Online company registration in Lithuania lets a foreign founder establish an EU company without handling every filing in person. A Lithuanian UAB can be fully foreign-owned, requires at least €1,000 in share capital and may be incorporated through the Centre of Registers self-service system or an authorised local representative.
The registry stage can take only a few business days once the file is complete. Most delays happen earlier, while the founder arranges a legal address, accepted signatures, foreign document authentication and an accumulation account for the share capital.
Registration also starts a new set of duties. The company needs accounting, banking, tax access, beneficial-owner reporting and any licence required for its activity before it is ready to trade.
Can a foreigner register a company in Lithuania?
Yes. A Lithuanian UAB may have a foreign individual or foreign legal entity as a shareholder. Under the Lithuanian Law on Companies, a shareholder may be a natural or legal person, while the Centre of Registers provides a registration route for a UAB established by a single foreign founder.
Lithuanian citizenship is not generally required to own shares in a UAB. The company must still be entered in the Lithuanian Register of Legal Entities, maintain a registered office in Lithuania, and comply with local corporate, accounting, and tax rules.
Foreign founders comparing entity types, tax treatment, and setup requirements can review these points in more detail when starting a business in Lithuania.
Company ownership and immigration status are handled separately. Registering or acquiring shares in a Lithuanian company does not by itself give a non-EU citizen the right to live or work in Lithuania. Residence eligibility depends on the relevant visa or temporary residence permit route.
After registration, the company can enter contracts, employ staff, apply for VAT registration, and conduct business across the EU, subject to tax, licensing, sanctions, and sector-specific requirements.
What does online registration mean in Lithuania?
Online registration can mean direct electronic incorporation or remote incorporation through a representative. The correct route depends on the founder’s accepted electronic signature, country of residence, ownership structure and planned company documents.
The incorporation application goes to the Register of Legal Entities through the Centre of Registers. JANGIS is a separate system used to report beneficial-owner information after the company has been established.
Direct electronic incorporation
A UAB can be established through the Centre of Registers self-service portal when the founders can authenticate themselves and sign with an accepted qualified electronic signature.
This route is best suited to a standard company with cash share contributions, system-generated documents and electronic consent from the registered-address owner. A company with several share classes, investor rights or unusual governance terms may need custom documents and notarial review.
Registration through a representative
A founder who cannot use the portal directly may authorise a Lithuanian representative to complete the formation.
The power of attorney and supporting foreign records may require notarisation, an apostille, consular legalisation or a certified Lithuanian translation. The required form depends on the issuing country and applicable treaty rules.
The authority should cover the actual steps the representative will perform, such as signing formation documents, arranging the registered office, dealing with an accumulation account and submitting the registry application.
Lithuanian e-residency
Lithuania has an e-resident scheme. An approved foreign applicant receives an electronic identification and signature card for Lithuanian electronic services.
The Migration Department states that the card contains a qualified electronic signature certificate. As of March 2026, the state fee is €90. An €80 service-provider charge also applies when an application is handled through one of the listed external service points abroad.
E-residency can make electronic administration easier. It does not create immigration or tax residence and does not remove the requirements for a Lithuanian address, capital, accounting and tax compliance.
Which company type should a foreign founder choose?
The UAB is the usual choice for foreign founders who want limited liability, corporate shareholders or outside investment. An MB may suit a smaller owner-managed business, while a branch is used when an existing foreign company wants to operate directly in Lithuania.
| Legal form | Minimum capital | Ownership | Liability | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAB | €1,000 | Individuals and legal entities | Limited | Startups and operating companies |
| MB | No statutory minimum | Natural persons | Limited | Small owner-managed businesses |
| IĮ | No statutory minimum | 1 natural person | Unlimited | Small sole-owner activity |
| Branch | No separate statutory capital | Foreign parent company | Parent remains liable | Expansion by an existing company |
UAB private limited company
A UAB, or uždaroji akcinė bendrovė, is a private limited liability company. Its capital is divided into shares, and shareholders are generally liable only for obligations attached to unpaid contributions.
The Centre of Registers’ official formation guide confirms that the initial contribution must total at least €1,000 and must be paid in cash before registration. A UAB can have 1 or more individual or corporate shareholders.
his structure is commonly used by businesses that expect to work internationally, add investors, hire employees or apply for regulated permissions. Its share-based ownership model and management structure are also important considerations when deciding whether a UAB in Lithuania is the right fit for the business.
MB small partnership
An MB, or mažoji bendrija, is a limited-liability legal entity with no statutory minimum capital. Its members must be natural persons.
It can fit a small consulting or family business, especially where the owners prefer a simpler member-based structure.
The rules on membership, management and payments differ from those of a UAB, so founders comparing these structures should understand how an MB in Lithuania works before choosing the entity type.
Individual enterprise and branch
An IĮ is owned by 1 natural person and has unlimited civil liability, so the owner’s personal assets may be exposed to business debts.
A branch is part of its foreign parent rather than a separate legal entity. The parent remains liable for its obligations. Extra representation requirements can apply when the parent is formed outside the European Economic Area.
Documents required to register a UAB
A standard UAB formation requires founding documents, articles of association, registered-office consent, a manager appointment, capital evidence and shareholder information. Foreign founders may also need authenticated corporate records, translations and a power of attorney.
1. Company name
The proposed name must follow Lithuanian naming rules and remain distinguishable from existing legal entities and protected trademarks. It must include “uždaroji akcinė bendrovė” or “UAB.”
A founder may apply for temporary inclusion of the name in the register while the remaining file is prepared.
2. Founding act or agreement
A single founder signs a founding act. Several founders sign a founding agreement.
The document records the founders, subscribed shares, payment terms, registered office, proposed manager and authority to complete the registration. A corporate founder may also need an internal resolution approving the investment.
3. Articles of association
The articles set out the company name, objectives, capital, share rights, management bodies and decision-making rules.
Standard articles can suit a simple single-founder UAB. Custom drafting is more appropriate where there are several shareholders, investor consent rights or transfer restrictions.
4. Lithuanian registered office
Every Lithuanian company needs a registered office address in Lithuania. If the premises belong to another person, the owner must consent to the registration.
The address appears in official records and receives state correspondence, so the company needs reliable access to notices delivered there.
5. Share capital evidence
At least €1,000 is normally paid into an accumulation account opened for the company under formation. After registration, the funds belong to the company and can be used for lawful business expenses.
6. Manager and founder documents
The formation file includes the manager’s appointment and identification details.
A foreign corporate shareholder may also need a recent registry extract, constitutional documents, proof of the authorised signatory, ownership information and certified Lithuanian translations. Apostille or legalisation requirements depend on the country of issue.
Banks and other financial institutions often request a wider KYC file, including proof of address, source-of-funds evidence and a clear business description.
How to register a company in Lithuania online
Online company registration in Lithuania follows 7 practical stages. The founder chooses the legal form, checks licensing, arranges the name and address, prepares the documents, pays the capital and submits the application. Banking, tax and ownership filings follow registration.
Step 1: Confirm the structure and activity
Choose the legal form based on ownership, funding, management and expected risk.
Check whether the planned activity needs a licence. Financial services, crypto-asset services, transport, healthcare and other regulated sectors can require separate approval.
Step 2: Check the name and arrange the address
Search the Register of Legal Entities and relevant trademark databases before reserving the name.
Obtain consent for a Lithuanian registered office at the same time. An address problem discovered near submission can hold up the full application.
Step 3: Prepare the formation documents
Prepare the founding act or agreement, articles of association, manager appointment and any corporate shareholder resolutions.
Names, passport details, addresses, share numbers and capital figures must match across the file.
Step 4: Open the accumulation account
Use the formation documents to apply for an accumulation account with a financial institution that provides this service.
The provider may ask about the business model, operating countries, expected turnover, customers, source of capital and ultimate owners. Deposit the subscribed capital and obtain confirmation.
Step 5: Sign and authenticate
Founders using the electronic route sign with an accepted qualified electronic signature.
Under a representative-led route, the power of attorney and foreign records must be authenticated in the required form. A Lithuanian notary may verify the documents where the standard electronic process is unavailable or unsuitable.
Step 6: Submit the registry application
The application is filed with the Register of Legal Entities through the Centre of Registers.
The current official UAB e-guide lists a €30.83 registration fee. The registry checks the name, address, founding documents, capital information, manager appointment and required consents.
A compliant electronic application can be completed within a few business days. Foreign authentication, translations and account preparation usually determine the full timeline.
Step 7: Complete the operating setup
After registration, arrange the permanent account, accounting, tax access, VAT review, payroll registrations, JADIS shareholder information, JANGIS beneficial-owner data and any sector licence.
Foreign founders often find that the legal setup is only one part of the process. Banking, beneficial-owner reporting, VAT registration and tax structuring can all affect how quickly the company becomes operational. Lawhill assists international entrepreneurs throughout the entire incorporation process, from selecting the appropriate structure to completing post-registration compliance requirements.
How long does registration take?
A standard electronic UAB can be registered within several business days after a complete application is accepted. A foreign-founder case commonly takes 1 to 3 weeks from instruction to registration because address consent, signatures, banking preparation and foreign authentication happen before submission.
| Stage | Typical planning period |
|---|---|
| Structure and activity review | 1 to 2 days |
| Name and legal address | 1 to 3 days |
| Drafting formation documents | 2 to 5 days |
| Authentication and translation | 3 to 15 business days |
| Capital account and payment | 2 to 10 business days |
| Registry review | A few business days |
These are planning estimates. Bank review, consular legalisation and corrections can extend them.
Founders comparing jurisdictions can review current company formation costs in Europe before deciding whether Lithuania fits their budget and operating plan.
How much does registration cost?
The statutory UAB capital is €1,000, and the Centre of Registers currently lists a €30.83 registration fee. Other expenses depend on the formation route, number of founders, home country, legal address and translation needs.
| Cost item | Planning treatment |
|---|---|
| UAB share capital | Minimum €1,000 |
| Centre of Registers fee | €30.83 under the current UAB e-guide |
| Name reservation | Separate charge may apply |
| Legal address | Annual fee where rented |
| Notary or power of attorney | Country dependent |
| Apostille or legalisation | Country dependent |
| Certified translation | Based on language and length |
| Professional assistance | Based on scope |
| Bank or EMI onboarding | Provider-specific |
A foreign founder may reserve €1,500 to €3,000 for a relatively simple setup including capital and professional support. Corporate shareholders, regulated activities and records from non-apostille countries can raise the total.
The capital remains company money after incorporation and can fund lawful operating expenses.
What must be completed after registration?
A new UAB needs an operating account, accounting records, tax review, shareholder data and beneficial-owner reporting. Planning these tasks during formation helps the company invoice and receive funds sooner.
Operating account and KYC
Registration does not guarantee account approval. A bank or electronic money institution will assess the company’s activity, transaction countries, expected payments, customers, owners, source of capital and links to Lithuania.
A ready-made company’s former account should not be treated as transferable. A change of shareholder or beneficial owner triggers fresh KYC, and the provider may restrict or close the account.
Accounting
Lithuanian companies must keep accounting records and prepare annual financial statements. The accountant should receive bank statements, invoices, contracts, payroll information and expense documents from the first transaction.
VAT registration
Lithuania’s standard VAT rate is 21%.
According to the State Tax Inspectorate’s current VAT registration guidance, the €45,000 domestic threshold is measured using taxable Lithuanian turnover in the current or preceding calendar year. Separate triggers can arise from EU goods purchases, services bought from foreign suppliers and services supplied to customers in other EU member states.
A company can therefore need VAT registration before reaching €45,000 in domestic sales. Voluntary registration may also be possible where genuine planned activity can be shown.
Businesses dealing with cross-border transactions should also understand how the Lithuania VAT rate, VIES registration and EU VAT rules apply to their specific activity.
Sodra, JADIS and JANGIS
A company hiring employees must complete the required Sodra notification before work begins and calculate payroll taxes and social insurance.
JADIS holds information on shareholders and other legal-entity participants. JANGIS is its beneficial-owner subsystem. A UAB must keep both sets of information current after ownership or control changes.
Licences and ongoing compliance
Incorporation does not replace a sector licence. A regulated company may need approval from the Bank of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration, a healthcare regulator or another authority.
The company should also review data protection, employment law, consumer rules, AML duties and cross-border reporting.
Corporate tax in Lithuania in 2026
Lithuanian companies pay corporate income tax on taxable profit rather than turnover.
| Tax treatment | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Standard corporate income tax | 17% |
| Qualifying small-company rate | 7% |
| Qualifying newly registered small company | 0% for the first 2 taxable periods |
The State Tax Inspectorate confirms that the 7% rate may apply to qualifying small entities whose tax-period income does not exceed €300,000. Other statutory conditions can affect eligibility.
The 0% period for a qualifying newly registered small entity was extended to 2 taxable periods from 2026. A company should confirm every condition before applying either reduced rate.
Salary, dividends, manager remuneration and related-party transactions follow separate tax rules. A foreign shareholder’s home country may also tax distributions or apply controlled foreign company rules.
Common mistakes in remote formation
Most delays come from document and sequencing problems rather than the registry review itself.
Confusing JANGIS with incorporation
The UAB is incorporated in the Register of Legal Entities through the Centre of Registers. JANGIS is used for beneficial-owner information.
Assuming every e-signature is accepted
A scanned signature or ordinary signing platform may not satisfy the portal’s authentication requirements. Confirm the accepted method before choosing direct electronic registration.
Using a narrow power of attorney
The representative needs authority for every step they will perform. Missing authority for signing, notarisation, banking or registry submission can force the founder to issue a replacement document.
Preparing only the registry documents
Banks request a wider KYC file. Source-of-funds evidence, proof of address, customer information and a specific business plan should be prepared early.
Treating registration as bank approval
A registry extract proves that the company exists. It does not require a bank or EMI to accept the business.
Relying on outdated figures
Older articles may show €2,500 as the UAB capital, 16% as the standard corporate tax rate or 6% as the small-company rate.
For 2026, the initial UAB contribution is €1,000, the standard corporate rate is 17% and the qualifying small-company rate is 7%.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner register a company in Lithuania?
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can own a Lithuanian UAB. A Lithuanian co-founder is not normally required. The company must have a registered office in Lithuania and follow Lithuanian law.
Can I register without visiting Lithuania?
A founder with an accepted qualified electronic signature may use the electronic route. Another option is remote formation through a Lithuanian representative under an authenticated power of attorney.
Does Lithuania have e-residency?
Yes. Lithuania issues an e-resident card containing electronic identification and a qualified electronic signature certificate. It does not create tax residence or a right to live in Lithuania.
What is the minimum capital for a UAB?
The minimum initial contribution is €1,000. It is normally paid into an accumulation account before registration and belongs to the company after incorporation.
How long does registration take?
A compliant electronic application may be processed within a few business days. A foreign-founder setup commonly takes 1 to 3 weeks once document preparation, authentication and banking work are included.
How much is the registry fee?
The official UAB formation e-guide currently lists a €30.83 registration fee. Name reservation, notary work, translations, address services and professional assistance are separate.
Do I need a Lithuanian address?
Yes. Every Lithuanian company needs a registered office address in Lithuania. The property owner must consent to registration at that address.
Is JANGIS used to register the company?
No. The company is incorporated through the Register of Legal Entities. JANGIS is used to report its ultimate beneficial owners.
What taxes does a Lithuanian company pay?
The standard corporate income tax rate is 17% in 2026. A 7% rate and a temporary 0% rate may apply to qualifying small companies. The standard VAT rate is 21%, with a €45,000 domestic threshold and separate cross-border triggers.
Does opening a company grant residency?
No. Company ownership and residence rights are separate. A non-EU founder must qualify under the applicable immigration rules.
Conclusion
Online company registration in Lithuania can be completed within days once the address, capital, signatures and formation documents are ready. Foreign authentication and financial-institution checks often account for more of the schedule than the registry review.
Planning the operating account, accounting, VAT position and ownership filings before submission helps the company begin trading without a second round of preventable administrative work.
Contact Lawhill to discuss the most suitable incorporation route and receive assistance with company formation, tax structuring, banking preparation and ongoing compliance in Lithuania.
