I just moved here — how do I get the national ID / tax / social-security number?
Everything — a job, a bank account, a doctor, a rental — needs the national identification number, so it is the first appointment after arriving. In Lithuania you get it from Registrų centras / seniūnija — gyvenamosios vietos deklaravimas (8 5 268 8262) when you register your address or, for non-residents, from VMI — skundas / mokestinės paskolos (1882). Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (a rental contract or a host's declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, the residence permit or visa from Migracijos departamentas (8 707 67 000). Appointments fill up: book before you arrive if the portal allows.
🗣️ What to say
"I moved to Lithuania on [date] and live at [address]. I would like to register and obtain my [national number / tax number / social-security number]. I have [passport/ID, rental contract / host declaration, permit]. Which documents do you need and can I book an appointment?"
🪜 Step by step
- Book the registrationAt Registrų centras / seniūnija — gyvenamosios vietos deklaravimas: address registration and the number usually come together. Online booking where it exists; otherwise early morning in person.
- DocumentsPassport or ID, proof of address, birth certificate (sometimes with apostille), marriage certificate if relevant, permit or visa for non-EU citizens.
- Non-resident number: VMI — skundas / mokestinės paskolosFor work or tax before you have an address — the tax office issues a provisional or non-resident number.
- Non-EU: Migracijos departamentas firstThe residence permit or the registration certificate may be a precondition; check the order for your case.
- Then everything elseBank, health insurance, employer, GP — all take the number. Keep the letter with it safe.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
I have a job offer but no address yet
Ask the employer for a hosting letter or use the non-resident route at VMI — skundas / mokestinės paskolos; the number can be converted when you register an address.
How long does it take?
Same day in some countries, weeks in others. The appointment is the bottleneck, not the processing.
EU citizen — do I need to register at all?
Yes, after three months in most countries (sooner in some), and for the number you need it anyway.
📎 Sources
- Registrų centras / seniūnija — gyvenamosios vietos deklaravimas →
- VMI — skundas / mokestinės paskolos →
- Migracijos departamentas →
- Savivaldybė — viešosios tvarkos skyrius →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “national id number new arrival Lithuania”
- “register address get number Lithuania”
- “tax number foreigner Lithuania”
- “social security number apply”
- “moving to Lithuania first steps”
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