Vilnius district offers new border guards €10,000 grants

Vilnius District Municipality will offer new border guards a one-time €10,000 payment if they commit to serving for five years at designated border posts, LRT reported on Tuesday.

The municipal council approved a cooperation agreement with the State Border Guard Service and the rules for awarding the grants. The payment will be available to officers starting service at the Padvarionys, Jurgis Kybartas, or Kena border guard posts in the municipality. Recipients must serve continuously at one of the posts for five years, working at least full time.

The municipality will also cover the income taxes due on the payment, ensuring officers receive the full €10,000 incentive. Mayor Robertas Duchnevičius said the scheme aims to address a shortage of border guards and encourage young people to choose the profession.

A similar scheme has operated with the police since 2024. The municipality says 14 new officers have joined the district police force through that programme in three years. Since August, officers transferring from other police stations have also been eligible for support of up to €10,000.