Integration of Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania continues to show progress – focus now is on employment and education to ensure success

23 February 2026

The 2025 UNHCR Socio-Economic Insights Survey SEIS 2025 Lithuania provides an analysis of the socio-economic conditions of Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania.

In Lithuania, more than 51,000 refugees from Ukraine currently hold temporary protection. Most refugees are women and children. The survey reveals a gradual but uneven trajectory towards integration, with progress in social cohesion and social inclusion, and more refugees noting that they plan to stay in Lithuania long term. Despite these positive indicators, employment rates and enrolment in education have remained stagnant, posing a potential challenge to sustainable integration. The results also show that secure housing and access to healthcare remain challenges for vulnerable individuals.

“Since 2022, Lithuania has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to welcoming refugees fleeing Ukraine, providing safety, stability, and opportunities. While many refugees view their integration in Lithuania positively, the 2025 Socio-Economic Insights Survey highlights areas that require continued attention, particularly in the context of longer-term inclusion, as more refugees express their intention to remain in Lithuania,” said Renata Kules, UNHCR Government Liaison Officer for Lithuania.

Positive indicators of refugee integration in Lithuania are numerous; however, overall employment rates have not increased over time, and one-fifth of children continue not to be enrolled in national schools—two areas critical to longer-term integration. At the same time, progress is evident in other areas. Relations with the host community have continued to improve; the proportion of refugees reporting insufficient income for food declined from 14% to 8%; and the share of people staying in collective centres dropped from 13% to 9%, demonstrating improvements in refugees’ ability to meet basic needs. The share of respondents able to communicate effectively in the local language increased from 26% in 2024 to 34% in 2025. However, many refugees still state that the lack of language skills is a main barrier to integration. Furthermore:

More refugees plan to remain in Lithuania for at least another year, increasing from 67% in 2024 to 74% in 2025.

• Relationships between refugees and the host community were viewed positively by 77% of respondents, up from 72% in 2024, with none describing them as negative.
• Access to healthcare improved, with 88% of refugees with health needs able to obtain care, up from 81% in 2024, though affordability and appointment availability remain barriers.
• School enrolment remained stable at around 80%, with participation in extracurricular activities increased from 59% to 72%.
• Housing insecurity persists, with accommodation identified as a priority need. Overall, 29% of families live in shared or collective accommodation, and 19% rely on support to cover rent and utilities, although the share of persons in collective sites decreased from 13% in 2024 to 9%.
• Lack of awareness of services for survivors of gender-based violence remains a challenge, as reported by 43% of respondents.
• The employment rate remains at around 50% among working-age refugees and continues to be the top priority need for the refugee population. Among persons aged 18–59, employment was the most frequently cited need, followed by language courses.
• Basic needs such as accommodation, followed by healthcare, were prioritised by persons aged 60 and above.

The SEIS Lithuania study is conducted by UNHCR and jointly done with IOM Lithuania and the Lithuanian Red Cross as part of the Regional Refugee Response Plan supporting refugees from Ukraine. UNHCR supports the Government of Lithuania in applying international protection standards so that refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine can access legal status, essential services, and inclusion under national and EU frameworks.

Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war continues to cause immense suffering. Nearly 5.7 million Ukrainians are currently living as refugees worldwide, while about 3.7 million are internally displaced. In Europe, one-third of Ukrainian refugees are children, and six out of ten are women and girls. Brutal attacks continue to devastate the lives of civilians across Ukraine, increase humanitarian needs, and prevent safe, voluntary returns.

The full 2025 report is available here.

About the SEIS Survey: UNHCR Lithuania, in collaboration with IOM, the Lithuanian Red Cross, and other key partners, conducted the 2025 Lithuania Socio-Economic Insights Survey (SEIS). Data was collected in May–June and September–October 2025. The report serves as a strategic interagency tool to guide humanitarian planning and needs-based programming in Lithuania in 2026 and beyond. The SEIS was conducted across all three Baltic states, as well as in other countries that are part of the Refugee Response Plan for Ukraine.

UNHCR contacts in Vilnius, Lithuania: Renata Kules, +37064030417, [email protected]