Relocation to Kaunas

 

Preparation for arrival

Migration requirements for new degree students

 

Citizens of EU/EEA countries

If you are an EU citizen and have come to stay in the Republic of Lithuania for more than 3 months in the period of half a year, you may be issued a certificate confirming your right of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania.

Please submit the application on MIGRIS system.

You have to submit the following documents:

  • valid travel document;
  • student status certificate;
  • a document certifying that you have sufficient resources for living in the Republic of Lithuania;
  • a document certifying a valid health insurance (the insurance must be valid in the territory of Lithuania, e.g., the European Health Insurance Card).

In order to apply, you need to go to one of the divisions of the Migration Department, submit original documents, biometric data and sign the application you have submitted.

The fee for the aforementioned certificate is EUR 10 (payment code 5740).

For more information about the procedure you can visit website of the migration department  or check our FAQs.

 

Citizens of other countries

Students from non-EU countries have a possibility to apply for the TRP – Temporary Residence Permit.

 

TRP

 

Students who must obtain temporary residence permit to enter Schengen countries may submit a request for the TRP through external service provider VFS Global www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html. You will be required to fill out the application in MIGRIS (Migration department of Lithuania) system, pay the fee, book the appointment to come to the visa center to submit the biometrics. You will be able to monitor the progress of your application in MIGRIS account. After the Application Center has received your temporary residence permit, you should visit the center to pick up your card.

 

Students who can enter Lithuania visa-free regime and stay in Schengen countries for 90 days can apply for the TRP from their home country and while the application process is still in progress, they can come to Lithuania to give their biometrics and pick up the TRP there. Or you may apply for the TRP after arriving in Lithuania through Migration department by filling the request in MIGRIS system https://www.migracija.lt.*

  • Using the application system, you will also book a visit at the Migration Office. You have to make the appointment in person within 4 months from the date of submission of the application to the MIGRIS and submit biometric data, original travel document and original or duly certified copies of other documents listed below.
  • You will have to pay the application fee (you can pay at the Migration Office).
  • Once the decision to issue TRP is made by the Migration Department of Lithuania, it is sent to your indicated e-mail address and you have to go to pick up your TRP card.

 

*PLEASE start your application for the TRP as soon as possible once you arrive to Lithuania as the TRP issuance process can take up to two months. If you are late to apply, there is a risk to not get the TRP on time and without having the TRP after 90 days you will be required to leave the country.

 

For a more detailed information you can check the FAQs.

 

You will be required to provide the following documents for the TRP application:

 

  • Valid travel document;
  • Printout from the bank, showing a sufficient amount of money (no less 5540 EUR per year/462 EUR per month). This must be presented in English if you hold an international bank account or in Lithuanian if you opened the bank account in Lithuania. You can submit the statement from your parents’ bank account. In this case you also need to present the notarized affidavit as a proof that your parents agree to support you financially.
  • Document on Proper Accommodation in the Republic of Lithuania If you live in a KTU dormitory, please contact the dormitory group via dormitory@ktu.lt. If you renew your TRP, you don’t need to provide it.
  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC/Non-criminal Record). Document must be legalized or certified with an Apostille, written in English or translated officially. If you renew your TRP, you don’t need to provide it.
  • Proof of Health Insurance. Health insurance should be valid for at least one year. If you need to get a health insurance, there is a company in Lithuania Gjensidige https://www.gjensidige.lt/english where you can get health insurance, they also have discounts for KTU students.

 

Application deadlines:

 

General order (paying 80 EUR for the application) – decision is made within 2 months

  • No later than 3 months before your estimated arrival date – if you are applying for the first time;
  • Not earlier than 4 months and no later than 2 months before the TRP expiration day – if you need to renew your TRP.

Urgent order (paying 320 EUR for the application) – decision is made within 1 month

  • No later than 1,5 months before your estimated arrival date – if you are applying for the first time
  • Not earlier than 4 months and no later than 1 month before the TRP expiration day – if you need to renew your TRP.

 

TRP is issued for the period of two years. It can be extended after but cannot exceed the expected graduation date.

 

The renewal of the TRP is possible only while staying in Lithuania.

 

The mediation letter issued for the application of the TRP is valid for five months.

Map that shows countries requirements for document legalization

The above map pictures the requirements for applicants documents legalization in specific countries:

  • If the country is a member of Hague convention, documents submitted from applicants from those countries have to be Apostilled;
  • If the country is not a member of Hague convention, documents submitted from applicants from those countries have to be double legalized.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries

Please acquire a suitable health/travel insurance for studies at KTU. Citizens of EU/EEA countries can obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security authorities in their home country. Holders of EHIC cards are entitled to the same benefits provided by the Lithuanian Insurance Institution in the same way as Lithuanian citizens. Private insurance for acute illnesses and accidents is highly recommended.

Citizens of other countries

Students from non-EU countries may obtain their health insurance either in their country or in Lithuania.

  • If you come to Lithuania without the TRP, acquire the health insurance for 3 months and then extend it when applying for the TRP in Lithuania.

It costs approximately 115 EUR / year if you purchase it in Lithuania.

Students from non-EU countries applying for temporary residence permit in Lithuania have to prove to the Migration office that they have a valid health insurance. Health insurance should be valid for at least one year.


 

If you have a medical emergency, go directly to the Emergency room, which usually indicated in in Lithuanian: PRIĖMIMO SKYRIUS.

 

If you need to call an ambulance, dial 112 – Emergency Number. There are no charges for ambulance in case of an emergency.

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Accommodation

Dormitories

The rooms in the student dormitory are single and double. They are furnished with basic furniture. The linen service is provided for additional fee*. Several rooms on the same floor have to share the kitchen area. Kitchen utensils are not provided; students have to bring them from home or to buy them in Kaunas. Wi-Fi is available in every room (no extra fee). The dormitories are different in their infrastructure (they can be renovated or not).

 

Monthly rent rates vary depending on the room type ranging from 79,20 to 248,83 EUR / month.

Student accommodation center address:
Studentu st. 69
Student Leisure Centre (ground floor of dormitory No. 3)

Opening hours:
I–IV: 8:00–17:00
V: 8:00–15:45
Lunch break: 12:00–12:45

Contacts:

Phone: +370 696 73277 (accommodation)
Phone: +370 696 52253 (fees)

Head of student accommodation center:
Phone: +370 620 46892

dormitory@ktu.lt

Private accommodation

If you prefer to have more space or to live in a certain area of Kaunas you may also choose renting a flat.

KTU International Studies Office (ISO) does not intermediate in finding the flat or dealing with the landlord.

Rental prices vary depending on the number of rooms, location, living conditions, period of rent, etc. Average rent prices are from 180 EUR (for a room) to 450 EUR per month for a flat (1-3 rooms).

The rent is usually paid 3-6 months in advance, so you must have some money ready before arriving. Make sure that your landlord agrees for you to declare your living place in the municipality otherwise you may have problems when applying or receiving temporary residence permit (TRP).

Solo Society Student House

 

Solo Society Student House is created for living and studying in active students’ community.

Each apartment has personal kitchen and bathroom. Joint leisure, meditation, studying zones, big kitchens for friends and family dinner, fast Wi-Fi, laundry rooms with washers and dryers, gym hall, rooftop terrace with a view to Kaunas city centre. Safe surrounding with 24/7 working administration and security. Living without any problem – all taxes and utility fees (water, electricity, heating) included.

Prices from 399 EUR per month.

Contact details: Kestucio str. 36, Kaunas | +370 657 88805 | info@solosociety.lt | www.solosociety.lt

BEST BALTIC Kaunas hotel – rooms and apartments for rent

Hotel in the city centre offers monthly rent. Every apartment is lockable with the card, furnished, has a TV, Wi-Fi, central ventilation, air conditioning, refrigerator and kettle. Residents have a shared kitchen with new appliances and furniture. In the shared laundry room, you may use automatic washing machines, automatic dryers, iron and ironing board. The conference halls on the first floor are used by all residents and their guests, where they can study comfortably, spend time with friends and play table tennis. There are video cameras in the common areas, the employee is on call 24 hours a day. The building has an elevator. You can use the vacuum cleaners for your convenience.

Prices start from 430 Euros/month and depends on the room type and duration of the stay.

Contact details: Edita Dargevičiūtė | +370 618 31066 | kaunas@bestbaltichotels.eu | www.bestbaltichotels.eu/kaunas | A. Mickevičius g. 28, Kaunas, LT-44311, Lithuania

How to reach Kaunas

 

There are 5 main means to reach Lithuania: by plane, by bus, by train, by ferry and by car. Some options may lead you to Vilnius which sometimes is more convenient for the arrival by plane. Do not worry, Vilnius is just 100 km away from Kaunas, just follow the directions below. If you use public transport, destination in Kaunas is Kaunas Bus Station (Kauno autobusų stotis) or Kaunas Train station (Kauno geležinkelio stotis). They are situated next to each other and close to the city centre.

 

By plane from abroad

Lithuania has three international airports in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga (close to Klaipėda, the seaport), which can be reached from the main European cities as well as from all over the world. Some of you can choose arriving to Riga, Latvia, and then taking a bus to Kaunas. There is a number of possibilities at every airport to use ATM machines, to exchange money, rent a car and use a corner shop where you can buy phone cards, bus tickets, snacks and drinks.

Kaunas International Airport. Kaunas Airport is situated in Karmėlava, only 14 km away from Kaunas. -> www.kaunas-airport.lt

You can reach Kaunas Bus or Train Station easily:

Taking a bus from Kaunas airport
  • The bus stop is on the left from the arrivals hall exit.
  • Bus No. 29G route Kaunas Airport (Karmėlava) -> Savanorių pr. -> Bus Station -> Train Station. After ~45 min. get off at the Train Station (Geležinkelio stotis).
  • You can take a bus from ~ 5:00 AM till around midnight.
  • Ticket from the driver costs 1.00 EUR (full price) ir 0,5 EUR (with valid ISIC card).
  • You can check the bus route and precise timetables on www.stops.lt/kaunas/ Also you can use Mobile Apps for public transport -> Trafi
Taking a taxi from Kaunas airport
  • LocationYou can find taxi at the arrivals hall exit.
  • We recommend using Bolt app, the price varies depending on the day and time of the arrival but it’s usually cheaper than regular taxi.

 

Vilnius International Airport.
Vilnius Airport is the main international airport in Lithuania with permanent luggage storage, currency exchange at the arrival hall, cafes and 2 airport hotels nearby. -> www.vilnius-airport.lt
You can go to Kaunas by regular bus or by train.

From Vilnius airport to Kaunas
  • You can go to Kaunas by regular bus or by train. The cost of it is around 6 EUR (regular price) or around 3 EUR (with valid ISIC card).
    • Bus or train station in Vilnius can be reached by taking Bolt taxi from airport or by using city public transportation (bus or train). Bus and train station in Vilnius are right next to each other.
  • You can use private carrier – Ollex buses at the arrivals hall exit (go right after exiting the building).
  • Ollex buses may take you straight to Kaunas (Savanorių pr. 404b).
  • It will cost you ~10 EUR to reach Kaunas.
  • More information you will find here -> www.airport-express.lt
Taking a bus from Vilnius airport to Vilnius train or bus station
  • The bus stop is on the left from the arrivals hall exit.
  • Buses No. 1, 2 and 88 go from the airport to the Bus and Train Stations (~15 min.)
  • You can take a bus from ~5:30 AM till 10:00 PM.
  • You can buy a ticket from the driver for 1 EUR (regular price) or  0.50 EUR (with valid ISIC card)
  • You can check the bus route and precise timetables on www.stops.lt/vilnius. Also you can use Mobile Apps for public transport -> Trafi
Taking a train from Vilnius airport to Vilnius train or bus station
  • The train stop is 150 metres straight as you exit the arrivals hall (keep on the left side of the road; there is an elevator down to the station).
  • The train goes from the airport to the Train station (~7 min.).
  • You can take a train from 5:57 AM till 10:16 PM.
  • One-way fare is around 1 EUR (purchased on the train).
  • More information can be found here -> www.litrail.lt
Taking a taxi from Vilnius airport to Vilnius train or bus station
  • You can find taxi at the arrivals hall exit.
  • Ask the driver to take you to the Bus or Train Station.
  • We recommend using Bolt app, the price varies depending on the day and time of the arrival but it’s usually cheaper than regular taxi.
Taking a bus from Vilnius bus station to Kaunas
  • The bus arrives to Kaunas Bus Station.
  • Busses from Vilnius to Kaunas go approx. every 30 minutes – 1 hour.
  • You can check the timetables at -> www.autobusubilietai.lt
Taking a train from Vilnius train station to Kaunas
  • Train arrives to Kaunas Train Station.
  • Trains from Vilnius to Kaunas go every hour.
  • You may purchase a ticket at the ticket office at the station or in the train itself (in case you choose this option you will have to wait to be approached by the conductor)
  • You can check the timetables at -> https://bilietas.ltglink.lt/

Palanga International Airport. Palanga International Airport is situated 25 km away from Klaipėda. You can take a bus or taxi to Klaipėda Bus Station and then reach Kaunas by bus. ->www.palanga-airport.lt

Riga International Airport (Latvia). Although Riga Airport is in another country (Latvia), it is only ~260 km from Kaunas. Thus, sometimes it is faster to fly to Riga and to reach Kaunas by bus than to wait for a transfer flight. First of all, you need to go to Riga Bus Station.

  • Bus stop is located opposite the terminal behind the car park P1.
  • Bus No. 22 or Airport Express minibus will take you to Riga Bus Station.
  • Buses to Riga Bus Station go every 10-30 min. Journey will take about 30 min.
  • You may buy ticket at the driver and it will cost ~2 EUR.
  • More information can be found here -> www.rigassatiksme.lv
From Ryga to Kaunas – by bus
  • Buses will take you to Kaunas Bus Station in approx. 5 hours.
  • Bus connections from Riga to Kaunas are organised couple of times a day
  • One-way ticket is ~18 EUR.
  • Check for the bus timetables, costs, etc. -> www.autoosta.lv

Latvia and Lithuania are the members of the Schengen Area, so you do not need any extra visas.

By bus

If you live in one of neighbouring countries, you can take a bus: it is quite popular and convenient. You may choose between some of the popular international lines, such as Eurolines, Ecolines, etc.

Kaunas Bus Station -> www.autobusubilietai.ltwww.kautra.lt

Vilnius Bus Station ->www.autobusustotis.ltwww.toks.lt

Eurolines Baltic International -> www.eurolines-lithuania.ltwww.eurolines.lt

Ecolines -> www.ecolines.net

LUX Express -> www.luxexpress.eu

 

By train

Although, trains are very popular in most of the European countries, the railway network in Lithuania is not much developed. However, there are several international railways passing through Vilnius, Kaunas, Šiauliai, Klaipėda and Panevėžys. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices in railway stations, which are open 24 hours. -> https://bilietas.ltglink.lt/

 

By car

In Lithuania the connections in motor highway are very good between the main cities: from Vilnius (E85/A1), from Riga (Latvia) (E67/A1) or from Warsaw (Poland) (E67/A5).

Meet & Greet

 

Our mentors gathered and trained by ESN KTU and KTU Student Association are ready to assist you with your first steps at Kaunas University of Technology. The mentors will be able to:

  • provide initial information before the arrival
  • meet you in the airport, train or bus station
  • help to adapt and get to know around KTU and Kaunas during your first days in our city

First days of the arrival are aimed to adapt and to get to know the University and the country. Welcome Week for the newcomers will give corresponding tips, while the friendships made on the first days will remain the strongest. You will not feel alone.

 

 

Welcome Week

 

Welcome Week gives you a good opportunity to obtain information about Kaunas University of Technology and Lithuania (study system, courses in English, residence permit, health care, services for students, accommodation, student organisations, campus tour, intercultural communication, etc.). Welcome Week is also the best time to meet other students who are starting their studies at Kaunas University of Technology.

Cost of living in Kaunas

Purpose Amount EUR/month
Accommodation
KTU dormitory 90 – 250
Private rent 250 – 450
Utilities (if living in private rent) 50 – 100
Food
Groceries 200
Meal at restaurant 8- 15 EUR/meal
Other
Hygiene products 30
Public transportation 6
Entertainment 80

To do list

  • Bring education documents. Double-check the list of the documents and make sure you have got all the required documents.
  • Take your passport or ID card. Do not forget your passport or ID card, take your international student card (ISIC, for example), your driving licence and other documents that are necessary abroad (translated into English).
  • Be ready for climate change. We suggest the students to keep abroad just the essential warm clothing, as you can buy the remaining warm clothes and shoes here in Lithuania.
  • Take some cash. You should have enough money for your first few days to pay the accommodation deposit, to get student identity card and public transport ticket or to buy some other things to make your life comfortable here.
  • Save the contact info. Do not forget all the necessary addresses, maps and phone numbers of contact persons of the ISO or mentors.

Study@KTU ambassadors

 

A mission of this program is to enhance the international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among people from different countries and diverse cultures.

 

Study@KTU Ambassadors are a group of outstanding students selected to represent KTU to prospective students, their families and our community.

Academic calendar

 

Academic year consists of autumn and spring semesters. The autumn semester starts on the 1st September and the spring semester starts on the 1st February.

Contacts

International Studies Office

Studentų st. 50 – Student Info Center

LT-51368 Kaunas

international@ktu.lt

 

Migration requirements FAQ

You can submit the statement from your parents’ bank account. In this case you also need to present the notarized affidavit as a proof that your parents agree to support you financially.

If your country is not included in the Hague Convention and your documents cannot be certified with an Apostille, you need to proceed with the double legalization.

First, your document must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the document was issued. Second, the document should be legalized by diplomatic missions such as Lithuanian embassy in your country or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. The detailed information about the procedure you can find here.

If you go on the academic leave or your study agreement is terminated, your TRP will be revoked within a couple of weeks and you need to go back to your home country. You will have to apply for a new TRP in order to come back to Lithuania if your student status is regained.

In order to renew a TRP, you need to have no less than 40 academic credits finished per 1 last study year. In case the number of credits is lower and you cannot not provide a valid reason (sickness, the death of a relative, etc.) and supporting documents, the Migration Department might reject your application.

Yes, you can find a job while you have a student status, but only after you obtain a Temporary Residence Permit. With the TRP, you can work full-time (40 hours per week) if you are studying Bachelor’s/Master’s degrees or are a PhD student. Please find more information here.

Please find information about banks in Lithuania here. In order to open a bank account in Lithuania, you will be required to submit the documents, which proves you are a student in Lithuania. You can order this certificate on the AIS, certificate ordering section.

You can contact any health insurance company in Lithuania. The list of insurance companies you can find here.  We recommend to consult Gjensidige company as they have discounts for KTU students.

  • To issuenew TRP takes within 2 months (general procedure) or within 1 month (urgent procedure) after the application is accepted during the appointment at the Migration Department.
  • To renew a TRP takes within 2 months (general procedure) or within 1 month (urgent procedure) after the application is accepted during the appointment at the Migration Department.

The TRP is being issued for maximum 2 years or until the expected graduation date.

If the TRP is issued until the expected graduation date, usually the Migration Department adds 6 months after the graduation.

You can apply for a TRP for a job searching purpose. This document can be issued for a maximum 12 months period. In order to apply for this TRP, you will have to fill in the application on the MIGRIS system. Instead of the mediation letter from the University, you will be required to submit your graduation diploma. You can find a list of required documents and more information about the procedure here (section “I am a foreigner who has completed studies in Lithuania or a researcher who has completed research and experimental development work”).

You can find a law here, however, the fully updated document is available only in Lithuanian language.