Do I need residency to buy Lithuania property?

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 buy property in Lithuania without being residents?

Yes, foreigners can buy residential and commercial property in Lithuania without requiring residency or citizenship status.

Lithuania maintains an open real estate market for international buyers, allowing non-residents to purchase apartments, houses, and commercial buildings throughout the country. This policy applies to both EU and non-EU citizens, making Lithuania one of the more accessible European property markets for foreign investors.

The Lithuanian government does not impose residency requirements as a prerequisite for property ownership. This means you can complete your property purchase while living abroad and maintain ownership without establishing Lithuanian residency. The process remains straightforward whether you're buying for investment purposes, future relocation, or as a vacation home.

As of September 2025, this open policy continues to attract international buyers seeking European real estate exposure without the complexity of residency applications or long-term commitment requirements.

Do I need Lithuanian or EU citizenship to purchase property?

No citizenship requirements exist for purchasing residential or commercial property in Lithuania.

Both EU and non-EU citizens enjoy equal access to Lithuania's residential property market, including apartments, houses, and commercial buildings. Your passport nationality does not affect your ability to buy, own, or sell these property types. The Lithuanian legal system treats all foreign buyers equally in residential transactions, regardless of their citizenship status.

However, citizenship status does matter for agricultural and forest land purchases. EU citizens can buy agricultural land freely, while non-EU citizens face restrictions and typically need special permits. This distinction only applies to farmland and forests, not to residential or commercial properties in urban or suburban areas.

The streamlined approach for citizenship requirements makes Lithuania attractive for international property investors who want to avoid bureaucratic complications based on their passport country.

Are there restrictions on property types foreigners can buy?

Foreigners face no restrictions when buying apartments, houses, or commercial properties, but agricultural and forest land purchases are limited for non-EU citizens.

Property Type	EU Citizens	Non-EU Citizens
Apartments	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
Houses/Villas	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
Commercial Buildings	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
Agricultural Land	Unrestricted	Special permits required
Forest Land	Unrestricted	Special permits required
Strategic/Border Areas	May require approval	May require approval

Additional restrictions apply to properties in strategic zones, including border areas, protected coastal regions, and national park lands, which may require special government approval regardless of citizenship status.

What is the minimum investment amount required?

Lithuania imposes no minimum investment amount for real estate purchases by non-residents.

You can buy property at any market price without meeting investment thresholds, unlike some European countries that require minimum purchase amounts for foreign buyers. This policy applies to all property types available to foreigners, from small apartments to large commercial buildings. The absence of minimum investment requirements makes Lithuania accessible for various budget levels and investment strategies.

Lithuania does not operate a "golden visa" program tied to real estate investment, so property purchases alone do not qualify for residency benefits. This separation means you can make small-scale property investments without being pressured into large minimum amounts designed to attract residency seekers.

Market prices vary significantly by location, with Vilnius apartments starting around €50,000-€100,000 for basic units, while premium properties can reach €500,000 or more, but these represent market conditions rather than government-imposed minimums.

Do I need a Lithuanian bank account to buy property?

A Lithuanian bank account is not strictly required for property purchases, though it can simplify the transaction process.

You can complete property purchases using international wire transfers from your home country bank account. Many sellers and real estate professionals accept international payments, making local banking optional for the basic transaction. However, some Lithuanian banks or individual sellers may prefer local account transactions for compliance and convenience reasons.

Opening a Lithuanian bank account can provide practical benefits during the purchase process, including easier communication with local banks, reduced transfer fees, and simpler compliance with anti-money laundering requirements. Lithuanian banks typically require proof of address and income documentation for account opening, which can be from your home country.

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

All transactions require proper documentation of fund sources and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, regardless of whether you use local or international banking.

What taxes and fees must foreign buyers pay?

Foreign buyers pay standard transaction fees at purchase and ongoing property taxes annually.

Fee Type	Rate	When Paid
Notary Fee	0.33-0.45% (min €33, max €5,000) + 21% VAT	At Purchase
Registration Fee	0.03-0.5% (varies by processing speed)	At Purchase
Real Estate Agent	1-3% (if used)	At Purchase
Property Tax	0.3-3% of property value (often negligible)	Annually
Utilities	Variable by usage	Monthly
Building Maintenance	Variable (apartments only)	Monthly/Quarterly

Purchase fees are paid once during the transaction, while annual costs include property tax, utilities, and apartment building maintenance fees. Most residential properties qualify for minimal property tax rates, making ongoing tax obligations relatively low compared to other European countries.

Can buying property give me residency rights?

Property ownership in Lithuania does not grant residency rights or special visa privileges.

Lithuania separates property ownership from immigration benefits, unlike some European countries offering "golden visa" programs. Buying real estate, regardless of the purchase amount, does not qualify you for residence permits, work authorization, or path to citizenship. This policy applies to all foreign buyers, whether they purchase small apartments or large commercial properties.

Lithuania does offer business investment residence permits requiring minimum investments of €14,000-€50,000, but these programs focus on active business operations rather than passive real estate ownership. If you seek Lithuanian residency, you must apply through separate immigration channels based on employment, family reunification, or qualifying business activities.

This separation means you can invest in Lithuanian real estate purely for financial returns or personal use without immigration implications, but you cannot rely on property purchases for legal residence status in the country.

How do mortgage rules work for non-residents?

Mortgage options for non-residents are extremely limited, with most Lithuanian banks requiring local residency and income sources.

Lithuanian banks typically restrict mortgage lending to residents with established local income streams, making financing challenging for foreign buyers. When mortgages are available to non-residents, banks require substantial down payments of 15-30% and extensive financial documentation proving income stability and creditworthiness from your home country.

The limited mortgage access means most foreign buyers rely on cash purchases or financing from their home country banks secured against other assets. Some international banks with Lithuanian operations may offer cross-border lending solutions, but these remain uncommon and typically require significant relationship banking.

Interest rates for available non-resident mortgages often exceed standard rates offered to Lithuanian residents, reflecting the higher perceived risk. The practical reality is that most successful foreign property purchases in Lithuania involve substantial cash investments rather than local financing.

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

What legal steps and documents must non-residents prepare?

Non-residents need standard identification, proof of funds, and must complete notarized purchase contracts.

1. **Passport and identification documents** - Valid passport and any required certified translations 2. **Proof of funds documentation** - Bank statements and evidence of payment source for anti-money laundering compliance 3. **Sale-purchase contract** - Prepared by notary and signed by all parties 4. **Property due diligence** - Title verification and property condition assessments 5. **Power of attorney** - Optional but useful for remote purchasing or ongoing property management 6. **Tax identification number** - Required for property tax and potential rental income reporting

The Lithuanian notary system handles legal verification and ensures all documentation meets legal requirements. Notaries verify property titles, check for encumbrances, and facilitate the legal transfer process. All documents can be prepared in English with certified translations when required, making the process accessible for international buyers.

Power of attorney arrangements allow remote purchasing if you cannot travel to Lithuania for the closing, though many buyers prefer to attend personally for major property transactions.

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.

What are the notary and registration procedures?

Lithuanian property purchases require notarization and official registration, typically completed within a few days to two weeks.

The notary prepares and certifies the sale-purchase agreement, verifying all legal aspects of the transaction including property title, seller authorization, and buyer qualifications. Notary fees range from 0.33-0.45% of the property price (minimum €33, maximum €5,000) plus 21% VAT. The notary also handles initial legal checks and coordinates with the Real Estate Register for ownership transfer.

Registration with Lithuania's Real Estate Register officially transfers ownership and typically takes between a few days to two weeks, depending on processing urgency and fees paid. Standard registration costs 0.03-0.5% of the property value, with expedited processing available at higher rates. The registration process creates the official ownership record and enables you to legally occupy, rent, or sell the property.

All documentation can be prepared in English with certified translations when necessary, ensuring international buyers can understand all legal commitments. The combined notary and registration process provides legal certainty and official recognition of your property ownership rights under Lithuanian law.

Are there limits on reselling or renting as a non-resident?

Non-resident property owners face no restrictions on reselling or renting their properties.

Lithuania allows foreign property owners complete freedom to rent out their apartments, houses, or commercial properties to local or international tenants. You can operate short-term rentals, long-term leases, or commercial rentals without special permits based on your residency status. This freedom extends to setting rental rates, choosing tenants, and managing properties either personally or through local management companies.

Resale rights are equally unrestricted, allowing you to sell your property at any time to any qualified buyer without government approval or residency-based limitations. The only exception involves agricultural land, where original purchase restrictions continue to apply during resale to other non-EU citizens.

Rental income and capital gains from property sales are subject to Lithuanian taxation, but your residency status does not affect your legal right to engage in these transactions. Many foreign property owners successfully operate rental businesses or flip properties for investment returns without residency-based complications.

What are the ongoing ownership costs in Lithuania?

Ongoing ownership costs include property tax, utilities, and maintenance fees that vary by property type and location.

Cost Category	Typical Range	Payment Frequency
Property Tax	0.3-3% of property value (often negligible)	Annual
Electricity	€30-€80 per month	Monthly
Heating	€40-€120 per month (seasonal)	Monthly
Water/Sewage	€15-€40 per month	Monthly
Building Maintenance	€20-€100 per month (apartments)	Monthly/Quarterly
Internet/Cable	€15-€30 per month	Monthly

Property tax rates in Lithuania are generally minimal for most residential properties, with many apartments qualifying for negligible annual tax obligations. Utility costs depend on property size, energy efficiency, and personal usage patterns, with heating representing the largest variable expense during winter months.

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

Apartment buildings typically charge maintenance fees covering common area upkeep, building administration, and shared utilities, with costs varying based on building age, amenities, and management quality.

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. Lithuania Real Estate for Foreigners - InvestRopa
2. Buying Property in Lithuania Foreigners Cost Guide - Novyny Live
3. Real Estate Guide Lithuania - Multilaw
4. Lithuania Real Estate Guide - Immigrant Invest
5. Lithuania Property Market - Realtor Europe
6. Real Estate Practice Guide Lithuania 2025 - Chambers
7. Buying Property in Europe Conditions - 11Houses
8. Buy Property Lithuania Get Residency - InvestRopa
9. Buy Property in Lithuania - Lawyers Lithuania
10. Lithuania Golden Visa - CitizenX