Launching a startup in Europe has never been easier. Through the Lithuania Startup Visa, foreign entrepreneurs can relocate, register a company, and access the EU market under a clear, streamlined process.
With strong government support, modern infrastructure, and an active community of innovators, Lithuania is emerging as one of Europe’s most promising startup destinations. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know before applying.
Why Lithuania Is an Emerging Startup Destination
Lithuania’s startup landscape has grown rapidly in the last decade, positioning the country as a leader in innovation and digital entrepreneurship. It is home to more than 1,000 startups, supported by a young, highly educated workforce and a government committed to fostering technological advancement.
The country’s startup ecosystem is particularly strong in fintech, artificial intelligence, biotech, and cybersecurity. Lithuania is also a leading European center for financial technology, hosting several licensed electronic money and payment institutions.
Entrepreneurs benefit from Lithuania’s strategic location, competitive tax rates, and access to the European Union’s single market. Combined with efficient digital infrastructure and supportive migration policies, it is one of the most startup-friendly destinations in Europe.
What Is the Lithuania Startup Visa?
The Startup Visa is a Lithuanian government initiative designed to help non-EU entrepreneurs launch and grow innovative businesses in Lithuania. It allows founders and their families to reside and work in the country while building their company.
The program is managed by Startup Lithuania, in cooperation with Invest Lithuania, and provides an alternative route to traditional work permits or investor visas. It is particularly suitable for technology-driven projects that show potential for international growth.
Once approved, successful applicants receive an endorsement to apply for a temporary residence permit. This permit is usually valid for one year and can be extended as the business develops.
Lithuania Startup Visa Requirements (2026)
To qualify for the Lithuania Startup Visa, applicants must demonstrate that their business idea contributes to Lithuania’s innovation economy and has potential for international expansion.
The main eligibility criteria include:
- The applicant must be a non-EU citizen who intends to establish a business in Lithuania.
- The business concept must be innovative, technology-based, and scalable.
- The applicant must play an active managerial role in the company’s operations.
- The startup must have a business plan or prototype that outlines its development strategy, financial projections, and market analysis.
- Founders must prove they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their company during the early stages.
Applicants are also required to submit a clean criminal record, valid travel documents, and proof of professional qualifications.
The business idea must pass a startup evaluation process conducted by Startup Lithuania, which assesses the degree of innovation and market viability. Once the business is approved, the entrepreneur can proceed with company formation and apply for a residence permit.
For smoother preparation, Lawhill assists with compiling and translating documents, structuring the business plan in line with official requirements, and ensuring the application meets all current 2026 standards.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for the Lithuania Startup Visa
The Startup Visa application involves several stages designed to evaluate both the entrepreneur and the proposed business.
Step 1: Prepare a Clear Business Concept
Applicants must define their startup idea, focusing on its innovation, competitive advantage, and scalability. Supporting materials such as a prototype, MVP, or technical outline strengthen the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Application for Evaluation
Applications are submitted digitally through the official Startup Lithuania platform. The evaluation committee, composed of experts in innovation and entrepreneurship, reviews the project within approximately 15 to 30 days.
Step 3: Obtain the Endorsement Letter
If approved, the entrepreneur receives an official endorsement confirming eligibility for the startup visa. This endorsement is valid for six months, allowing time to register the company and begin the migration process.
Step 4: Register a Company in Lithuania
After receiving endorsement, the founder must register a Lithuanian legal entity, typically a Private Limited Liability Company (UAB). Registration can be completed remotely.
Step 5: Apply for a Residence Permit
Using the endorsement and company registration documents, the applicant can apply for a temporary residence permit at the Lithuanian Migration Department or a Lithuanian embassy. The permit usually takes one to two months to process.
Step 6: Relocate and Begin Operations
Once the residence permit is approved, the entrepreneur can relocate to Lithuania, open a bank account, hire employees, and start the company’s activities.
Benefits of the Lithuania Startup Visa
The program offers numerous advantages that make Lithuania one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs:
- Fast and transparent application procedure.
- Residence rights for the founder and immediate family members.
- Access to the European Union and Schengen Area.
- Participation in Lithuania’s growing startup ecosystem.
- Availability of government-backed grants and accelerator programs.
- Opportunity to extend or convert the permit into long-term residence.
The Lithuania Startup Ecosystem: Support and Opportunities
Lithuania has developed one of the most advanced startup support networks in Central and Eastern Europe.
The Startup Lithuania platform acts as a central hub that connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and incubators. It regularly organizes events, pitch sessions, and networking opportunities for both local and international founders.
Invest Lithuania provides strategic assistance for business relocation and expansion. It helps startups identify office spaces, connect with venture capital firms, and navigate regulatory matters.
The ecosystem is further strengthened by leading innovation centers such as Vilnius Tech Park, Kaunas Science and Technology Park, and Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park. These hubs provide coworking spaces, R&D facilities, and accelerator programs for early-stage startups.
With growing investor interest and a strong pool of multilingual professionals, Lithuania offers an ideal environment for scaling technology-driven businesses.
Through its corporate and immigration expertise, Lawhill ensures entrepreneurs integrate efficiently into this ecosystem, avoiding legal or procedural delays that often affect new founders.
Setting Up a Company for the Startup Visa
Establishing a company is a mandatory step for the Startup Visa Lithuania program. The most suitable legal form is the Private Limited Liability Company (UAB), which combines flexibility with limited liability protection.
The main features of a UAB include:
- Minimum share capital of €1,000, which may be contributed after incorporation.
- A minimum of one shareholder and one director, both of whom can be foreign citizens.
- Legal address in Lithuania, required for company registration.
- Accounting and annual reporting obligations to the Register Centre.
Other structures such as Small Partnership (MB) or Individual Enterprise (IĮ) are available, but most startup founders prefer a UAB due to its compatibility with investment and visa regulations.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
While Lithuania’s startup visa framework is efficient, foreign founders occasionally face difficulties during the application or operational stages. Common issues include:
- Incomplete or unclear business plans, which fail to demonstrate innovation or market potential.
- Delays in company registration due to incorrect documentation or translation errors.
- Difficulties with bank account approval, particularly for non-EU citizens without local credit history.
- Misunderstanding local tax and accounting rules, leading to compliance risks.
- Visa extension complications when founders miss reporting deadlines or fail to meet activity requirements.
These challenges can delay the startup launch or lead to rejected applications. Lawhill’s guidance helps prevent such issues through proactive document verification, legal representation before Lithuanian authorities, and coordination with financial institutions.
Their in-depth knowledge of startup regulations ensures that each stage of the visa and business setup process proceeds without setbacks.
Taxes and Legal Obligations for Startup Founders
Lithuania offers one of the most competitive tax systems in Europe.
In 2026 the standard corporate income tax rate is 17%, and small enterprises may qualify for a 7% rate if they employ fewer than 10 people and their annual income is below €300,000.
Startups must also consider VAT obligations, personal income tax, and social contributions.
Lithuania Startup Visa vs. Other EU Programs
Before deciding where to establish your company, it is important to understand how Lithuania’s startup visa compares to similar initiatives in other European countries.
The following comparison highlights the main advantages of Lithuania’s program in terms of flexibility, cost, and accessibility.
| Feature | Lithuania | Estonia | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Processing Time | 1–2 months | 2–3 months | 3–4 months | 3–6 months |
| Minimum Capital | Flexible | €65,000 | €250,000 | €30,000 |
| Ecosystem Focus | Fintech, AI, DeepTech | IT, e-Gov | Tech, Tourism | AI, Research |
| Language | English-friendly | English | Portuguese | French |
| Access to EU Market | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lithuania stands out for its efficient processing times, low entry barriers, and English-friendly environment, making it a preferred destination for global entrepreneurs seeking EU access.
Conclusion
The Lithuania Startup Visa 2026 provides one of the most accessible and entrepreneur-friendly pathways to the European Union for non-EU founders.
Lithuania’s strong innovation culture, simplified company registration, and government-backed support system make it an ideal launchpad for global startups.
Partnering with experienced professionals such as Lawhill allows entrepreneurs to confidently navigate legal, tax, and corporate procedures while focusing on business growth.
With expert guidance and a welcoming ecosystem, Lithuania stands as a powerful gateway for innovators ready to take their ideas to the European stage.
