The information on this page was collected from public resources.

Is there cash assistance available? Who is eligible? How does someone apply?

Information on financial support is available from the cityโ€™s social services centres and social benefits offices (Vilnius: 8 700 35545). Some benefits are provided by municipalities, others by the State Social Insurance Fund Board (SODRA mceclip0.png).

Some information about financial support can be found here mceclip0.png (in Lithuanian).

How do I set up a bank account?

Citizens of Ukraine legally residing in the Republic of Lithuania have the right to apply to all banks and other financial institutions (e.g. electronic money institutions, credit unions) providing payment services. Their list (including contact details) is available on the Bank of Lithuania website mceclip0.png. Citizens of Ukraine need a valid passport or another identity document.

Possible limitations:

  • if a person does not have a valid identity document, i.e. the condition to have a valid identity document is mandatory;
  • if a person is on the list of persons subject to sanctions.

SEB Bank, Citadele Bank, Luminor Bank, ล iauliลณ Bankas publicly announce that you can open a bank account free of charge with these banks.

  • You can register for a visit to a SEB Bank branch online or by phone +370 5 268 2800 (I-V 8.00-20.00). More information here mceclip0.png (in Lithuanian).
  • You can register for a visit to a Citadele Bank branch by phone +370 5 221 9091. More information here mceclip0.png (in Lithuanian).
  • For information on opening a Luminor Bank account for Ukrainians, click here mceclip0.png.
  • You can register for a visit to a ล iauliลณ Bankas branch by calling 1813 or online by selecting the nearest branch. More information here mceclip0.png (in Lithuanian).
How do I withdraw cash or exchange my currencies?

You can exchange your hryvnia to euro at the best exchange rate at Florinus.lt mceclip0.png currency exchange (40 hryvnia / 1 euro). The exchange rate is currently limited to โ‚ฌ300 per person. Please bring proof of identity.

Top Exchange mceclip0.png and Valiuta24 mceclip0.png also exchange hryvnia. Please note that the value of the hryvnia is significantly reduced. We recommend that you call any exchange office before you go and ask them if they buy hryvnia.

See a list of other exchange points here mceclip0.png.

Since October 10, any citizen of Ukraine with the status of a refugee can carry out exchange operations in the branches of SฬŒiauliuฬจ bankas mceclip0.png located in Vilnius, Kaunas, SฬŒiauliai, Klaipeda and TelsฬŒiai.

But there are certain limitations:

  • limit on the amount of exchange - no more than 10 thousand hryvnias
  • only banknotes from 100 to 1000 hryvnias
  • damaged or defective banknotes cannot be exchanged for euros
  • the exchange rate is set by the NBU (published weekly on the website of the Bank of Lithuania)

There is also a fee for the operation - 2.5 euros. Consider this when you plan to make an exchange.

How do I pay taxes in a country?

Regarding taxation in Lithuania, you can read on the website of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania mceclip0.png.

For tax issues, you can also consult Vilnius University Legal Clinic. They provides free legal assistance to all war refugees from Ukraine. Consultations are available in Lithuanian, English and Russian:

  • Ask a question at ukraina@teisesklinika.lt
  • By phone, WhatsApp and Viber โ€“ call the hotline for Ukrainians: +370 623 26 041 (weekdays 10:00-18:00)
  • In-person, at office at Vilniaus g. 25, Vilnius (with prior registration) โ€“ registration form mceclip0.png.

For more information about legal assistance at the VU Law Clinic, click here mceclip0.png.

Primary legal aid in Lithuania is also provided by municipal specialists. You can find information about primary legal aid in different cities on the municipalitiesโ€™ websites. Secondary legal aid is administered by the State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service (appointing a free lawyer, mediation procedures). Link mceclip0.png to the website of the service.

Legal aid is also provided free of charge (pro bono) by some lawyers and legal assistants mceclip0.png.

If I already work remotely, how should I pay my taxes?

Regarding taxation in Lithuania, you can read on the website of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania mceclip0.png.

For tax issues, you can also consult Vilnius University Legal Clinic. They provides free legal assistance to all war refugees from Ukraine. Consultations are available in Lithuanian, English and Russian:

  • Ask a question at ukraina@teisesklinika.lt
  • By phone, WhatsApp and Viber โ€“ call the hotline for Ukrainians: +370 623 26 041 (weekdays 10:00-18:00)
  • In-person, at office at Vilniaus g. 25, Vilnius (with prior registration) โ€“ registration form mceclip0.png.

For more information about legal assistance at the VU Law Clinic, click here mceclip0.png.

How can I send money back to Ukraine?

You can transfer money from Lithuania to Ukraine via an international transfer or money transfer at a corresponding provider or a bank.

For an international transfer at the bank you have to fill out a special form and usually pay fees. Other special money transfer providers (e.g. Western Union, Moneygram, Wise, Revolut, Paypal) are often a cheaper and faster alternative.