Lithuania

Lithuania Residency by Investment Overview

Lithuania’s investor residency program is one of Europe’s most affordable active-investment residency pathways, offering non-EU nationals the right to live and operate a business in an EU and Schengen member state from as little as €14,000 (approx. US$16,240). 

The program operates under three business pathways: establishing a new company, acquiring an existing Lithuanian business, or opening a Lithuanian branch of a foreign company.

A spouse and dependent children under 18 may be included. Financially dependent adult children and parents who have been supported by the applicant for at least one year may also qualify.

Eligibility Requirements

Regardless of the investment route chosen, all applicants must hold a minimum 33% ownership stake in the company, the business must have been operational for at least 6 months before a temporary residency permit (TRP) application is submitted, and the company must employ at least two full-time Lithuanian or EU citizens with a combined gross monthly salary of at least €4,500 (approx. US$5,220). 

3 pathways are currently available: 

Pathway 1: Establish a New Business

Suitable for applicants starting a new company in Lithuania from scratch.

• Minimum company capital: €28,000 (approx. US$32,480) for a sole investor; €14,000 (approx. US$16,240) per investor for two or three co-investors
• Investment funds must be deposited into the company’s Lithuanian bank account and used for genuine business operations such as equipment, rent, marketing, or software
• Applicant must first obtain a National Visa D valid for one year, during which the business must become fully operational
• After six months of active operations and hiring compliant staff, the applicant may apply for a TRP valid for two years, extendable by three years
• Total timeline to Permanent Residency: approximately six years

Pathway 2: Acquire an Existing Business

Suitable for applicants who prefer to purchase an already-operational Lithuanian company with existing employees and financial records.

• Same investment thresholds apply: €28,000 (approx. US$32,480) sole investor; €14,000 (approx. US$16,240) per investor for two or three co-investors
• No National Visa D required: applicants may apply directly for a TRP upon completing the acquisition
• The acquired company must already satisfy employment and salary requirements at the time of application
• Total timeline to Permanent Residency: approximately five years, making this the fastest standard pathway

Pathway 3: Open a Branch of an Existing Foreign Business

Suitable for entrepreneurs who own a company outside Lithuania and wish to expand operations into the EU through a Lithuanian branch.

• Same investment thresholds apply: €28,000 (approx. US$32,480) sole investor; €14,000 (approx. US$16,240) per investor for two or three co-investors
• Requires a National Visa D first, followed by a TRP, in the same sequence as Pathway 1
• The branch must conduct genuine business activity and meet all employment conditions
• Total timeline to Permanent Residency: approximately six years

Financial Requirements (All Pathways)

• Investment funds must be transferred to the Lithuanian company’s bank account and allocated to real operating costs
• Proof of personal living funds: €1,038 (approx. US$1,204) per month for 12 months, demonstrated by bank statement
• Health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
• Applicant must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid passport, have no criminal record, and demonstrate a legitimate source of income

Route to Citizenship

After holding a TRP for 5 consecutive years, holders become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. 

Citizenship by naturalization becomes available after 10 years of continuous legal residence. Both stages require proof of stable income, compliance with immigration regulations, and no serious criminal history.

To qualify for naturalization, applicants must demonstrate basic proficiency in the Lithuanian language, knowledge of the Lithuanian constitution and national anthem, and tax compliance throughout the residency period. 

Naturalization is granted by the President of the Republic on the recommendation of the Migration Department and is not automatic upon meeting formal criteria.

Lithuania permits dual nationality for individuals who obtain citizenship through the naturalization route following investment-based residency, a notable exception to Lithuania’s general policy that otherwise restricts dual nationality. 

Mobility and Tax Advantages

Mobility

The TRP grants holders the right to live, work, and study in Lithuania and to travel freely across all 27 Schengen Area member states without border checks, including EU countries and non-EU Schengen members such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. 

Holders may re-enter Lithuania multiple times and are not subject to a minimum annual stay requirement to maintain the TRP, though physical presence requirements apply when applying for Permanent Residency.

Upon naturalization, Lithuanian citizens currently have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries and territories, including all EU and EEA member states where Lithuanian citizens enjoy full free movement rights to live and work without a separate visa or permit. 

Notable destinations accessible without a prior visa for citizens include the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Australia. 

As an EU member state, Lithuania grants its citizens the right to consular protection from any EU member state embassy in countries where Lithuania has no diplomatic mission.

Tax

Lithuania applies a progressive personal income tax system. Income up to €126,532 per year is taxed at 20%; income above that threshold is taxed at 32%. Investment income including dividends, capital gains, royalties, and interest up to €253,065 annually is taxed at a flat rate of 15%. 

A 2025 investment account regime allows tax deferral on qualifying investment income until withdrawal, which may benefit investors channeling returns through qualifying accounts.

The standard corporate income tax rate is 15%. Qualifying small businesses and startups may benefit from reduced rates of 5% or 0% depending on revenue and sector. 

Tax residency is triggered by spending at least 183 days in Lithuania in a tax year, or 280 days across two consecutive years with at least 90 days in either year. 

Tax residents are liable on worldwide income. Holders who do not establish tax residency in Lithuania are taxed only on income sourced within Lithuania. 

How to Apply

The program is administered by the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, in accordance with Article 45 of the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens.

The application process typically runs as follows.

• Step 1: Select the pathway. Determine whether to establish a new company, acquire an existing business, or open a branch of a foreign company, as this affects the visa sequence and timeline.
• Step 2: Register the company and open a bank account. Incorporate the Lithuanian entity or complete the business acquisition and open a Lithuanian corporate bank account to receive the qualifying investment.
• Step 3: Transfer investment capital. Deposit €28,000 (approx. US$32,480) as a sole investor, or €14,000 (approx. US$16,240) per investor, into the company’s Lithuanian account and allocate funds to genuine operating costs.
• Step 4: Apply for National Visa D (Pathways 1 and 3 only). Submit a National Visa D application through MIGRIS and attend an in-person appointment at the Lithuanian consulate in the country of residence; processing takes up to 15 days, or up to 45 days in certain cases.
• Step 5: Activate business operations and hire staff. Enter Lithuania on the National Visa D, commence business activity, and employ at least two Lithuanian or EU citizens with a combined gross monthly salary of at least €4,500 (approx. US$5,220).
• Step 6: Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. After six months of active operations, submit the TRP application to the Migration Department with company documents, investment proof, employment contracts, salary records, business activity evidence, proof of accommodation, health insurance, police clearance, and proof of living funds; processing takes up to 45 days and the initial TRP is valid for two years.
• Step 7: Extend the TRP. Apply for a three-year extension before the initial permit expires, maintaining all business and employment conditions throughout.

Program information reviewed and verified by Arturas Mickus.