Returning to Lithuania from the UK: a practical guide

Deciding to move back

Many Lithuanians are returning home after years in the UK, often to be closer to parents, to give children a Lithuanian school experience, or because career opportunities at home have grown. Whatever the reason, the move goes much more smoothly with a plan. Give yourself at least two months if you can, and longer if you have children in school or a property to sell or let.

Siuntų Bitė has helped many families with exactly this move. Our team has carried out more than 700 removals between Lithuania and England, and many of our customer reviews come from people who moved home with us.

Your belongings

Start by sorting what is worth taking. Quality furniture, appliances in good condition, tools, children's things and anything with sentimental value usually justify the transport cost. Cheap flat-pack furniture is often easier to sell or give away and replace in Lithuania.

You do not have to move everything at once. Some families send boxes ahead as parcels over a few months, then move the furniture in one removal. Others store things in the UK until their new home in Lithuania is ready. We can combine these options and give you one clear price.

• Boxes ahead as parcels: medium parcel from £40
• Furniture and appliances: priced individually or by volume
• Full removal: from £90, a full van from £800
• Storage in the UK if your new home is not ready

Your car

Many people wonder whether to bring their UK car. Cars from the UK are right-hand drive, and registering such a vehicle in Lithuania has its own rules and restrictions. Before deciding, check the current requirements with the Lithuanian vehicle registration authority, and consider whether selling in the UK and buying in Lithuania is simpler.

If you have tyres, wheels, a roof box or car parts you want to keep, we can bring them with your belongings. Motorcycles and quads can also travel with us as freight.

Closing things down in the UK

Before you leave, tell the organisations you deal with. This usually includes your landlord or mortgage lender, employer, HMRC, the council for council tax, utility and broadband providers, your GP, the DVLA if you have a UK driving licence or vehicle, and your bank. Decide whether to keep a UK bank account open, as it can be useful for final payments and refunds.

If you hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, long absences from the UK can affect it. If you might return to the UK in the future, check the current rules on GOV.UK before you go.

Settling back in Lithuania

On the Lithuanian side, the main steps are usually declaring your place of residence, sorting out compulsory health insurance, registering children for school or kindergarten, and updating your bank and tax details. If you worked in the UK, keep your UK employment and pension documents, as you may need them later.

Children who have studied in English schools may need some time to adjust. Bring their school reports and records with you, and contact the new school early to discuss the transition.

Customs and your belongings

Because the UK is outside the EU, personal belongings coming to Lithuania cross a customs border. When you move your normal residence, relief from import charges is often available for personal property, subject to conditions such as how long you lived abroad and how long you have owned the items. We consult you on the documents that may be needed and help prepare them.

Pets

If you are bringing a dog or cat, check the current EU entry requirements early, as preparations such as microchipping, vaccinations and health certificates take time. Pets travel with you, not in a removal van, so plan their journey separately.

Pet food, beds, toys and carriers can of course travel with your belongings, so you do not need to buy everything new on arrival.