The main difference is in the way of life. In Mažeikiai it is more common to rent a house than to buy one. In fact, it's a favorite choice among expats because rents are very low, even in the capital and in the center of big cities - no one wants to be tied down to a mortgage! You can rent a studio or loft from €200 or a huge multi-room flat from €600. In Leipzig these prices can be double or triple!

Other aspects such as the education system or healthcare are also very different. Read on to find out more.

Mažeikiain society is a mixture of conservative Catholic views and a peculiarly bohemian youth culture. Leipzig, on the other hand, as a historical country of immigration, has a wide variety of religions in its population. Although it receives people from all over the world, its society is much older than that of Mažeikiai.

But in general, people in both countries are open-minded and modern. You won't have any problems making friends. But what football is to Germans, basketball is to Mažeikiains. It will be more difficult to match sporting passions.

Mažeikiai has a relatively low cost of living compared to Leipzig, let alone other Western European countries! In fact, Mažeikiai was voted one of the cheapest countries in Europe a couple of years ago. However, as in many other countries, accommodation and food costs will be a little higher if you live in or near the capital (Vilnius). Whereas living in a smaller city saves money.

It can be said that, compared to Leipzig, Mažeikiai is a very affordable country. It is a great place for a young couple to save money or a pensioner to live comfortably on their pension.

The price of housing, as you have read before, in Mažeikiai is half or more than in Leipzig. Both for renting and buying. And if you use Moovick for your move, your new life will be even cheaper!

When it comes to food prices, in Mažeikiai a meal for two in a restaurant costs about €35, a cappuccino €2.20 and an imported beer about €3. And visiting a local market or a grocery store you can buy a kilo of potatoes or rice for less than €2, as well as one-litre milk for €0.88 and a dozen eggs for €1.50. In Leipzig these prices would increase by 80%.

Cost of living also includes the internet in your apartment and money to spend on your health and spare time. In Mažeikiai, you can get an internet subscription with unlimited data for as little as €10 a month. If you want to join a gym, membership will cost €29 a month, depending on the gym, and if you want to visit the cinema, a ticket is €7.

As an EU citizen you will not encounter any problems if you plan moving Leipzig to Mažeikiai. The usual procedure is to stay in your new destination for up to 90 days as a tourist; your passport or identity card will suffice as identification. This also applies to Mažeikiai.

However, if you plan to stay longer, you will need to register and apply for a residence card. In Mažeikiai, this must be done at the Migration department called MIGRIS by presenting your passport or identity card, an employment contract, the completed residence application form and a state fee of €8.6. With this residence card you will also be issued with your TIN number, an 11 digit number, which is essential for paying your taxes and social security contributions.

As favourable aspects of living in Mažeikiai, in addition to the education system, health insurance, nature and the low cost of living, it is also worth noting the excellent transport network. In the daily traffic of the metropolis, cars and bicycles coexist perfectly with the metro, trams and buses.

However, Mažeikiai's biggest drawback is its high number of intentional homicides, one of the highest rates in Europe. Mažeikiai has even been ranked as the third most murderous country in Europe after Russia and Ukraine. It is also true that most homicides are caused by alcohol abuse.

Nevertheless - and paradoxical though it may seem with the homicide rate - the rates of robbery, rape and other violent acts in the country are extremely low... almost imperceptible. That's why it is entirely possible to walk late at night in major cities without having the feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Also on the downside, especially if you belong to the LGBTQ+ community, is the low tolerance of that people in some cities.

Is it an exaggeration to say that Mažeikiai's health care system is one of the best in the world? Maybe yes, but certainly in some respects it is much better than the German one.

The health system is still recovering from Soviet mismanagement and therefore may not meet the standards of some expatriates. The government has a plan to fund all medical facilities, not only in the major cities but also in the poorer areas. And the most disadvantaged hospitals are compensated by the excellent treatment of Mažeikiain doctors.

The medical staff in Mažeikiai are highly qualified. They have at least 6 years of training before being able to see patients, which ensures that care and sensitivity are their calling card. Given the quality of public medical services, private clinics are rare in Mažeikiai, although they do exist.

Not only is Mažeikiai an affordable and beautiful country, but it's also ranked extremely high when it comes to happy employees and work-life balance, something that's very appealing to expats that are interested in moving and working abroad. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ranked the country number 11 for excellent work-life balance. Part-time professional development, part-time fun... doesn't sound bad, does it?

Moving to Mažeikiai offers great opportunities for job seekers. Mažeikiai is characterized as one of the countries with the most incredible job offers in Europe, making it an attractive destination for those considering a career change. Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda are the best cities to work in, providing a vibrant and dynamic environment.

The average salary in Mažeikiai is around €1.700 a month and the minimum wage established by law is €642 a month, depending on the occupational category.

The main industries in which a German foreigner can be employed are: fintech, outsourcing and tourism.

Mažeikiains are known for being hard workers, but work-life balance is taken very seriously. The general work culture in Mažeikiai is based on both competitiveness and flexible working hours, allowing individuals to achieve a harmonious integration of work and personal life. So, if you're considering moving to Mažeikiai, you can expect a work environment that values productivity while still recognizing the importance of leisure time and personal well-being.

Currently the official tax is 20% of personal income and is deducted from salary. The 20% rate is applicable if the yearly income is less than 84 average salaries in total. If the yearly income exceeds 84 average salaries, will pay 32% in tax - this happens if work for more than 1 employer. The standard rate of social security contributions is 21.27%, from which 1.77 percent is employer’s part and 19.5 percent is employee’s part. Additionally, 2.1/3 percent is withheld from the gross employment income of an employee participating in certain pension accumulation plans.

Expats relocating to Mažeikiai will discover a beer- and sports-loving nation with an efficient infrastructure and beautiful countryside views. Along with its medieval-looking cities and the magical dose that beautiful nature has spread here, movers to Mažeikiai will get an enchanting combination of culture and modernity in whichever city they choose to call home.

With an excellent transport network, one of the best healthcare systems in Europe, a low cost of living, the absence of natural disasters and beautiful and breathtaking landscapes, Mažeikiai is a country that offers a good quality of life.

Apart from the homicide rate, there are many reasons that make this Western European country one of the best places to emigrate, even if the number of foreigners living in Mažeikiai is not as high as in other European countries (say Italy, Spain and England).

Of course, the Mažeikiain language is extremely complicated. And Mažeikiains are proud to speak their language in all areas of life, more so than other languages such as English. But they are also understanding towards foreigners who are still learning the language.

Known for its stunning scenery, lakes and seaside beaches, Mažeikiai has plenty of beautiful places to visit and outdoor activities to keep retired expats busy. Add in the low cost of living and free medical care, and it's the perfect destination for the last stage of life.

As a member of Europe, the change of residence to Mažeikiai will be easy. Before settling in, check out the property market and spend some time renting to get to know the cities, open a new bank account and buy a local phone. Keep calm and be prepared to be surprised!

In Mažeikiai, you can drive a car with a European driver's license as long as it's not expired. Like most countries in Europe, the country has right-hand traffic, so if you are an experienced driver, you will not run into any trouble with forgetting what side of the road to drive on! Although Mažeikiain roads are among the best in Eastern Europe, the traffic conditions might differ a bit from what you might be used to since Mažeikiain drivers are known to be a bit careless at times.

In order to register a vehicle in Mažeikiai, the following documents must be presented: certificate of conformity; insurance policy; a document confirming that the car belongs to you; a document confirming that VAT has been paid; proof of roadworthiness test; certificate of payment of registration and road taxes.

Across Mažeikiai, you will find many interesting places to visit and explore. There are many relics of the Soviet period, such as bunkers and museums, but you will also find many more in this country, including beautiful churches, monasteries, and palaces.

Nature is everywhere, as well. Huge natural parks, beautiful beaches with blue flag status and the most active stretch of the Baltic migration flyway, which is considered among the largest in Europe and around the world. Bird watching could be a new hobby!

And the connection between locals and foreigners is excellent. According to the latest data published by the UN, Mažeikiai is home to 117,218 immigrants, 4.2% of its population. And although immigrants come mainly from other northern European countries, there are about 2,000 Germans living in Mažeikiai - you'll have no trouble making friends!