Lithuania Residence Permit by Investment 2025

Lithuania has become one of the most attractive destinations for investors seeking a safe, affordable, and strategic pathway to live and do business in Europe. 

As a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, Lithuania provides investors and entrepreneurs with direct access to the European market, strong legal protections, and a stable business environment.

The country’s residence permit by investment program allows foreign nationals to obtain legal residence through business ownership or investment activity. 

This opportunity is especially appealing to entrepreneurs who wish to manage a company, expand internationally, or enjoy the benefits of EU mobility.

What Is the Lithuania Residence Permit by Investment?

The Lithuania residence permit by investment is a structured legal pathway that allows foreign investors to live and work in the country through active participation in the economy. 

Unlike traditional “golden visa” programs based purely on capital deposits or property ownership, Lithuania’s approach promotes sustainable business development and job creation.

Investors can apply for a temporary residence permit by establishing or purchasing a Lithuanian company that demonstrates real business activity. The company must be profitable or show clear potential for growth, contributing to the national economy. 

Typically, residence permits are issued for one or two years and can be renewed if business operations remain active.

This type of permit offers a balanced model – low entry costs, transparent procedures, and no requirement for excessive investment amounts. It attracts entrepreneurs, digital business owners, and professionals seeking a long-term base in the European Union.

Benefits of Obtaining Residency in Lithuania

Residency in Lithuania through investment offers more than legal status – it grants access to an advanced, business-friendly European ecosystem. 

Investors gain the ability to live, work, and conduct business within the EU, travel visa-free across the Schengen Area, and access European banking and financial systems.

Lithuania’s economy has shown consistent growth, supported by strong exports, technological innovation, and government initiatives that attract foreign investment. GDP is projected to expand by 2.8% in 2025 and accelerate further to 3.1% in 2026, reflecting the country’s steady economic momentum.

For business owners, the country provides an educated workforce, competitive operating costs, and digital government services that simplify administrative processes.

Additional benefits include:

• A transparent immigration process under EU regulations
• Eligibility for family reunification – allowing spouses and children to join the main applicant
• Access to Lithuania’s healthcare, education, and social systems
• A potential pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after continuous stay

Investment Options for Residency in Lithuania

Lithuania provides several legal options for obtaining residency through investment. These are primarily business-oriented, ensuring that the investor contributes actively to Lithuania’s economy.

Business Investment Route

The most common and effective option is the business investment route, which requires establishing or investing in a Lithuanian company. The business must have a registered legal address, operate within Lithuania, and demonstrate genuine economic activity.

The typical form used by foreign investors is the Uždaroji Akcinė Bendrovė (UAB), or Limited Liability Company, which allows full foreign ownership and flexible corporate management.The standard minimum share capital for a UAB is €1,000, making it one of the more accessible incorporation models in the EU.

However, when establishing a UAB for the purpose of obtaining a Lithuanian Type D visa, the minimum required share capital increases to €28,000.

Investors who become company shareholders or directors can apply for temporary residence permits, provided that the company operates legitimately and complies with tax obligations. 

Buying Property in Lithuania and Getting Residency

While buying property in Lithuania alone does not automatically qualify for a residence permit, it can play an important role in strengthening an investment-based application. Real estate may serve as business capital or demonstrate financial stability and a genuine connection to the country.

Lithuania’s real estate market remains stable and affordable. In Vilnius, the capital, prices average around €2,500–€3,000 per square meter, while in smaller cities like Kaunas or Klaipėda, prices are significantly lower. 

Investors often purchase commercial spaces, apartments for rent, or mixed-use buildings to integrate into their company’s activities.

Ready-Made Companies and Fast-Track Business Options

Investors who wish to accelerate their residency process can purchase ready-made companies, also known as shelf companies. These are fully registered, inactive legal entities with all corporate documents, tax numbers, and bank accounts already in place.

This option allows immediate compliance with the business activity requirement, saving several weeks of registration time. 

Lawhill maintains a portfolio of verified ready-made companies with clean legal histories, enabling investors to take control instantly and start operations under Lithuanian law.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Get a Residence Permit by Investment

Obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit by investment involves a structured process regulated by the Migration Department of Lithuania. Each step must be carefully executed to ensure approval and avoid unnecessary delays.

1. Select the preferred investment route. Determine whether to form a new company, acquire an existing one, or integrate real estate with a business structure.
   
2. Register or purchase the company. Obtain incorporation documents, register with the State Tax Inspectorate, and open a local business bank account.
   
3. Prepare documentation. Include a valid passport, proof of funds, business plan, company ownership documents, criminal record certificate, and proof of health insurance.
   
4. Submit the application. Apply through the Lithuanian consulate abroad or directly to the Migration Department if already in Lithuania.
   
5. Await approval. The process typically takes 30–60 days, after which a temporary residence card is issued.
   
6. Maintain business activity. Ensure the company remains active, compliant, and financially viable to support renewals.

Lawhill provides full legal representation during each step, ensuring documents meet official standards and that clients remain compliant throughout the process.

Lithuania Investment Visa Requirements

The Lithuania investment visa requires applicants to demonstrate financial credibility, legal compliance, and commitment to business development. The 2025 update maintains focus on transparency and active investment.

Key requirements include:

• Valid passport and clean criminal record from the country of origin
• Proof of sufficient income or savings to support living expenses in Lithuania
• Business registration documents (company certificate, articles of association, tax number)
• A realistic business plan demonstrating profitability and contribution to the Lithuanian economy
• Proof of health insurance valid in Lithuania or across the EU
• Legal address and lease agreement, if applicable

Temporary residence permits are generally valid for one to two years and renewable upon proof of continued business operation. After five years of legal stay, investors may qualify for permanent residence.

Taxes, Legal Compliance, and Residency Obligations

Lithuania’s tax system is one of the most efficient and predictable in the European Union, making it highly attractive to international investors. 

The corporate income tax rate stands at 16%, while small businesses with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover below €300,000 may qualify for a reduced rate of 6%.

Other relevant taxes include a 21% VAT, social security contributions for employees, and municipal taxes for property owners. Foreign investors benefit from Lithuania’s double taxation treaties with over 55 countries, ensuring that income is not taxed twice.

Compliance obligations include annual financial reporting, tax filings, and payroll management. The company must demonstrate genuine activity – such as transactions, employees, or contracts – to maintain residency eligibility.

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After maintaining continuous temporary residency for five years, investors can apply for permanent residence in Lithuania. This status grants long-term residence rights, the ability to work freely, and unrestricted movement within the Schengen Zone.

Permanent residents enjoy nearly the same rights as Lithuanian citizens, including social benefits, healthcare, and access to public services. After an additional five years of permanent residency – or sooner in certain cases – individuals may become eligible to apply for Lithuanian citizenship.

Applicants for citizenship must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Lithuanian language and pass a test on the Constitution and national history. Lithuania allows dual citizenship in limited cases, depending on the applicant’s origin and circumstances.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

The most common difficulties foreign investors encounter during the residency process involve documentation, compliance, and ongoing business obligations. Incomplete applications or missing translations often lead to delays. 

Some investors underestimate the need to maintain active business operations, which can result in non-renewal of their permits.

Language barriers and unfamiliarity with local procedures also pose challenges. For example, contracts and tax documents must often be submitted in Lithuanian and certified by local authorities.

Lawhill helps clients overcome these issues by offering bilingual communication, full document verification, and representation before the Migration Department. Our team ensures that each step is properly managed – from initial incorporation to final approval – minimizing the risk of rejection or legal complications.

How Lawhill Can Help You Obtain a Residence Permit by Investment

Lawhill is a leading Lithuanian legal firm specializing in company formation, immigration law, and corporate compliance. With more than 10 years of experience, we have successfully guided hundreds of international entrepreneurs and investors through Lithuania’s business and residency processes.

Lawhill’s services include:

• Registering new companies (UAB, MB, or branch office)
• Providing ready-made companies with active status and bank accounts
• Structuring investments to meet residency and immigration requirements
• Preparing and filing complete residence permit applications
• Handling tax registration, annual reports, and accounting compliance
• Offering remote and digital legal services for international clients

The firm operates with precision, professionalism, and transparency, ensuring clients can focus on their investments while Lawhill manages the legal framework.