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
Buying property in Lithuania does not automatically grant you residency rights or a residence permit. Lithuania requires foreign investors to actively operate businesses rather than simply owning real estate to qualify for residence permits.
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.
Lithuania does not offer residency permits through property investment alone, requiring business investment of at least €14,000 instead.
Property owners without residency can only stay 90 days per 180-day period under Schengen visa rules.
| Residency Requirement | Property Investment | Business Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Permit | Not available | €14,000 minimum + active business |
| Permanent Residence | Not available | 5 years temporary residency |
| Citizenship | Not available | 10 years legal residence |
| Stay Duration (No Residency) | 90 days per 180 days | 90 days per 180 days |
| Property Registration | Required for all buyers | Required for all buyers |
| Annual Property Tax | Less than 1% | Less than 1% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 15% if sold within 10 years | 15% if sold within 10 years |
Can foreigners get a residence permit in Lithuania just by buying property?
No, foreigners cannot obtain a Lithuanian residence permit simply by purchasing real estate.
Lithuania does not offer any direct residency pathway through property investment alone, regardless of the property value or investment amount. The Lithuanian government requires foreign investors to actively engage in business operations rather than passive real estate ownership.
As of September 2025, Lithuania maintains strict separation between property ownership rights and immigration benefits. Unlike some other European countries that previously offered golden visa programs through real estate, Lithuania has never implemented such a system for property investors.
Property ownership in Lithuania functions purely as a real estate transaction and provides no immigration advantages. Foreign buyers receive the same property rights as local owners but gain no special visa status or residence entitlements.
How much money do I actually need to invest in Lithuanian real estate for it to count toward residency?
Real estate investment alone cannot count toward residency in Lithuania, regardless of the amount invested.
The Lithuanian government does not recognize any minimum property value threshold for residence permit applications. Even purchasing expensive commercial buildings, luxury apartments, or multiple properties will not qualify you for any type of visa or residence permit.
For business-based residence permits, which represent the only viable investment pathway to Lithuanian residency, the minimum qualifying investment is €14,000 in company equity. However, this investment must go toward establishing or participating in an active Lithuanian business, not real estate purchases.
The Lithuanian "Golden Visa" program for business investment requires a minimum of €50,000, but again, this must be directed toward business operations rather than property acquisition. Real estate can only contribute to residency qualifications if used as company capital in an actively operating business that employs at least one Lithuanian or EU citizen.
Is there a minimum property value required by the Lithuanian government for foreigners to qualify for a visa or permit?
No, the Lithuanian government has not established any minimum property value requirements for visa or permit applications because property investment does not qualify for residency.
Lithuanian immigration law completely separates property ownership from residency benefits. Whether you purchase a €50,000 apartment in Vilnius or a €500,000 commercial property, neither investment will impact your visa status or residence permit eligibility.
The absence of minimum property thresholds reflects Lithuania's policy that real estate investment represents passive ownership rather than the active economic contribution required for residency permits. Lithuanian authorities require foreign residents to demonstrate ongoing business engagement and employment creation rather than simple asset ownership.
It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.
Can I get permanent residency or only temporary residency if I buy property in Lithuania?
Property purchase in Lithuania does not qualify you for either temporary or permanent residency.
Both temporary and permanent residence permits in Lithuania require alternative pathways such as business investment with active operations, employment sponsorship, family reunion, or participation in specialized investment funds. Property ownership alone provides no pathway to any form of Lithuanian residency.
For those who do qualify for residency through business investment, the process begins with temporary residence permits. After maintaining temporary residency for five consecutive years, investors can apply for permanent residence. This progression requires continuous business operations and compliance with residency requirements throughout the entire period.
The permanent residency pathway demands active engagement in Lithuanian business activities, not passive property ownership. Foreign investors must demonstrate ongoing economic contribution through business operations and local employment creation.
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How long can I legally stay in Lithuania each year if I own property but don't have residency?
Property owners without Lithuanian residency can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen visa rules.
This limitation applies regardless of property value or the number of properties owned in Lithuania. The 90/180 rule governs all non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen zone, including Lithuania, whether for tourism, business, or property management purposes.
The 180-day calculation period rolls continuously, meaning each day you must count back 180 days to ensure you haven't exceeded 90 days of presence. Overstaying these limits can result in entry bans and complicate future visa applications for Lithuania and other Schengen countries.
Property ownership provides no exemption from standard Schengen visa requirements. Foreign property owners must comply with the same entry and stay limitations as tourists, regardless of their real estate investments in Lithuania.
Do I need to register the property in a specific way for immigration purposes?
Property registration in Lithuania follows standard procedures for all buyers and has no connection to immigration status or residency applications.
All property purchases in Lithuania must be registered in the State Register of Real Estate regardless of the buyer's nationality or residency status. This registration process is purely administrative for establishing legal ownership and does not affect visa status or residence permit eligibility.
The registration requirements remain identical whether you are a Lithuanian citizen, EU resident, or non-EU foreign investor. The process involves notarization, payment of registration fees, and submission of required documentation to establish clear property title.
Lithuanian immigration authorities do not consider property registration when evaluating residence permit applications. The real estate registration system operates independently from immigration procedures and provides no immigration benefits.
Are there extra conditions, like starting a business or showing a certain income, besides just buying real estate?
Yes, obtaining Lithuanian residency requires active business investment and operations, not real estate purchases.
Foreigners seeking residency through investment must establish or participate in actively operating Lithuanian businesses. These businesses must demonstrate ongoing operations, employ at least one Lithuanian or EU citizen, and contribute meaningfully to the Lithuanian economy through business activities rather than passive asset ownership.
Income requirements for business-based residency include demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your residence in Lithuania. The specific income thresholds vary based on family size and are regularly updated by Lithuanian immigration authorities.
Additional conditions include clean criminal background checks, health insurance coverage, and proof of accommodation in Lithuania. Business investors must also show ongoing business operations and compliance with Lithuanian tax and employment regulations throughout their residency period.
It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.
Can non-EU citizens buy property in Lithuania without restrictions, or are there limits compared to EU citizens?
Non-EU citizens face some restrictions when purchasing Lithuanian property, particularly regarding agricultural and forest land.
| Property Type | EU Citizens | Non-EU Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Apartments | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Houses | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Commercial Property | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Agricultural Land | No restrictions | Special permission required |
| Forest Land | No restrictions | Special permission required |
| Border Areas | Limited restrictions | Additional restrictions |
| Strategic Areas | Some restrictions | Enhanced restrictions |
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.
Will buying property in Lithuania eventually allow me to apply for citizenship, and if yes, after how many years?
Property ownership alone will never lead to Lithuanian citizenship, regardless of how long you own real estate in the country.
Lithuanian citizenship requires 10 years of uninterrupted legal residence, including at least 5 years as a permanent resident. This residency must be obtained through legitimate pathways such as business investment, employment, or family reunion, not through property ownership.
The citizenship process also requires passing Lithuanian language examinations and civics tests demonstrating knowledge of Lithuanian history, culture, and legal system. Applicants must maintain continuous residence with absences not exceeding 6 months per year during the qualifying period.
For foreign investors who do obtain residency through business investment, the pathway to citizenship follows this timeline: temporary residence (renewable), permanent residence after 5 years, and citizenship eligibility after 10 years total. Property ownership may support this process by demonstrating ties to Lithuania but cannot substitute for the required residency pathway.
Do I need to live in the property full time, or can it be just an investment or vacation home?
You can use Lithuanian property as an investment or vacation home without any obligation to live there full time.
Lithuanian property ownership laws do not impose occupancy requirements on foreign buyers. Whether you purchase an apartment in Vilnius for rental income, a vacation home in Palanga, or commercial property for investment purposes, you face no legal obligation to personally occupy the property.
This flexibility allows foreign investors to treat Lithuanian real estate purely as investment assets. Many foreign buyers purchase properties specifically for rental income or long-term capital appreciation without any intention of personal residence.
However, remember that property ownership provides no residence rights, so your ability to spend time in Lithuania remains limited to the 90-day Schengen visa allowance regardless of property ownership. The property can serve as accommodation during permitted stays but does not extend your legal presence in the country.
What kind of taxes and yearly costs should I expect as a foreign property owner in Lithuania?
Foreign property owners in Lithuania face several ongoing costs and tax obligations that vary based on property type and usage.
Transaction costs for property purchases typically range from 2-4% of the purchase price, including notary fees, registration costs, and real estate agent commissions. These one-time costs apply to all buyers regardless of nationality.
Annual property taxes in Lithuania remain relatively low, often less than 1% of property value, though specific rates vary by municipality and property characteristics. Most residential properties face minimal annual tax burdens compared to other European countries.
Ongoing maintenance and utility costs for a typical 50-square-meter apartment average €100-150 per month, covering building maintenance, utilities, and common area expenses. These costs vary significantly based on property age, location, and building amenities.
Capital gains tax applies at 15% on profits from property sales within 10 years of purchase. Properties held longer than 10 years typically qualify for reduced or eliminated capital gains taxation, making long-term ownership more tax-efficient.
It's something we develop in our Lithuania property pack.
Does Lithuania offer any special residency-by-investment program or golden visa linked specifically to property purchases?
No, Lithuania does not offer any golden visa or residency-by-investment program linked to property purchases.
Lithuania maintains a clear policy requiring active business investment rather than passive real estate ownership for residency qualification. All Lithuanian investment-based residency programs focus on business operations, employment creation, and economic contribution through active enterprises.
The only investment route related to real estate involves structuring active businesses in real estate development or property management. Such businesses must demonstrate ongoing operations, employ Lithuanian or EU citizens, and contribute actively to the Lithuanian economy beyond simple property ownership.
As of September 2025, Lithuania continues to reject proposals for property-based golden visa programs, maintaining focus on business investment that creates jobs and economic activity. This policy contrasts with some other European countries that have offered or continue to offer property-based residency programs.
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.
Lithuanian property ownership provides no pathway to residency, requiring foreign investors to pursue business investment alternatives for legal residence.
Property buyers can enjoy ownership rights and investment returns while understanding that residence requires separate business-based applications meeting active investment criteria.
Sources
- InvestRopa - Lithuania Real Estate for Foreigners
- InvestRopa - Buy Property Lithuania Get Residency
- InvestRopa - Lithuania Residence Permit Investment Guide
- CitizenX - Lithuania Golden Visa
- Notte Global - Lithuania Golden Visa Program
- Lawyers Lithuania - Golden Visa
- Novyny Live - Buying Property Lithuania Foreigners
- Company Formation Lithuania - Residence Permit