Can foreigners actually buy houses in Lithuania?

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

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INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Lithuania. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, we explore the Lithuanian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Can foreigners legally buy residential property in Lithuania?

Yes, foreigners can legally purchase residential property in Lithuania without requiring residency or special permits.

Lithuania has one of the most open property markets in Europe for foreign buyers. Both EU and non-EU citizens can buy apartments, houses, and commercial properties directly.

The Lithuanian government actively encourages foreign investment in real estate as part of its economic development strategy. There are no nationality quotas, waiting periods, or complex approval processes for standard residential purchases.

As of September 2025, the only exception is Russian citizens without Lithuanian residency, who are currently banned from purchasing any Lithuanian property due to security measures implemented following geopolitical tensions.

It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.

Are there restrictions on the type of property foreigners can purchase?

Property type restrictions depend on your citizenship status and the specific type of real estate.

EU and EEA citizens enjoy the same property rights as Lithuanian citizens and can purchase any type of real estate including residential properties, commercial buildings, and all types of land without restrictions.

Non-EU citizens can freely buy apartments, houses, and commercial properties but face restrictions on agricultural land and forest land purchases. They also cannot buy property in certain strategic areas including border zones, coastal areas, and locations near military installations without special government permission.

Industrial real estate and standard residential properties in cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda are fully accessible to all foreign buyers regardless of citizenship.

Do EU and non-EU citizens face different rules when buying property?

Yes, EU and non-EU citizens face different rules, with EU citizens enjoying significantly more freedom.

Aspect	EU/EEA Citizens	Non-EU Citizens
Residential Property	Full access, same as locals	Full access
Agricultural Land	Can purchase freely	Prohibited without special permit
Forest Land	Can purchase freely	Prohibited without special permit
Strategic Areas	Can purchase freely	Requires government approval
Commercial Property	Full access	Full access
Property Size Limits	No limits	No limits (for allowed types)
Purchase Process	Standard procedure	Standard procedure

Is there a minimum or maximum property size that foreigners can own?

No, Lithuania does not impose minimum or maximum size requirements on property that foreigners can legally purchase.

You can buy anything from a small studio apartment in central Vilnius to a large estate with multiple buildings, as long as it falls within the permitted property categories for your citizenship status.

The absence of size restrictions makes Lithuania particularly attractive for both small-scale investors looking for rental properties and large-scale developers planning major projects.

This flexibility extends to commercial properties as well, where foreign businesses can acquire office buildings, retail spaces, and warehouses of any size without bureaucratic limitations.

What legal documents and permits are required for foreigners to complete a property purchase?

The legal requirements for foreign property buyers in Lithuania are straightforward and identical to those for local buyers.

1. **Notarized purchase agreement** - All property transactions must be notarized by a Lithuanian notary, which is mandatory by law 2. **Valid identification** - Passport or national ID card from your home country 3. **Proof of payment** - Bank transfers, certified checks, or other verifiable payment documentation 4. **Property registration** - Completed with the Real Estate Register after the purchase 5. **Power of attorney** - If you cannot be present for the transaction, you can authorize a local representative

No special permits are required for standard residential purchases, though restricted land types or properties in protected zones may need additional government approvals.

The entire process can be completed remotely through a power of attorney, making it convenient for international buyers who cannot travel to Lithuania for the closing.

It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.

How much are the standard purchase taxes, registration fees, and notary costs?

Total transaction costs typically range from 2-4% of the property purchase price, which is competitive compared to other European countries.

Cost Type	Amount	Notes
Notary Fees	0.33-0.45% + 21% VAT	Minimum €33, maximum €5,000
Registration Fee	0.03-0.5%	Varies by circumstances
Real Estate Agent	1-3%	Negotiable commission
Legal Fees	€500-€2,000	Recommended for due diligence
Property Survey	€200-€800	Optional but recommended
Translation Services	€100-€500	For non-Lithuanian speakers
Total Typical Range	2-4% of price	All costs combined

Are there additional costs specific to foreigners?

No, foreigners do not pay any additional taxes or fees compared to Lithuanian citizens when purchasing property.

Lithuania treats all buyers equally regardless of nationality, with the same notary fees, registration costs, and tax obligations applying to everyone. This transparent approach makes Lithuania one of the most foreigner-friendly property markets in Europe.

The only potential additional costs for foreigners might be translation services for documents, international wire transfer fees, or travel expenses if you choose to be present for the closing. However, these are practical rather than legal requirements.

Some foreign buyers also choose to hire local legal counsel to navigate the process, which while recommended, is not mandatory and represents a voluntary additional expense rather than a government-imposed fee.

Can foreigners get mortgages from Lithuanian banks?

Mortgages are available to foreigners, but primarily to those with permanent Lithuanian residency and documented local income.

Lithuanian banks typically require a down payment of 15-30% of the property value for approved mortgage applications. The exact percentage depends on the borrower's financial profile, employment status, and the specific bank's policies.

Non-residents without stable Lithuanian income face significantly stricter terms or may find limited access to mortgage financing. Most banks prefer borrowers who can demonstrate steady employment in Lithuania or other EU countries.

EU citizens with employment elsewhere in the European Union generally have better access to Lithuanian mortgages than non-EU citizens, as their income verification and legal status are easier to process.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Lithuania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Do property owners automatically qualify for residency or visas after purchase?

No, purchasing property in Lithuania does not automatically grant residency, visa rights, or any immigration benefits.

Property ownership and immigration are completely separate legal processes in Lithuania. Buying a €500,000 apartment in Vilnius gives you the same residency rights as buying a €50,000 rural property - which is none.

To obtain Lithuanian residency, you must meet specific immigration criteria such as business investment (minimum €28,000 in a Lithuanian company), employment by a Lithuanian employer, family reunification, or study programs.

Some foreign buyers mistakenly believe that real estate investment will help their immigration application, but Lithuanian law does not recognize property ownership as grounds for residency or visa approval.

What are the average house prices in major Lithuanian cities right now?

As of September 2025, Lithuanian property prices vary significantly between major cities, with Vilnius commanding the highest prices.

Vilnius, the capital and largest city, has average property prices of €2,680 per square meter, reflecting its status as the economic and cultural center of Lithuania.

Kaunas, the second-largest city, offers more affordable options with prices ranging from €1,640 to €1,760 per square meter, making it attractive for investors seeking better value.

Klaipėda, the main port city, has prices between €1,520 and €1,700 per square meter, offering coastal access and industrial opportunities while remaining more affordable than the capital.

It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.

How long does the property buying process usually take for foreigners?

The typical buying process from signing the purchase agreement to final registration takes 2-5 weeks for foreign buyers.

The timeline can be shortened if all documents are prepared in advance and both parties are responsive to requests for information or signatures. Having a local lawyer or real estate agent can significantly streamline the process.

Remote completion through power of attorney is possible and does not significantly extend the timeline, making it convenient for international buyers who cannot travel to Lithuania multiple times during the process.

Delays typically occur due to incomplete documentation, property title issues, or problems with international money transfers, so proper preparation and professional guidance can help maintain the shorter timeline.

What risks should foreigners be especially careful about when buying property?

Foreign buyers should prioritize comprehensive due diligence to avoid common legal and financial pitfalls.

1. **Title and encumbrance verification** - Not all property debts, liens, or legal issues appear in initial registry searches, making professional legal review essential 2. **Outstanding debt confirmation** - Ensure all property taxes, utility bills, and maintenance fees are current before closing 3. **Restricted area compliance** - Verify the property is not in a protected zone requiring special permits, especially for non-EU buyers 4. **Professional representation** - Avoid relying solely on real estate agents; engage qualified legal counsel familiar with international transactions 5. **Anti-money laundering requirements** - Prepare full documentation of fund sources as Lithuanian authorities strictly enforce AML regulations 6. **Currency exchange risks** - Consider timing and hedging strategies for large international transfers 7. **Insurance verification** - Confirm adequate property insurance coverage will be available after purchase

Lithuania's transparent legal system generally protects buyers, but international transactions always carry additional complexity that requires professional guidance and thorough preparation.

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.

Sources

1. InvestRopa Lithuania Real Estate Guide
2. Immigrant Invest Lithuania Property Guide
3. Multilaw Real Estate Guide Lithuania
4. Global Property Guide Lithuania
5. Lawyers Lithuania Property Purchase Guide
6. Ober Haus Market Report Lithuania 2025
7. Chambers Practice Guide Real Estate Lithuania
8. Novyny Property Buying Guide Lithuania