Lithuania has quietly become one of the most attractive countries in the European Union for entrepreneurs and investors looking to acquire an existing business.
A stable legal system, competitive tax environment, strong fintech and technology ecosystem, and full access to the EU single market make Lithuania a practical choice for both local and international buyers. As a result, demand for a business for sale in Lithuania continues to grow, especially among foreign investors who want speed, certainty, and legal clarity.
Buying an existing company can offer significant advantages over starting from zero. However, the Lithuanian market has its own legal, tax, and compliance specifics that must be understood before moving forward.
Why Buy a Business in Lithuania Instead of Starting From Scratch
Buying an existing business in Lithuania offers several strategic advantages.
The most obvious benefit is speed. A purchased company already exists in the Register of Legal Entities, often with a legal address, tax registrations, and corporate history in place. This allows the buyer to start operating immediately after ownership transfer.
An existing company can also reduce administrative friction. New incorporations require time for registration, VAT approval, bank account opening, and sometimes licensing. Acquiring a ready-made or operational company avoids many early-stage delays.
From a commercial perspective, an operational business may come with contracts, employees, supplier relationships, or market recognition. Even dormant companies can provide credibility when dealing with banks, payment providers, or international partners.
Finally, buying a company allows investors to select a structure that fits their strategy, rather than adapting plans to a newly formed entity. This flexibility is especially important for foreign buyers entering the Lithuanian or EU market.
Types of Businesses for Sale in Lithuania
Ready-Made Companies (Shelf Companies)
Ready-made companies, sometimes referred to as shelf companies, are among the most popular options in Lithuania. These entities are incorporated in advance and kept dormant until sold.
They typically have no operational history, no debts, and clean accounting records. Buyers often choose them for speed, simplicity, and lower risk. A ready-made company is ideal for:
- Trading
- Consulting
- Holding
- SaaS
- Fintech
- International business activities
Most ready-made companies are structured as UABs, Lithuania’s private limited liability company, though MB and other forms can also be available.
Operating Businesses
Operating businesses for sale in Lithuania range from small service companies to established SMEs. These companies may have employees, revenue streams, customer contracts, and physical or intellectual assets.
Such acquisitions offer higher potential returns but require deeper legal and financial due diligence. Buyers must assess tax compliance, employment obligations, contract enforceability, and commercial sustainability before proceeding.
Operating businesses are often found in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, IT services, retail, hospitality, and professional services.
Asset Deal vs Share Deal
Business acquisitions in Lithuania generally take one of two legal forms.
A share deal involves purchasing the shares of the existing company, meaning the buyer assumes ownership of the entire legal entity, including its history and liabilities. This is the most common structure for buying a company for sale in Lithuania.
An asset deal involves purchasing specific assets rather than the company itself. While this can reduce exposure to historical liabilities, it is more complex from a tax and contractual standpoint and less common for small and mid-sized transactions.
The table below highlights the key legal, tax, and practical differences between these two approaches.
| Criteria | Share Deal | Asset Deal |
|---|---|---|
| What is purchased | Shares of the company | Specific assets only |
| Legal entity | Continues unchanged | New or existing buyer entity |
| Historical liabilities | Transferred to buyer | Usually excluded |
| VAT implications | Typically no VAT | VAT may apply |
| Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Popularity in Lithuania | Very common | Less common |
Most Popular Locations to Buy a Business
Business for Sale in Vilnius
Vilnius is the economic and administrative center of Lithuania and the most popular location for business acquisitions. Companies registered in Vilnius often benefit from better access to talent, financial institutions, and international partners.
The city is especially attractive for technology, fintech, consulting, trading, and holding companies. A Vilnius legal address can also simplify dealings with banks and regulators.
As a result, listings for business for sale in Vilnius tend to attract higher demand and command premium pricing compared to other regions.
Other Key Cities in Lithuania
While Vilnius dominates the Lithuanian business landscape, several other cities offer attractive opportunities for investors looking to acquire a business outside the capital.
Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is widely recognized as a major industrial and logistics hub. Its central geographic location, strong transport infrastructure, and proximity to key European supply routes make it particularly appealing for manufacturing, warehousing, engineering, and export-oriented businesses.
Companies registered in Kaunas often benefit from lower operating and acquisition costs compared to Vilnius, while still enjoying access to a skilled workforce supported by multiple universities and technical institutions.
Klaipėda stands out as Lithuania’s primary maritime and logistics center, home to the country’s only seaport. Businesses connected to shipping, freight forwarding, import–export operations, and port-related services are especially common in this region.
Acquiring a company in KlaipÄ—da can be strategically advantageous for investors involved in international trade or logistics, as existing businesses often have established relationships with port authorities, customs brokers, and international carriers. These operational linkages can be difficult and time-consuming to build from scratch.
Beyond the major cities, regional centers such as Ĺ iauliai and PanevÄ—Ĺľys present opportunities for investors seeking stable, locally focused businesses. These regions are often characterized by service providers, light manufacturing, and retail companies with consistent domestic demand.
While such businesses may not offer the same international visibility as those in Vilnius, they frequently come with lower acquisition prices, reduced competition, and loyal customer bases.
For buyers with a long-term operational strategy, regional businesses can provide reliable returns with manageable risk, particularly when supported by proper legal and financial due diligence.
Where to Find Businesses for Sale in Lithuania
Online Business Marketplaces
Public online marketplaces list a variety of companies for sale in Lithuania. These platforms can be useful for market research and initial screening.
However, listings often lack detailed legal and financial verification. Company histories may be incomplete, outdated, or selectively presented. Buyers relying solely on online listings face higher risks without independent due diligence.
Business Brokers and Intermediaries
Business brokers operate in Lithuania, connecting buyers and sellers and facilitating negotiations. While brokers can provide access to off-market opportunities, they usually focus on commercial terms rather than legal risk.
Brokers typically do not assume responsibility for legal compliance, tax exposure, or post-transaction issues. Buyers must engage independent legal advisors to protect their interests.
Buying Through a Legal Firm
Purchasing a company through a legal firm offers a more secure approach. Legal-led transactions prioritize due diligence, compliant documentation, and risk mitigation from the outset.
Lawhill structures business acquisitions with a strong focus on clean corporate history, verified ownership, and regulatory compliance. This approach reduces unpleasant surprises after completion and provides buyers with long-term legal stability rather than a simple ownership transfer.
Company Types You Can Buy in Lithuania
The most common company types available for purchase include:
- UAB (Private Limited Liability Company): The most popular structure for commercial activity. UABs offer limited liability, flexible shareholding, and strong credibility with banks and partners.
- MB (Small Partnership): A simpler structure often used for small businesses and professional services. MBs offer flexibility but are less suitable for larger operations.
- IÄ® (Individual Enterprise): Used in limited cases, mainly for sole proprietorship-style activities. Liability considerations make this form less attractive for most investors.
Branch offices and non-profit entities may also be available in specific circumstances, depending on the buyer’s objectives.
Legal Due Diligence When Buying a Company in Lithuania
Legal due diligence is one of the most important stages of any business acquisition. It involves a systematic review of the company’s legal standing and compliance history.
Key areas include:
- Corporate documents
- Shareholder structure
- Management authority
- Registration data
Tax compliance must be verified, including corporate income tax, VAT, payroll taxes, and social security obligations.
Contracts with customers, suppliers, and employees require careful examination. Licenses and permits must be valid and transferable. Any pending disputes, liens, or enforcement actions must be identified before completion.
Skipping or minimizing due diligence exposes buyers to hidden liabilities that can outweigh the value of the acquisition.
Step-by-Step Process to Buy a Company in Lithuania
The acquisition process typically follows several structured steps.
Step 1: Company Selection
Identify a suitable ready-made or operating company based on business goals and risk tolerance.
Step 2: Preliminary Review
Review basic corporate data, registration details, and financial overview.
Step 3: Legal and Tax Due Diligence
Conduct a full legal review to identify risks and confirm compliance.
Step 4: Transaction Structuring
Decide between share or asset deal and define warranties and liabilities.
Step 5: Signing and Notarization
Execute the transaction before a Lithuanian notary.
Step 6: Registration Updates
Update the Register of Legal Entities, banks, and tax authorities.
Step 7: Post-Acquisition Changes
Appoint new directors, change address, update articles, or restructure capital if needed.
Costs and Taxes When Buying a Business in Lithuania
The cost of buying a business in Lithuania includes more than the purchase price.
Legal fees, notary fees, and registry charges apply to most transactions. The complexity of the deal influences total advisory costs, especially when due diligence is extensive.
Tax implications depend on transaction structure. Share deals typically do not trigger VAT, while asset deals may involve VAT and additional tax considerations.
After acquisition, the buyer assumes responsibility for ongoing corporate taxes, accounting, and compliance obligations.
The table below provides an overview of the most common costs and tax considerations involved when buying a business in Lithuania.
| Cost Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company purchase price | Varies | Depends on company type |
| Legal fees | €1,000–€5,000+ | Based on complexity |
| Notary & registry fees | €100–€500 | Mandatory |
| VAT | Usually not applicable | Share deals |
| Ongoing corporate tax | 17% | Standard CIT rate |
Can Foreigners Buy a Business in Lithuania?
Lithuania is one of the more accessible jurisdictions in the European Union for foreign investors, as it allows full foreign ownership of companies with no general restrictions based on nationality.
Both EU and non-EU individuals and legal entities can acquire 100% of the shares in a Lithuanian company, including ready-made companies and operating businesses. There is no requirement to have a Lithuanian citizen or resident as a shareholder, which makes the country particularly attractive for international entrepreneurs and holding structures.
Foreign buyers can complete the entire acquisition process remotely. Share purchase agreements, notarial actions, and registry filings can be handled through a power of attorney, allowing investors to buy a company in Lithuania without traveling to the country.
This is especially relevant for non-EU investors who want to establish an EU presence efficiently while minimizing relocation or administrative burdens. Banking and payment service onboarding may still involve enhanced compliance checks, but these are procedural rather than legal barriers.
From a regulatory perspective, foreigners are subject to the same corporate, tax, and reporting obligations as local owners. After acquiring a company, the new owner must ensure proper accounting, timely tax filings, and compliance with Lithuanian corporate governance rules.
In certain sectors such as financial services, crypto-related activities, or regulated professions, additional licensing or substance requirements may apply regardless of the owner’s nationality. These requirements focus on business activity rather than ownership and can usually be addressed through proper structuring.
Tax residency and substance considerations are particularly important for foreign owners. While ownership itself does not create Lithuanian tax residency, management location, decision-making authority, and operational substance may affect how the company is treated for tax purposes in Lithuania and abroad. Proper planning helps avoid double taxation issues and ensures alignment with international tax standards.
For these reasons, many foreign investors choose to work with a local legal firm such as Lawhill, which assists with structuring the acquisition, handling remote transactions, coordinating with banks and authorities, and ensuring ongoing compliance.Â
With the right legal and tax support, buying a business in Lithuania as a foreigner is a straightforward and legally secure process that offers direct access to the EU market.
Common Risks When Buying a Business for Sale
Buying a business in Lithuania can be highly rewarding, but without proper legal and financial review, investors may face risks that can significantly affect the value and viability of the acquisition.
- Hidden tax liabilities
- Dormant companies with missed filings
- Invalid or non-transferable licenses
- Undisclosed debts
- Poorly drafted contracts
- Lack of banking continuity
Why Work With Lawhill When Buying a Business in Lithuania
Buying a business in Lithuania is a legal transaction with long-term consequences, not a simple administrative step. Professional legal support ensures that the acquisition supports the buyer’s goals rather than creating hidden problems.
Lawhill has more than 13 years of experience in Lithuanian company formation, corporate restructuring, and ready-made company sales. The firm works with local entrepreneurs and international investors, providing end-to-end legal support from initial selection to post-purchase compliance.
Unlike brokers, Lawhill approaches business acquisitions from a legal and risk-management perspective. Each transaction is structured to ensure clean ownership transfer, verified compliance, and long-term operational stability.
For investors who want to buy a company in Lithuania with confidence, legal clarity, and full regulatory compliance, working with an experienced Lithuanian law firm makes a measurable difference.
