Lithuanian A1 Language Exam: 2026 Guide
Who has to take it, what the three parts look like, how to register, what it costs — and how to prepare for free.
Last checked against official sources: 16 October 2026. Rules and dates can change — always confirm on the NŠA website before you register.
Who needs the A1 exam?
An amendment to the Law on the State Language took effect on 1 January 2026: people who serve customers directly must be able to do it in Lithuanian at at least A1 level.
For foreigners working in service and trade jobs, the A1 level applies for two years, counted from when you first received a document giving you the right to live in Lithuania. After those two years you need A2 to keep working in these roles.
Applying for permanent residence? A1 is not enough. You need A2 in every part of the exam (reading and writing, listening, speaking) plus the exam on the basics of the Constitution, and you register through your Migris account.
What the exam looks like
The exam checks reading, writing, listening and speaking in three parts:
- Reading and writing — a written test.
- Listening — understanding short spoken Lithuanian.
- Speaking — a short conversation with an examiner.
The result is simply Passed or Failed (Išlaikyta / Neišlaikyta).
How to register — step by step
- Create an account and choose an exam date at eksternams.nsa.smm.lt. Registration opens 30 days before the exam and closes 7 days before it.
- Pay the fee — €52 in 2026. Your registration is confirmed only after payment.
- You take the exam at a designated school in your own municipality. If it is full, you are offered another one.
- On the day, bring an identity document and arrive 30 minutes early.
- Results appear in your account within 15 working days. The certificate follows within about 10 working days and is handed out at your exam school.
2026 exam dates
NŠA planned 15 A1 exams in 2026 and added extra A1–A2 sessions on 22 October and 19 November 2026. The full timetable is on the NŠA website.
Prepare for free with KalbaLab
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Frequently asked questions
Who needs the Lithuanian A1 exam?
Since 1 January 2026, people who serve customers directly must be able to serve them in Lithuanian at least at A1 level. For foreigners working in service and trade jobs, A1 applies for two years from when they first received a document giving the right to live in Lithuania; after that, A2 is required to keep working in those roles.
Is A1 enough for a permanent residence permit?
No. For permanent residence you need A2 in every part of the exam (reading and writing, listening, speaking) and you must also pass the exam on the basics of the Constitution. Register for these through your Migris account.
What is in the Lithuanian A1 exam?
Three parts: a reading and writing test, a listening task, and a short conversation with an examiner (speaking). The result is simply Passed or Failed.
How much does the exam cost and how do I register?
The 2026 fee is €52. Register online at eksternams.nsa.smm.lt — registration opens 30 days before an exam and closes 7 days before it, and your place is confirmed once you pay.
When do I get my results?
Results appear in your eksternams.nsa.smm.lt account within 15 working days. The certificate is issued within 7 working days after that and sent to your exam school, which hands it out within 3 working days.
Does a Lithuanian course certificate replace the exam?
No. A certificate from a language course is not equivalent to the state exam.
Official sources
- National Agency for Education (NŠA) — Lithuanian exam for foreigners (FAQ)
- NŠA — first A1 exam for foreigners, 14 January 2026
- NŠA — additional exams for foreigners (autumn 2026)
- State Language Inspectorate (VKI) — taking the state language exam
- Migration Department — long-term (permanent) residence
KalbaLab is an independent learning site, not an official exam body. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.