This article was published in the news media.
Public debate is growing in Lithuania over how to manage the second pillar pension savings that will become accessible next year. For some, this presents an opportunity to finally make use of their accumulated funds, while others fear they may simply be “eaten away”.
According to a representative survey conducted by Spinter Research on behalf of InRento, as many as 45% of savers plan to withdraw their money, while another 35% are still undecided. This means that three out of four residents will either withdraw their funds or are still unsure what to do with them.
Estonia's lesson for Lithuania
The example of Estonia allows us to predict how the situation may unfold in Lithuania. Four years ago, when a similar reform was implemented in Estonia, residents withdrew more than EUR 1.5 billion. The first wave of withdrawals took place in September 2021.
30% was used to pay off loans, 15% was spent on consumption, and half of the money was still in deposits a year later, earning a lower return than other forms of investment, such as investment funds or real estate.
According to data from the Bank of Lithuania, approximately 1.4 million residents of the country participate in the second pillar pension system, and the accumulated funds exceed EUR 9 billion. Once the reform comes into force, it is predicted that residents will withdraw around EUR 3 billion, and if the situation develops as it did in Estonia, as much as EUR 1.9 billion could simply be spent on consumption – from everyday purchases to holidays or loan repayments.
However, this could also be a turning point. These funds could become initial capital for those who want to start managing their finances independently – for example, as a down payment when buying a home or investing through alternative instruments such as InRento.
Lithuanians' love of real estate
Survey data shows that real estate remains the favorite investment for Lithuanians. 34% of respondents said they already invest or would like to invest in real estate, with the main motive being stable rental income (71%). This shows that people are increasingly looking for passive, predictable sources of income.
However, real estate is not accessible to everyone. This form of investment is most attractive to people with higher education, living in large cities and with higher incomes, so investing in real estate is still perceived as an activity for the wealthy. In addition, as many as 28% of respondents are not interested in investing at all.
Geographically, investors remain conservative – the majority choose Vilnius (43%) or other major cities (39%) for their investments, and are much less likely to look abroad. This shows that Lithuanians believe in the opportunities to earn money right here in Lithuania.
In summary, the survey results allow us to draw one clear conclusion – people want to invest, but often do not know how to do so safely, accessibly, and without huge capital.
A decision that should not be rushed
However, one should not rush to withdraw their accumulated funds. A vacation or a new purchase will bring short-term joy, but these are primarily savings intended for a dignified retirement. This money can work, earn a return, and become the beginning of financial security.
There are various ways to save and invest today – the most important thing is that decisions are carefully considered and that money works for a person’s future.
About InRento
InRento is the largest licensed buy-to-let crowdfunding platform in the European Union, operating since 2020. European FinTech Awards recognised the company as the leading financing technology in Europe in 2025.
InRento's activities are licensed and supervised by the Bank of Lithuania. Investing involves the risk of losing some or all of the amount invested, so it is recommended to diversify your investments and evaluate them responsibly.
