Enrolling Your Child in School

What you need to know

School education in Lithuania is compulsory for all children from the age of 6 (pre-primary, darželis-mokykla) through to the age of 16. This applies to all children living in Lithuania, regardless of their parents' citizenship, residence permit status, or nationality.

Every child has the right to attend a local school.

How to enroll

The main steps are:

1. Contact your municipality's education department. Each municipality (savivaldybė) in Lithuania is responsible for assigning school places. You can find your municipality's contact information on their official website or by visiting the municipal office in person. They will direct you to the nearest appropriate school.

2. Contact the school directly. You can also approach a local school directly. The school administration (direktorius or sekretorė) will guide you through the enrollment paperwork.

3. Prepare your documents. Schools typically ask for:

   • The child's birth certificate (or a certified copy)
   • The child's identity document or passport
   • Proof of your address in Lithuania (for example, a rental contract or proof of residence declaration)
   • Any previous school records or certificates if available (these are helpful but not always required to start)

4. Complete the enrollment forms provided by the school or municipality.

Language support for newcomer children

Many Lithuanian schools have experience welcoming children who do not yet speak Lithuanian. In general:

• Children may be placed in an adapted Lithuanian language programme to help them learn the language.
• Some schools offer additional Lithuanian as a second language (lietuvių kalba kaip antroji kalba) lessons for newcomers.
• Schools with significant numbers of migrant or refugee children may have a designated coordinator for integration support.

Do not be discouraged if your child does not speak Lithuanian yet — this is common and schools are generally supportive. Ask the school specifically about language support when you first make contact.

What to do next

• Register your address (deklaravimas) in Lithuania as soon as possible — this helps with the school assignment process.
• Contact your municipality's education department or a local school to start the enrollment process.
• Ask about any preparation classes or welcome programmes for new students.

Where to get help

IOM Lithuania and Caritas Lietuva can help you navigate the enrollment process, including helping with translation and communication with schools. The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (ŠMSM) website has general information on the school system.