Twice as many people came back to Lithuania as those who left
“2024 became a historic year – for the first time, twice as many Lithuanian citizens returned to Lithuania as compared to those who left,” noted Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys, while commenting on preliminary data from the State Data Agency regarding international migration of Lithuanian citizens in 2024.
According to preliminary data, 18,934 Lithuanian citizens returned to Lithuania in 2024, while 9,486 left the country. This is the lowest number of people leaving the country since the restoration of Lithuania’s independence in 1990. The highest number of returnees came from the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
For the fifth consecutive year, the number of returning citizens exceeds those leaving. A clear trend of return is also highlighted by the 2024 annual Lithuanian diaspora survey, where 22% of respondents living abroad plan to return to Lithuania, and another 57% do not rule out this possibility. The main reason for returning is family and friends living in Lithuania. A significant number of respondents also mentioned that there is no place they feel as good as in Lithuania, highlighting its high quality of life. Many expressed a desire to work and contribute to Lithuania’s development, as well as the positive changes happening in the country.
“Lithuania is a country where it is good to start a family, raise children, pursue a career, and develop a business. It is gratifying that more and more of our fellow citizens see this and choose to build their lives here, in their homeland. Young Lithuanians born abroad are also discovering opportunities in Lithuania. We welcome all fellow compatriots to Lithuania and are ready to help make the return process as smooth as possible,” said Budrys.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which coordinates the implementation of diaspora policy, established the “Grįžtu LT” consultation center, operating since 2024. The website www.griztu.lt, along with phone, email, and online chat services, provides information for returning citizens, those arriving, or those considering returning to Lithuania. “Grįžtu LT” can also be found on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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