The city council of Vilnius on Wednesday approved a 2026–2028 action plan for the integration of foreign-born residents, as their share in the capital has surpassed 10% of the population.
According to the municipality, about 78,500 foreign-born residents currently live in Vilnius.
“Vilnius is becoming a migration destination,” Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said in a statement. “Changing trends require strengthening integration policy at the municipal level, including services and their coordination.”
The plan outlines measures to encourage foreign residents to learn the Lithuanian language, access psychological and legal support, and participate more actively in the city’s economic, cultural and social life.
More than 4 million euros will be allocated for the plan’s implementation between 2026 and 2028, funded by municipal and state budgets, EU funds and other sources.
City officials said the plan is based on international best practices, research and surveys of Vilnius residents. It focuses on key areas such as language learning, access to information, education, employment, public attitudes and mental health support.
In addition to formal language courses, the plan includes informal initiatives aimed at helping newcomers practice Lithuanian in everyday settings.
Authorities also aim to improve access to information and services.
Currently, foreign residents are served through a one-stop-shop model at International House Vilnius, but the plan envisages expanding coordination among institutions and organisations involved in integration to ensure earlier and broader access to support.
The municipality said integration into the community remains the weakest-rated area among foreign residents, scoring 3.8 out of 10 in surveys and declining over the past year.
“These data show that integration requires systematic and early efforts to help newcomers understand the country’s cultural and social norms, as well as measures to improve public attitudes,” the statement said.
The plan also includes social campaigns, training programs and community events to promote intercultural dialogue and economic integration, as well as expanded mental health support services.
According to data from the Migration Department, the number of foreign nationals in the country has more than doubled in five years, rising from 87,300 in 2020 to 217,000 in 2025. About 36% of them live in Vilnius, most coming from Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and Central Asian countries.
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