Local Demographics in Vilnius

Good to Know

• Vilnius's foreign population has grown dramatically since 2022, particularly Ukrainian refugees and Central Asian economic migrants (Uzbeks, Tajiks, Kyrgyz). As of 2024, over 73,000 foreign residents live in the city—more than doubling since early 2023.
• The city is a world-class tech hub with two unicorn startups (Vinted and Nord Security) and a thriving ecosystem that retains 95% of its homegrown startups rather than losing them to Berlin, London, or New York.
• Despite Lithuania's national population decline (one of Europe's fastest), Vilnius is growing as a secondary destination for international students, highly qualified IT/engineering workers, and entrepreneurs—spurred by favorable migration policies and tech ecosystem support.
• Foreign residents rate their experience in Vilnius highly (4/5), though integration remains an evolving policy challenge; Lithuania has formally adopted strategic migrant integration plans as of January 2025.
• The city's foreign-born population historically skews toward post-Soviet states (Ukraine, Belarus, Russia), but since 2023 there's been a notable demographic shift toward Central Asian migrants (especially from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) who are predominantly male workers in transport and skilled trades.
• Global tech companies (Revolut, Unity, NIUM, Eurowag, Mambu, Visma) have chosen Vilnius as a strategic base, drawn by EU market access, cost-efficiency, and a strong talent pipeline of 35,000+ current tech students.