that has the ISIC license integrated directly on the plastic. This way, you have a single card for payments, ATM withdrawals and proving your student status at the bus control.

- ISIC (International Card): It can be issued instantly in digital format directly to your phone via the official ISIC application as soon as you have received the official acceptance letter from the university (Acceptance Letter). Lithuanian transport authorities accept ISIC as officially as LSP, making it the perfect lifeline for your first weeks, when the national card is still waiting.

STEP 6

Public Transport, ESN Lithuania & Working Rights

Urban networks are fully digitalized, and integration into the labor market is well regulated.
- TRAFI App: Download TRAFI for buying digital tickets and planning routes in real time.

- 80% Discount: Based on a valid LSP or ISIC card, the price of the monthly transport subscription drops by 80%, reaching only a few euros per month.

- Intercity connections: LTG Link: LTG Link is the national passenger rail operator in Lithuania, a subsidiary of Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos geležinkeliai). For a student, the train is the safest, most comfortable and fastest way to travel between major cities and explore the Baltic region.

- Join ESN Lithuania: Get actively involved in the activities organized by the local ESN Lithuania (Erasmus Student Network). They organize Welcome Weeks, accessible trips to the Baltic countries, and cultural integration evenings.
- Buddy System: Sign up for the national Buddy System platform managed by ESN to receive a local mentor (a Lithuanian student) before your arrival. He or she will help you navigate your first days at the university and in the city.

- EU Students (Work): You can work full-time (40 hours/week) from the first day, without limitations.
- Non-EU Students (CRITICAL 2026 UPDATE): Your work rights depend strictly on the year of study:
- Bachelor's degree (Years 1 and 2): Strict legal limit of maximum 20 hours per week.
- Bachelor's degree (Years 3-4), Master's and Doctorate: You have the legal right to work 40 hours per week (full-time).

Integrated Urban Transport: Trafi App

The official Trafi App is the absolute gold standard for urban mobility in Lithuania. Unlike general navigation tools, Trafi is an advanced Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform deeply integrated with the official live municipal databases of major Lithuanian student hubs.

Geographic Coverage
Trafi operates officially across five major Lithuanian cities:
- Vilnius (Buses, trolleybuses, integrated express routes)
- Kaunas (Full city public transport network)
- Klaipėda (Coastal network links)
- Šiauliai & Panevėžys

Core Features for International Students

- Strict Real-Time Tracking: Buses and trolleybuses are tracked live via GPS. The app displays the precise arrival countdown down to the exact second, adjusting dynamically for unexpected traffic jams or winter weather conditions.
- Digital Ticket Purchasing: In Vilnius, you can buy, store, and activate single-trip or long-term public transport tickets directly inside the app using your linked credit card or fintech account. Note: The application requires a minimum purchase order of €5 for in-app ticket transactions.
- Smart Intermodal Routing: The route search engine calculates the fastest itinerary by combining multiple transport variants—showing you exactly where to walk, which platform to stand on, and where to switch lines.
- Universal QR Scanner: You can unlock integrated shared mobility vehicles directly from the home screen using the built-in QR scanner tool, eliminating the need to download multiple third-party transportation apps.

Activating the 80% Student Discount inside Trafi
Lithuania provides an exceptional 80% state discount on public transit for registered students. To use it inside the app safely, follow these steps:

1. Download the Official App: Get the app securely from the Google Play Store Trafi or the Apple App Store Trafi
2. Select the Student Category: When purchasing a ticket profile (e.g., a 30-day or 365-day pass), manually select the ticket variant marked with the 80% concession rate.
3. The Legal Validation Rule: Purchasing the discounted ticket is instant. However, the ticket is only legally valid when accompanied by your physical LSP or ISIC Card. When public transit inspectors board the vehicle to scan your digital Trafi QR code ticket, you must present your student card to prove your discount eligibility.

Intercity connections: LTG Link

LTG Link is the national passenger rail operator in Lithuania, a subsidiary of Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos geležinkeliai). For a student, the train is the safest, most comfortable and fastest way to travel between major cities and explore the Baltic region.

Major routes used by students

- Vilnius ⇄ Kaunas: The most popular rail route, ideal for students commuting or visiting friends between the two largest university cities. The double-decker trains are modern, equipped with free Wi-Fi, electrical outlets and bike spaces. The journey time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Vilnius ⇄ Klaipėda: The route to the Baltic Sea coast. It takes you straight to the heart of the port city of Klaipėda, making it extremely popular on weekends or holidays.
- Vilnius ⇄ Riga (Latvia) & Warsaw (Poland): LTG Link operates direct international rail connections. You can reach the capital of Latvia or Poland quickly, using modern trains.

50% state discount for students
Unlike urban transport where the discount is 80%, the Lithuanian government subsidizes intercity train travel by offering a 50% discount:

- Universal applicability: The 50% discount applies to all students (both EU and non-EU citizens) enrolled in a higher education institution in Lithuania or any other European Union member state.
- Digital Tickets: Buy your ticket with the student discount directly online through the official sales portal. You select the type of discounted ticket during the trip configuration.
- Train control rule: When checking tickets in the carriage, you are required by law to present your digital (or printed) ticket together with your national LSP student card or valid international ISIC card.
Is it safe to buy a ticket?
To avoid unsafe intermediary platforms or additional costs, purchase tickets exclusively through the official centralized portal:
Official LTG Link Portal

Social Integration & Network Support - ESN Lithuania (Erasmus Student Network)

The official national network dedicated to supporting, integrating and guiding international students throughout their academic experience in Lithuania.

- Extended Community: ESN Lithuania is an official non-governmental organization made up of student sections active in major universities in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda.

- Welcome Weeks: They organize official welcome events at the beginning of each semester, including city tours, international theme nights, karaoke and social events to help you instantly form a circle of friends.
- Trips and Getaways: Through direct administrative partnerships, the network offers affordable student trips, theme camps (such as ESN Escape Camp) and nature adventures in the Baltics or the Nordic regions.

Visit the official ESN Lithuania Hub
- The National Buddy System
A centralized and secure digital platform that connects you directly with a local mentor before you set foot in the country.

- Personal Arrival Assistant: Through the Buddy System, you receive a dedicated “Buddy” (a volunteer Lithuanian student) who can assist you with airport pickup, guidance around the university campus, and explanation of local routes.
- Human Administrative Support: Your local mentor will help you translate or understand the necessary documents at the beginning, offering practical advice on transportation, shopping, and avoiding real estate market pitfalls.
- Secure Digital Profile: Login and matching are based on an official algorithm implemented at European level, where you enter your interests, university, and spoken language, guaranteeing a secure connection and efficient communication.

Legal Guide to Employment - Your Student Rights in Lithuania

Legislative changes in Lithuania have completely reconfigured the way in which foreign students can get a job during their studies. This section sets out clear rules to prevent any violation of the conditions of their study visa.
EU/EEA Students (Total Freedom)
If you are a citizen of a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area, the employment process is identical to that of Lithuanian citizens.

- Full-time: You can work full-time (40 hours per week) from the first day of your arrival.
- No special permits: Local employers can register you directly in the national system using only your European ID card or passport.
- Standard contracts: You have no restrictions on the type of work or the periods during academic semesters.

Non-EU Students (Critical Update)
For students from outside the European Union, the right to work is directly integrated into the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) issued through the government electronic system MIGRIS. The changes that have entered into force establish a system of ceilings depending on the year of study:
- Bachelor (Years 1 and 2): There is a strict legal limit of a maximum of 20 hours per week during semesters.
- Bachelor (Years 3 and 4): The part-time limit is automatically removed. You are legally entitled to work 40 hours per week (full-time).
- Master and Doctorate (All years): You benefit from full full-time work rights (40 hours per week) from the beginning of the program, without any time restrictions.
- Official Vacation Rule: The 20-hour limit for first-year students is completely suspended during official summer vacations or mandatory internships included in the university curriculum, during which all students can work full-time.

Official Recruitment Platform
To avoid unverified job posting platforms where speculation may occur, international students should search for jobs exclusively through the official government portal:
Official Work in Lithuania Portal

- Why it's safe: This is the official platform developed in partnership with the government's Study in LT program. It contains exclusively verified job vacancies from multinational companies and start-ups in Vilnius or Kaunas that offer legal employment contracts and fully English-speaking work environments.

Welcome students to Lithuania

Road Map

STEP 1

Find your home & Security Deposits

STEP 2

Mandatory Insurance

STEP 3

Mobile Data & Connectivity

STEP 4

Open your Bank Account

STEP 5

Register your Address, Get LSP & ISIC Student Cards

STEP 6

Public Transport, ESN Lithuania & Working Rights

STEP 1

Find your home & Security Deposits

What is MIGRIS and how does it work? (The European Rule)

STEP 2

Mandatory Insurance

STEP 3

Mobile Data & Connectivity

Get connected to the internet from the moment you arrive in the country

Local Telecom Leader- Pildyk (by Tele2)

The High-Speed ​​Choice- Ežys (by Telia)

The Student Social Choice: Labas (by Bitė)

STEP 4

Open your Bank Account

Revolut Bank Lithuania

Paysera Bank Lithuania

AB SEB bankas

Swedbank AB

STEP 5

Register your Address, Get LSP & ISIC Student Cards

LSP (Lietuvos studento pažymėjimas) Student Card

ISIC (International Student Identity Card) Student Card

STEP 6

Public Transport, ESN Lithuania & Working Rights

Integrated Urban Transport: Trafi App

Intercity connections: LTG Link

Social Integration & Network Support - ESN Lithuania (Erasmus Student Network)

Legal Guide to Employment - Your Student Rights in Lithuania

The High-Speed Choice- Ežys (by Telia)