The number of Ukrainian refugees living in Lithuania has increased by more than 10,000 over the past year, according to statistics released Monday by the Migration Department.
As of March 5, a total of 53,379 Ukrainian refugees were living in Lithuania, compared with 43,071 a year earlier and 39,468 in early March 2024.
The updated figures were compiled after authorities completed the replacement of digital temporary residence permits issued to Ukrainian refugees under the European Union’s temporary protection mechanism.
According to the Migration Department, the data suggests that more Ukrainians who fled Ukraine after Russia launched its full-scale invasion are choosing to remain in Lithuania rather than move to other European countries or return home.
“Of course, the movement of war refugees has not stopped, and Ukrainians are still migrating quite actively. However, the latest figures indicate that the majority of refugees who arrived earlier and have lived in Lithuania for at least a year are becoming more settled,” Migration Department Director Indrė Gasperė said in a statement.
The European Union activated its temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainian refugees in March 2022. Initially introduced for one year, it has since been extended several times.
Currently, digital residence permits issued to Ukrainian refugees and their family members remain valid until March 4 next year. Holders must renew or replace the documents annually to maintain their legal status in Lithuania.
According to the department, more than 42,500 Ukrainians renewed or replaced their permits this year, compared with nearly 37,000 last year.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 103,000 Ukrainian refugees have been registered in Lithuania’s migration information system MIGRIS, though not all of them have remained in the country.
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