Siauliai: where business doesn't follow the crowd

The traditional mindset encourages entrepreneurs to look toward Lithuania’s largest city – the capital, Vilnius – or perhaps Kaunas. However, this standard approach does not always deliver the best results. The hunger games for employees, fierce competition, and the struggle to stand out in the crowd often become tiresome. So, what is it that drives entrepreneurs to turn their attention to Siauliai? The answer is simple: mathematics.

Siauliai’s business math is based on several key factors:

1. Real estate costs and opportunities to rent or purchase

In Siauliai, the prices for commercial and industrial real estate are significantly lower than in Vilnius or Kaunas. For example, the rental price per square meter for industrial properties in Siauliai can be two or even three times cheaper than in Vilnius.
This cost structure means that investments pay off faster, and businesses become profitable at an earlier stage. For start-ups and companies looking to expand, this offers room for growth – both physically and financially.
The Siauliai City Municipality is also actively working to create favorable conditions for investors, offering a “one-stop-shop” service model. Companies operating in the Siauliai Industrial Park and Free Economic Zone enjoy various incentives, and attractive land plots are available for viewing on the Land Auction Map.

Additionally, there is a separate support system for small and medium-sized businesses, including financial aid for hiring highly qualified professionals.

2. Workforce: loyalty over "talent migration" and "head-hunting"

In Lithuania's most dynamic labor markets, like Vilnius or Kaunas, employee turnover is very high. Companies must compete fiercely not only for customers but also for workers.
In Siauliai, the situation is different: competition is less intense, employees value stability, workplace culture, and regional identity, and they are less inclined to change jobs frequently.
This translates into lower recruitment, training, and integration costs, higher productivity, and long-term employee engagement.
Moreover, statistics show that young people in Siauliai find employment faster than elsewhere in Lithuania, often starting their careers while still studying.
Businesses can plan salary structures more rationally, without the pressure to artificially inflate costs.

3. A municipality creating a business- and resident-friendly environment

The Siauliai City Municipality strives to provide as much support as possible to businesses, both large and small.
New companies frequently cite faster bureaucratic processes, smoother cooperation with local institutions, and targeted incentives (such as real estate tax breaks, customized infrastructure, partnerships with vocational schools, colleges, and universities, etc.) as major advantages.
Siauliai offers an environment where businesses are heard and can actively shape the local economy.

4. A smooth transition from education to employment

As mentioned earlier, young people in Siauliai find jobs quickly. Why is that?
The city is home to the Siauliai Technology Training Center, Siauliai State College, and Vilnius University Siauliai Academy. These institutions cover a broad educational spectrum — from vocational training to higher education.
Businesses in Siauliai traditionally work closely with these academic institutions, giving students excellent opportunities for employment.
A prime example of this synergy is the long-running project “Siauliai — City of Careers,” where all stakeholders collaborate to encourage young people to study, work, and live in Siauliai.
High attention is also paid to specialists with advanced professional qualifications.

5. A feeling of being welcome and real appreciation for your contribution

Siauliai welcomes everyone who chooses to tie their future to the City of the Sun.
For businesses, visibility comes naturally: every good deed and contribution to the city’s or employees’ well-being is recognized.
The municipality organizes annual awards for the Best Employer, honors winners of small and medium-sized business project competitions, hosts Open Door Days ("Discover Siauliai’s Businesses"), and academic institutions celebrate their patrons.
Cultural and sports sponsors also receive due recognition. In Siauliai, building a strong reputation and becoming a sought-after employer is not a difficult task.

In summary, considering all five factors, it’s clear that Siauliai is not a compromise for businesses – it’s a logical and numbers-driven alternative worth serious consideration.
Siauliai offers a solid foundation, lower risk, and more realistic returns.
If your business goal is growth, Siauliai is an obvious choice.