Key takeaways
  • Vilnius and Riga have growing fintech, cybersecurity and service centres.
  • Many international teams work in English.
  • Both countries issue the EU Blue Card and national work permits.
  • Salaries are lower than in Western Europe, with lower living costs.

The Baltic capitals have built strong tech and fintech scenes. For international candidates, they can be a realistic first step into the EU.

The markets

  • Vilnius: fintech, cybersecurity, gaming and service centres of global companies.
  • Riga: IT, logistics, finance and service centres.

Permits

National work permitUsually started by the employer
EU Blue CardFor highly qualified jobs
Startup routesFor founders and startup staff

Official information: Lithuanian Migration Department and Latvian migration office.

Tips

  1. Target companies with international teams. They know the process.
  2. Ask about relocation help. Many tech employers offer it.
  3. Think long term. EU Blue Card experience helps you move within the EU later.

Common questions

Do I need Lithuanian or Latvian?

Not in most international tech teams.

Are salaries good?

Lower than in Germany, but rising, with lower living costs.

Is winter hard?

Winters are long and dark; summers are bright and active.

Sources

Written by Swapnil (Samadhan Mule)

I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.