The number of working-age people in Lithuania has reached its highest level since 1994, with 1.47 million workers, and is expected to rise slightly this year, analysts at Swedbank said.
However, the bank predicts that 2026 will be the last year of growth in the workforce, as net immigration will continue to offset natural population decline.
“Much of this record employment is driven by more active workers across all age groups, particularly older employees who remain in the labour market,” Swedbank economist Nerijus Mačiulis said Wednesday during the presentation of the bank’s latest economic forecast. “One in five people of retirement age in Lithuania is currently working, both out of desire and necessity.”
Mačiulis noted that positive net immigration has contributed to the growth in employment, compensating for negative natural population change over the past six years.
According to Swedbank data, employment is expected to rise by 0.3% in 2026 and remain stable the following year. Unemployment is projected to hold at 7%, while average wages are forecast to grow by 8% this year and 6.7% next year.
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