“The biggest mistake was not coming back sooner” | Blind Spot #16

SUMMARY

Over the past five years, more Lithuanians have been returning than leaving — a historic shift. And despite the common belief that everyone comes back to Vilnius or Kaunas, the highest return rates (relative to population) are in Kazlų Rūda, Palanga and Visaginas. Most people return to their hometowns, not the capital.

According to Tadas Kubilius, head of the Return to Lithuania Division at the MFA’s Global Lithuania Department, proactive municipalities make the biggest difference: they market themselves abroad, communicate with diaspora communities and show up at events.

Returned Lithuanians bring back not just families, but ideas — from Michelin-trained chefs opening restaurants in Lazdijai to people creating lavender parks, cafés or art spaces in the regions. Surveys show the main motives remain family and ageing parents, but more and more people say: “I feel good here,” “I want to build something in Lithuania,” or even, “My biggest mistake was not returning earlier.”

Return is both personal and communal. Kubilius himself came back from the U.S. in 2008 and founded a club for returning Lithuanians, stressing the importance of social ties and peer support.

Education is a key factor. Parents worry about how their children will integrate, and many schools — especially in the regions — are not yet fully prepared. Clarity about the education system often determines whether families decide to return.