Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Lithuania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Lithuania Property Pack
Foreigners can legally purchase residential property in Lithuania with minimal restrictions, making it an accessible European real estate market for international buyers. EU and non-EU citizens face different requirements, particularly regarding agricultural land, while the buying process involves specific legal steps, costs, and documentation that vary significantly from other countries.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Lithuania, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
As of September 2025, foreigners can buy residential properties in Lithuania without major restrictions, though agricultural and forest land purchases face limitations for non-EU citizens.
The total cost typically ranges from 4-8% of the property price for legal fees, taxes, and registration, with notary fees capped at €5,000 plus VAT.
| Aspect | Requirement/Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Property Rights | Full ownership allowed | EU/EEA and non-EU citizens can buy apartments and houses |
| Agricultural Land | Restricted for non-EU | Special permits required for non-EU citizens |
| Legal Fees | €800-2,000 | Optional but recommended lawyer costs |
| Notary Fee | 0.37% (€33-5,000) | Mandatory certification plus 21% VAT |
| Registration Fee | €50-100 | Official property registration with authorities |
| Mortgage Down Payment | 20-30% minimum | For foreigners with qualifying income |
| Residency Benefits | None | Property ownership doesn't grant visa rights |
Can foreigners legally buy residential property in Lithuania without restrictions?
Foreigners can legally purchase residential properties including apartments and houses in Lithuania with very few restrictions as of September 2025.
EU and EEA citizens have essentially the same rights as Lithuanian nationals when buying residential real estate. Non-EU citizens also have broad access to the residential property market, with the main exception being Russian citizens who are currently prohibited from purchasing property due to ongoing sanctions.
The Lithuanian government maintains an open policy toward foreign property investment in residential sectors to attract international capital and expertise. This includes condominiums, single-family homes, townhouses, and most commercial real estate properties located in urban areas.
Foreign buyers must still comply with standard legal requirements including proper documentation, tax obligations, and registration procedures, but these apply equally to all buyers regardless of nationality.
It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.
Are there any limits on the type of property foreigners can purchase, like agricultural land or forest land?
Significant restrictions apply to agricultural and forest land purchases, particularly for non-EU citizens who generally cannot buy these property types without special government permissions.
EU and EEA citizens face fewer barriers but still encounter limitations on large agricultural plots or forest areas depending on the intended use and size of the land parcel. Properties in border zones, coastal areas, or protected environmental regions may require additional permits regardless of the buyer's nationality.
Commercial real estate, residential developments, and mixed-use properties remain fully accessible to foreign buyers. Industrial land and business premises typically don't face the same restrictions as agricultural properties.
The Lithuanian government maintains these limitations to preserve agricultural heritage, prevent land speculation, and maintain food security policies aligned with EU agricultural regulations.
What are the exact steps in the property buying process for a foreign buyer in Lithuania?
The Lithuanian property purchase process follows a structured six-step approach that typically takes 30-60 days to complete from initial offer to final registration.
- Property selection and due diligence: Engage a local real estate agent, verify property ownership through the Real Estate Register, and conduct thorough inspections
- Preliminary purchase agreement: Sign a binding preliminary contract with a deposit of 1-3% of the purchase price to secure the property
- Financing arrangement: If needed, finalize mortgage approval and ensure all funds are available for the transaction
- Final purchase contract: Execute the main purchase-sale agreement in the presence of a notary who verifies all legal requirements
- Payment completion: Transfer the full purchase amount through secure banking channels or escrow services
- Official registration: Register the new ownership with the Lithuanian Real Estate Register to establish legal title
Each step requires specific documentation and legal compliance, with the notary playing a crucial role in ensuring transaction validity and protecting both buyer and seller interests.
How much do I need to budget for taxes, legal fees, notary costs, and registration when buying a property?
Total transaction costs typically range from 4-8% of the property purchase price, depending on the complexity of the deal and whether you use additional professional services.
| Cost Category | Amount/Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Services | €800-2,000 | Optional but recommended for due diligence |
| Real Estate Agent Commission | 3-5% + 21% VAT | Usually paid by seller, sometimes split |
| Notary Fee | 0.37% (min €33, max €5,000) | Plus 21% VAT, mandatory for all transactions |
| Registration Fee | €50-100 | Varies by processing speed and complexity |
| Document Translation | €200-600 | If foreign documents need certified translation |
| Property Transfer Tax | None for residential | No annual property tax for most residential properties |
| VAT on Services | 21% | Applied to legal and notary fees, not property price |
Lithuania doesn't impose annual property taxes on standard residential properties, though high-value assets may be subject to wealth taxes depending on total property portfolio value.
Do I need to open a Lithuanian bank account to complete the purchase?
Opening a Lithuanian bank account isn't strictly mandatory for property purchases, but it significantly simplifies the transaction process and helps meet anti-money laundering requirements.
Large international transfers for property purchases often trigger enhanced scrutiny from both Lithuanian and foreign banking authorities. Local bank accounts provide clearer transaction trails and faster processing times for substantial property payments.
Many Lithuanian banks offer services specifically designed for foreign property buyers, including temporary accounts that can be opened during the purchase process. These accounts often come with English-language support and specialized services for international clients.
Alternative payment methods include international wire transfers and escrow services, though these may involve additional fees and longer processing times compared to local banking solutions.
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What documents are required from me as a foreign buyer to make the transaction valid?
Foreign buyers must provide a standard set of identification and financial documents, with specific requirements varying slightly based on nationality and purchase amount.
- Valid passport or national identity card: Must be current and valid for at least six months beyond the transaction date
- Proof of funds or income documentation: Bank statements, employment certificates, or business income records demonstrating financial capacity
- Tax identification number: From your home country or Lithuanian tax authorities if you plan to become a tax resident
- Proof of address: Recent utility bills or official correspondence showing your current residence
- Professional references: Sometimes required for large purchases or when using mortgage financing
- Corporate documentation: If purchasing through a business entity, including articles of incorporation and beneficial ownership information
- Certified translations: All foreign documents must be translated into Lithuanian by certified translators
Additional documentation may be required depending on the property type, purchase amount, or if you're using mortgage financing from Lithuanian banks.
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer or can a notary handle everything safely?
While a notary is legally required to certify and register property transactions, hiring an independent lawyer provides additional protection and expertise throughout the buying process.
Lithuanian notaries are qualified legal professionals who ensure transaction legality, verify documents, and handle the registration process. They provide basic due diligence and legal compliance checking as part of their mandatory services.
Independent lawyers offer more comprehensive services including detailed property title searches, contract negotiation, identification of potential legal issues, and representation of your specific interests rather than neutral transaction facilitation.
For complex transactions, commercial properties, or high-value purchases, legal representation becomes particularly valuable in protecting your investment and ensuring optimal contract terms.
It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.
How do I make sure the property has a clean title and no outstanding debts or disputes?
Comprehensive due diligence requires checking multiple official databases and records to verify clear ownership and identify any encumbrances or legal issues.
The Lithuanian Real Estate Register provides official ownership records, mortgage information, and registered encumbrances for all properties. This database is accessible online and provides the most authoritative information about property legal status.
Professional title searches should also examine municipal records for unpaid taxes, utility debts, or planning violations that might not appear in the main registry. Local authorities maintain separate databases for building permits, zoning compliance, and municipal charges.
Court records searches help identify any ongoing litigation involving the property or previous owners that could affect future ownership rights. Criminal background checks on sellers may be advisable for high-value transactions.
Independent legal professionals typically conduct these searches more thoroughly than notaries, who focus primarily on immediate transaction legality rather than comprehensive risk assessment.
What protections exist in Lithuanian law if something goes wrong after I buy the property?
Lithuanian property law provides several layers of legal protection for buyers, including contractual remedies, warranty periods, and court-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
Standard purchase contracts include seller warranties about property condition, legal title, and disclosure of known defects. Breach of these warranties creates grounds for compensation claims or contract rescission depending on the severity of undisclosed issues.
New construction properties come with mandatory warranty periods covering structural defects and major systems. Developers must provide guarantees for workmanship and materials, typically lasting 2-10 years depending on the specific building elements.
Lithuanian courts handle property disputes efficiently, with specialized procedures for real estate cases. Professional liability insurance from notaries and real estate agents provides additional compensation sources if professional negligence contributes to buyer losses.
Consumer protection laws apply to residential property purchases, offering additional remedies for misrepresentation or unfair contract terms that might not be available in purely commercial transactions.
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Are there residency or visa benefits linked to property ownership in Lithuania?
Property ownership in Lithuania does not provide any direct residency rights, visa benefits, or pathway to citizenship as of September 2025.
Lithuania does not operate a golden visa or investor residency program based on real estate purchases, unlike some other European countries. Foreign property owners must qualify for residency through separate channels such as employment, business investment, or family reunification.
EU citizens already have the right to reside in Lithuania regardless of property ownership, while non-EU citizens must obtain appropriate visas or residence permits through immigration authorities based on other qualifying criteria.
Property ownership may support certain visa applications by demonstrating financial stability and ties to Lithuania, but it doesn't guarantee approval or create automatic eligibility for any immigration benefits.
Long-term property investors may benefit from establishing Lithuanian tax residency for optimal tax treatment, but this requires meeting specific time-based residence requirements rather than simply owning property.
How do mortgages work for foreigners in Lithuania, and what are the typical conditions?
Lithuanian banks offer mortgages to qualified foreign buyers, though conditions are generally stricter than for residents and require stronger financial documentation.
| Mortgage Aspect | Typical Conditions | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 20-30% minimum | Higher for non-residents |
| Interest Rates | 4.5-6% annually | Variable based on risk assessment |
| Loan Term | Up to 20 years | Sometimes shorter for foreigners |
| Income Verification | Official employment records | Translated and certified documents |
| Residency Status | Preferred but not always required | EU residents have advantages |
| Debt-to-Income Ratio | Maximum 30-40% | Conservative lending standards |
| Property Valuation | Independent appraisal required | Bank-approved valuers only |
Most Lithuanian banks require borrowers to have steady income from recognized sources, good credit history, and sometimes existing relationships with the banking institution. EU citizens typically receive more favorable terms than non-EU borrowers.
What are the risks of fraud or scams in the Lithuanian property market, and how can I avoid them?
The main fraud risks include fake ownership documents, undisclosed property debts, misrepresentation of property conditions, and unauthorized intermediaries operating without proper licenses.
Document fraud involves sellers presenting falsified ownership certificates or outdated property records that don't reflect current legal status. Always verify ownership through official Real Estate Register searches rather than relying solely on documents provided by sellers.
Hidden debt scams occur when properties have unreported municipal taxes, utility arrears, or other financial obligations that transfer to new owners. Professional due diligence searches help identify these liabilities before purchase completion.
Unlicensed real estate agents sometimes misrepresent property details, inflate prices, or operate without proper professional insurance. Always verify agent credentials through official professional associations and regulatory bodies.
It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.
- Use only licensed professionals: Verify credentials of real estate agents, lawyers, and other service providers through official registries
- Conduct independent verification: Don't rely solely on seller-provided information; perform independent title searches and property inspections
- Secure payment methods: Use official banking channels or escrow services rather than cash payments or informal transfer methods
- Professional legal review: Have contracts reviewed by independent legal counsel before signing any binding agreements
- Multiple information sources: Cross-reference property information from various official databases and local authorities
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Lithuania offers foreign buyers relatively straightforward access to residential property markets with clear legal frameworks and reasonable transaction costs.
Success requires careful attention to due diligence, proper professional support, and understanding of the specific requirements that apply to foreign purchasers in different property categories.
Sources
- InvestRopa - Lithuania Real Estate for Foreigners
- Immigrant Invest - Lithuania Real Estate Guide
- Novyny Live - Lithuania Property Cost Guide
- TET Law - Real Estate Acquisition by Foreign Nationals
- Multilaw - Lithuania Real Estate Guide
- ILP Abogados - Real Estate in Lithuania
- MI Center - Property Purchase
- ELRA - Limitations to Foreigners
- Arab MLS - Lithuania Property Investment Guide
- CEE Legal Matters - Real Estate Lithuania 2021