fbpx More Changes to Migration Rules to be Announced by End of July as Tall Ships Sail the Baltic Again

More Changes to Migration Rules to be Announced by End of July as Tall Ships Sail the Baltic Again

Explore Lithuania’s historic Vilnius, Estonia’s booming tech scene, and the beloved Klaipeda Sea Festival—all while staying informed on critical EU migration policy updates expected by July 2025.

1 Europe’s largest baroque old town is in Vilnius

St. Anne's church in Vilnius old town, Lithuania
St. Anne’s church in Vilnius old town, Lithuania

The UNESCO listed historic center of Vilnius dates from the 13th to the 18th century and is around 3.5 square miles.

At one point in the 16th century, Lithuania was even known as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was the largest state in Europe.

I highly recommend taking some time out when you visit to explore the old town. The architecture is an interesting blend rarely seen elsewhere. Dating from several centuries back to modern Soviet functionality. Though thankfully, the latter is rapidly being restored or transformed to some really cool Nordic designs.

Keep an eye out for the basements when you do! Lithuanian’s love, underground nightlife, and “speakeasies” are everywhere, from comedy clubs, and jazz bars, to beer halls, and debating chambers, tucked away in medieval basements and down cobbled alleyways.

Lithuanians love underground nightlife, and “speakeasies” are everywhere, from comedy clubs, and jazz bars, to beer halls, and debating chambers, tucked away in medieval basements and down cobbled alleyways.
— Aaron Banks | CEO

2 Next Baltic Unicorns? – Estonia’s Vok Bikes secures $6M to replace vans in Europe’s cities

Vok Bikes' founders in Tallinn. Photos by Vok Bikes
Vok Bikes’ founders in Tallinn. Photos by Vok Bikes

Vok Bikes, the Tallinn-based maker of futuristic four-wheeled electric cargo bikes, has raised $6 million in Series A funding to help consign the urban delivery van to the scrapheap. The funding round, led by SQM Lithium Ventures, will propel Vok’s expansion across Europe and further accelerate a transition to zero-emission logistics in traffic-clogged city centres.

The investment marks a turning point for the Estonian startup, whose cargo e-bikes – built with automotive-grade precision – are already gaining traction with logistics companies and urban retailers alike…

Read more at Estonian World

While you’re at it, check out this other story on Estonian world..

Estonian-founded fintech surpasses $1 billion in assets and brings AI-powered investing tools to a growing European customer base.

Lightyear, the Estonian-founded investment platform reshaping how Europeans grow their wealth, has raised $23 million in Series B funding to support its continued expansion across the continent.

The announcement comes as the company surpasses $1 billion in customer assets and launches a bold new phase focused on integrating artificial intelligence into retail investing.

The funding round was led by NordicNinja, an Estonian-backed venture capital firm, with participation from Superangel’s Marko Oolo and Bolt CEO Markus Villig. Existing investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Metaplanet, Skaala, and several prominent angels such as Veriff’s Kaarel Kotkas and Wise’s Lars Trunin, also increased their stakes.

https://estonianworld.com/business/estonian-investment-app-lightyear-raises-23m-to-fuel-ai-driven-expansion-in-europe/

… It never ceases to blow my mind how much tech… and how many startups, there are in the Baltics!

Being based at the top of the tallest building, in what is often referred to as Europes Silicone Valley, Baltic Capital Partners is really well placed to help anyone wanting to cash in on local funding or talent.

3 Get Your Application in While You Can! – Lithuanian Politician Proposes More Major Changes to Immigration Rules “by Late July”

Laurynas Kasčiūnas in a suit and glasses speaking at an event.
Laurynas Kasčiūnas in a suit and glasses speaking at an event.

I’ve often said to people thinking of gaining European residency, that the landscape is now changing monthly.

My advice has always been, if you’re thinking of becoming European resident, or needing to spend more than 90 days at a time in the EU, do it now.

Bring your research forward, and take action under current rules, because across the EU, migration routes are tightening significantly.

It doesn’t mean you have to burn the house and kill the dog, leaving immediately for a new life in Europe, but it does mean you should at least submit your online application as soon as possible, so that it’s locked in under the old rules.

“I’ve often said to people thinking of gaining European residency, that the landscape is changing monthly.

My advice has always been, if you’re thinking of becoming European resident, or needing to spend more than 90 days at a time in the EU, and have been thinking you’ll take a look at ‘some point in the near future’, do it now.”

…. I quote from a recent article on the Lithuanian national news site quoting the opposition leader…

“One of the things I’ll be proposing is this: currently, when someone is living here on a temporary residence permit – which is valid for five years – and wishes to renew it, there is no requirement to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the state language.

I’ll be suggesting we introduce such a requirement so that people who are here begin learning the state language and show respect for our country,” he said.

The conservative leader also voiced opposition to the government’s intention to postpone the introduction of a requirement for foreign nationals working in the service sector to provide services in Lithuanian, which is scheduled to come into force next year.

“This is, again, unacceptable, and we will absolutely oppose any move to liberalise the rules,” Mr Kasčiūnas insisted.

4 Lithuanians Celebrate The Sea With The Klaipeda Sea Festival!

The Lithuanian seaport town of Klaipeda has had a rich maritime tradition for many centuries.
The Lithuanian seaport town of Klaipeda has had a rich maritime tradition for many centuries.

Lithuania doesn’t have a whole lot of coastline, but what they do have, they make the most of!

This fantastic event is based in the Port city of Klaipeda. Once an important Russian naval base, and dating back to the Tsarist times, the area is now more renowned for its natural beauty and holiday attractions.

It’s hard to find a Lithuanian who doesn’t make their way from the capital city of Vilnius, (via a comfortable 4 hour train ride), to the seaside at least some point over summer.

Festivals are a big thing here, they celebrate everything from the middle of winter (solstice), to the middle of summer (another solstice), to cold soup and Catholic feasts, but watching a boat race while washing down heavenly smoked meats with strong local Ale has to be one of my favourites!

The festival runs for about a week, and takes in the last weekend of July every year. If you miss this one, make sure to book the next one in your calendar for an unforgettable weekend away.

“From tall ships and fireworks to antiques and smoked meat, this festival is now eight decades old and by all accounts getting better every year”

5 Charming Wooden Garden House – for €48k

House for sale in Daubėnai village, Vilnius
House for sale in Daubėnai village, Vilnius
Garden House for sale Vilnius, Daubėnai
Garden House for sale Vilnius, Daubėnai

FOR SALE:

Price: 48000 Eur

This cozy wooden garden house is nestled in the tranquil gardening community in Daubėnai village. The property offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking rest, gardening, or countryside living.

This could be your oasis of relaxation or a new start in life near the capital!

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • – Building: wooden garden house
  • – Year of construction: 1983
  • – Area: 39,74 sq m
  • – Number of floors: 1
  • – Heating: Wood-burning stove
  • – Water supply: Summer
  • – Sewage: Local
  • – Basement under the house
  • – Additional structure: Masonry outbuilding with sauna, storage rooms
  • – Veranda at the entrance

LAND PLOT:

  • – Plot size: 6,65 a (0,16 acres)
  • – Purpose: Agriculture (gardens)
  • – The plot has fruit trees and berry bushes, space for a vegetable garden or recreation area

DESCRIPTION:

  • – Quiet and green surroundings in Daubėnai village
  • – Located ~25 km from Vilnius
  • – Fireplace for cozy evenings
  • – Sauna – perfect for rest after gardening
  • – Perfect for gardening, leisure, or seasonal living

ACCESS:

  • – Convenient access
  • – Quick access to Vilnius (~40 min. by car)
  • – Suitable for year-round visits or weekend retreats

Website for the sales listing – https://m.aruodas.lt/namai-vilniaus-rajone-daubenu-k-azuoliuku-1-oji-g-vilniaus-rajone-daubenu-kaime-sodu

Less than 40 minutes from Vilnius — you’ll be cruising past birch trees and berry bushes, while the city dwellers battle traffic lights.

I heard someone paid €60K just to tile their terrace in London. This place has a veranda, a fireplace, a sauna, fruit trees, a full basement… and still comes in under 50K? Take the win I’d say!

Come check it out for yourself —
Bring a thermos, breathe in the pine-scented calm, and say hi to your future weekend escape.

And hey, if you’re from down under or across the pond — join the growing crew out here. We’ve got space, apples, and more than enough sauna heat to go around! 😉
— Aaron Banks

Founder | CEO

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