The Baltic Business Climate Survey 2026 highlights strong profitability, continued investment confidence and Lithuania’s growing attractiveness as a business destination, while access to skilled professionals remains a key challenge.
On 29 October, the Embassy of Sweden in Vilnius hosted the presentation of the Baltic Business Climate Survey 2026, offering fresh insights into the experiences and future outlook of Swedish companies operating in Lithuania.
The survey was conducted jointly by the Swedish Embassies in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, with support from the Swedish Chambers of Commerce. The Lithuanian survey gathered responses from 56 companies with Swedish ownership, management or other links to Sweden.
The results were presented by Dr Kata Fredheim from the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, with H.E. Ambassador Urban Andersson and Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas participating in the launch.
Strong Profitability and Continued Investment Confidence
The survey reveals a positive outlook among Swedish companies operating in Lithuania.
71% of respondents reported being profitable in 2025, compared to 62% in 2021. This represents the highest share of profitable companies among the three Baltic countries.
Investment intentions also remain strong, with 84% of companies planning to maintain or increase their investmentsin Lithuania over the next 12 months.
These findings reflect continued confidence in Lithuania’s economic development and its position as an attractive market for Swedish businesses.
Lithuania’s Competitive Strengths
Swedish companies continue to recognise several advantages of operating in Lithuania.
Digitalisation, market access, financial services, physical infrastructure and business culture all received positive assessments in the survey. Seven aspects of the business environment received an average rating of 4.2 out of 5.
At the same time, companies are increasingly focusing on developing their competitiveness beyond cost advantages.
64% of respondents identified cost efficiency as an important factor in maintaining competitiveness. However, the importance of staff development and training has grown significantly, from 23% in 2021 to 57% in 2026.
This shift highlights the growing importance of skills, expertise and long-term business development.
Access to Talent Remains a Key Challenge
Despite the positive outlook, attracting and retaining skilled professionals continues to be a challenge for Swedish companies in Lithuania.
Access to specialists and key personnel received the lowest rating among the assessed business environment factors, scoring 3.8 out of 5.
The findings underline the importance of continued investment in education, skills development and talent attraction to support Lithuania’s future competitiveness.
Strengthening Swedish-Lithuanian Business Relations
The Baltic Business Climate Survey 2026 demonstrates the continued strength of Swedish business in Lithuania and highlights opportunities for further cooperation and investment.
For the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania, these insights are valuable in understanding the priorities and challenges facing Swedish companies operating in the country.
We remain committed to supporting our members, encouraging business connections and strengthening Swedish-Lithuanian business relations.
We would like to thank the Embassy of Sweden in Lithuania for hosting the launch, Dr Kata Fredheim for presenting the findings, and everyone who contributed to the survey.
Read the full Baltic Business Climate Survey 2026: https://www.sseriga.edu/