6th November 2024
An overwhelming majority of residents view knowledge of the Lithuanian language as essential for integration. According to a public survey commissioned by the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson (OEOO), 91% of respondents believe that immigrants with residence permits in Lithuania must learn the official language.
Similar Trends Across the European Union
This sentiment aligns with broader European attitudes. A 2021 Eurobarometer survey found that 86% of Lithuanians believed speaking Lithuanian was important for immigrant integration. The EU average for the importance of speaking a country’s official language was nearly identical, at 85%.
Countries such as Greece, the Netherlands, and Portugal placed the highest emphasis on state language proficiency, while respondents in Poland, Latvia, and Romania rated it as less critical.
“It is clear that society views proficiency in the official language as vital for those living in Lithuania. This expectation is not unfounded, as language is indeed a cornerstone of successful social and economic integration. However, it is equally important to ensure that the lack of language skills does not lead to discrimination, which is explicitly prohibited by the Law on Equal Treatment,” said Seimas Ombudsperson Jolita Miliuvienė, who also temporarily serves as the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson.
Understanding Language-Based Discrimination
Language-based discrimination arises when a person is treated unfairly solely because of their native language, or their level of proficiency in a certain language. However, not all language-related requirements are considered discriminatory.
“For example, under the Law on Equal Treatment, an employer’s requirement for official state language proficiency is lawful if the job involves regular interaction with clients and the provision of services in Lithuania. Similarly, requiring knowledge of a foreign language is valid if it is necessary for work duties, such as handling international documents, engaging with foreign clients, or participating in business trips,” explained J. Miliuvienė.
She also noted that language-related discrimination can extend to subtler issues, such as accents: “If an employee meets the language proficiency requirements but is treated unfairly or passed over for promotions due to their accent, the employer could face inquiries from the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson.”
New Requirements for Service Providers
Recent amendments to the Law on the State Language, effective from 2026, will require some sellers of goods and service providers to demonstrate Lithuanian language proficiency. These provisions will primarily apply to roles involving direct interaction with customers, particularly in the service sector.
J. Miliuvienė emphasized the need for accessible language training: “The transitional period should be used wisely to prepare for the law’s implementation and provide ample opportunities for individuals to learn Lithuanian. Both the state and employers should have a vested interest in ensuring that residents with work and residence permits integrate quickly and effectively. Offering language training during work hours, for instance, could serve as both a motivational tool and a means of promoting smoother integration.”
Currently, approximately 142,000 foreign citizens work in Lithuania, according to the Public Employment Service.
A representative survey of the Lithuanian population was conducted on July 19–29, 2024. It was conducted by “Spinter tyrimai”. 1007 people over 18 years of age were surveyed.