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
Lithuania has become one of the most accessible EU countries for foreign property buyers, with affordable housing prices and relatively simple ownership rules for most nationalities.
This guide covers current housing prices in Lithuania, legal ownership rules, mortgage options, taxes, and the step-by-step buying process as of the first half of 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions in Lithuania.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Lithuania.
Insights
- Apartments in Lithuania are the easiest property type for non-EU foreigners because they do not involve the land ownership restrictions that apply to detached houses.
- Lithuania uses "European and transatlantic integration criteria" for land ownership, so nationals from EU, EEA, OECD, and NATO countries can generally buy non-agricultural land like locals.
- There is no golden visa in Lithuania in 2026, meaning buying property does not give you any automatic right to residency or citizenship.
- Closing costs in Lithuania typically range from 1% to 5% of the purchase price, with real estate agent commission being the largest variable.
- Mortgage rates in Lithuania in 2026 generally fall between 4% and 5% annually, priced as EURIBOR plus a bank margin.
- Non-resident foreigners typically need a 30% to 40% down payment to get a mortgage in Lithuania, while residents with strong profiles may only need 15%.
- Annual property tax for most owner-occupied homes in Lithuania is zero or very low because the tax only kicks in above high value thresholds under the 2026 framework.
- Rental income in Lithuania is taxed at 15% up to a high annual threshold and 20% above that, the same rate for both residents and foreign landlords.
- Registration in Lithuania's Real Property Register is what makes ownership legally secure, not just signing a contract with the seller.
- Lithuania's e-residency program does not grant the right to live in the country or make property purchases easier, as it is only for digital government services.
What can I legally buy and truly own as a foreigner in Lithuania?
What property types can foreigners legally buy in Lithuania right now?
In January 2026, foreigners can legally buy most residential property types in Lithuania, including apartments, townhouses, single-family houses, villas, and loft-style units in cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda.
The most important legal condition for foreign buyers in Lithuania is that land ownership depends on your nationality, so apartments are often the simplest choice because they do not require direct land purchase.
Lithuania distinguishes between owning a building and owning the land beneath it, so if you want to buy a detached house, you need to confirm your nationality qualifies under Lithuania's "European and transatlantic integration criteria."
Agricultural and forest land in Lithuania faces stricter restrictions regardless of nationality, so buyers interested in rural properties should get legal advice before making any deposit.
Finally, please note that our pack about the property market in Lithuania is specifically tailored to foreigners.
Can I own land in my own name in Lithuania right now?
Whether you can own land in your own name in Lithuania depends on your nationality, because Lithuania applies criteria based on EU, EEA, OECD, and NATO membership that determine who can buy land under similar conditions as Lithuanian citizens.
If you meet these "European and transatlantic integration criteria," you can generally buy non-agricultural land in Lithuania in your own name, but agricultural and forest land remains more restricted even for qualifying nationalities.
Non-EU buyers who do not meet the criteria often find that apartments are their most practical option, since apartment ownership in Lithuania does not require direct land ownership the way buying a detached house does.
By the way, we cover everything there is to know about the land buying process in Lithuania here.
As of 2026, what other key foreign-ownership rules or limits should I know in Lithuania?
As of early 2026, the most important rule affecting foreign purchases in Lithuania is that ownership only becomes legally secure once registered in the Real Property Register, so verbal agreements or unsigned contracts provide no protection.
There is no foreign-ownership quota for apartments or condos in Lithuania, meaning you do not face limits on how many units in a building can be owned by foreigners.
Foreign buyers must complete identity verification and anti-money-laundering checks through the notary, and you will need proper documentation including a valid passport and potentially a Lithuanian personal code or tax registration for ongoing obligations.
One important clarification for 2026: Lithuania's e-residency program does not grant the right to live in Lithuania or make property purchases easier, since it is only for accessing digital government services and registering businesses remotely.
If you're interested, we go much more into details about the foreign ownership rights in Lithuania here.
What's the biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Lithuania right now?
The biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Lithuania is paying a large deposit for a house without first confirming whether their nationality qualifies them to own the land underneath it.
If you make this mistake in Lithuania, you may discover after paying that you cannot legally complete the purchase, leaving you to fight for your deposit back or accept an expensive workaround structure.
Other classic pitfalls in Lithuania include skipping the official registry extract to verify title and encumbrances, trusting verbal assurances from sellers or agents, and assuming that e-residency gives you any rights to live in or buy property more easily.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Lithuania. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which visa or residency status changes what I can do in Lithuania?
Do I need a specific visa to buy property in Lithuania right now?
In January 2026, you do not need a specific visa or residence permit to buy property in Lithuania, and you can complete a purchase while visiting on a tourist stay as long as you satisfy notary and anti-money-laundering requirements.
The most common administrative hurdle for buyers without local residency in Lithuania is completing proper identity verification and providing the documentation that notaries require under EU anti-money-laundering rules.
You will likely need a Lithuanian tax registration or personal code for ongoing tax obligations, utilities setup, and service accounts, so it is practical to arrange this during the purchase process rather than after.
Foreign buyers in Lithuania typically need to present a valid passport, proof of funds, and sometimes a power of attorney if they cannot be physically present for the notary appointment.
Does buying property help me get residency and citizenship in Lithuania in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying property in Lithuania does not help you get residency or citizenship, because there is no golden visa or investor visa program tied to real estate purchases.
To obtain residency in Lithuania, you must qualify through an existing legal pathway such as work, business ownership, study, or family reunification, none of which are triggered simply by owning property.
Citizenship in Lithuania requires either Lithuanian descent, marriage to a Lithuanian citizen, or a lengthy naturalization process that involves living legally in the country for at least ten years.
Can I legally rent out property on my visa in Lithuania right now?
Your visa status in Lithuania does not restrict your ability to rent out property you own, because owning and renting are property rights that exist independently of your immigration status.
You do not need to live in Lithuania to rent out your property there, and many foreign owners manage rentals remotely through local property managers while handling tax reporting from abroad.
Foreign landlords in Lithuania must register rental income with the State Tax Inspectorate and pay personal income tax at 15% up to a high annual threshold and 20% above that, regardless of where they live.
We cover everything there is to know about buying and renting out in Lithuania here.
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How does the buying process actually work step-by-step in Lithuania?
What are the exact steps to buy property in Lithuania right now?
The standard sequence to buy property in Lithuania involves selecting a property, conducting due diligence with registry extracts, signing a preliminary agreement with deposit, arranging financing if needed, signing the sale-purchase agreement before a notary, completing payment, and then registering the transfer in the Real Property Register.
You do not always need to be physically present in Lithuania because you can use a properly drafted power of attorney to authorize a lawyer to act on your behalf, though being present for at least one key step reduces risk.
The deal becomes legally binding in Lithuania when you sign the notarized sale-purchase agreement, which is the document that the notary prepares and certifies before submitting for registration.
The typical timeline from accepted offer to final registration in Lithuania ranges from four to eight weeks, though this can extend if there are mortgage approvals, complex title issues, or delays at the registry.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the whole buying process our pack about properties in Lithuania.
Is it mandatory to get a lawyer or a notary to buy a property in Lithuania right now?
A notary is effectively mandatory for buying property in Lithuania because the sale-purchase agreement must be notarized before it can be submitted to the Real Property Register for ownership transfer.
The key difference in Lithuania is that the notary handles the legal formalization and registry submission of the transaction, while a lawyer independently reviews the deal, conducts due diligence, and protects your specific interests as a buyer.
For foreign buyers in Lithuania, it is important to include in your lawyer's scope a full title search, verification of land ownership eligibility for your nationality, and review of any encumbrances or planning restrictions on the property.
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 checks should I run so I don't buy a problem property in Lithuania?
How do I verify title and ownership history in Lithuania right now?
The official authority to verify title and ownership history in Lithuania is the Centre of Registers, which maintains the Real Property Register and Cadastre where all property ownership is recorded.
The key document to request is an official extract from the Real Property Register, which shows the current owner, property identifiers, and any recorded rights, restrictions, or encumbrances.
A reasonable look-back period for ownership history checks in Lithuania is ten to fifteen years, which helps identify any unusual transfer patterns, inheritance disputes, or gaps in the chain of title.
A clear red flag that should stop or pause a purchase in Lithuania is any ongoing court case, unresolved inheritance claim, or seizure notice appearing on the registry extract.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Lithuania.
How do I confirm there are no liens in Lithuania right now?
The standard way to confirm there are no liens or encumbrances on a property in Lithuania is to obtain a full extract from the Real Property Register and check the Mortgage Register and Register of Property Seizure Acts for any claims against the property or seller.
One common type of lien to specifically ask about in Lithuania is a mortgage registered by a bank from the seller's previous financing, which must be cleared before ownership can transfer cleanly to you.
The best written proof of lien status in Lithuania is the official registry extract that lists all encumbrances, combined with a certificate from the Mortgage Register confirming no outstanding security interests.
How do I check zoning and permitted use in Lithuania right now?
The authority to check zoning and permitted use in Lithuania is the TPS "Planuoju statyti" portal, which serves as a single-window access point for territorial planning and construction information across the country.
The document that confirms zoning classification in Lithuania is the territorial planning document or general plan for the municipality, which you can access through the TPS portal or request from the local planning office.
A common zoning pitfall foreign buyers miss in Lithuania is purchasing a property marketed as residential that is actually classified as commercial premises, which can restrict how you use it or affect your ability to register residence there.
Buying real estate in Lithuania can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner in Lithuania, and on what terms?
Do banks lend to foreigners for homes in Lithuania in 2026?
As of early 2026, banks in Lithuania do lend to foreigners for home purchases, but approval is much easier if you have stable euro income, clear documentation, and ideally residency or strong EU ties.
Foreign borrowers in Lithuania typically see loan-to-value ratios ranging from 60% to 85%, with residents and EU nationals often qualifying for the higher end around 85% while non-residents may need 30% to 40% down payment.
The most common eligibility requirement that determines whether a foreigner qualifies for a mortgage in Lithuania is having verifiable income in euros, because banks need to assess repayment capacity in the same currency as the loan.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Lithuania.
Which banks are most foreigner-friendly in Lithuania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most foreigner-friendly banks for mortgages in Lithuania are Swedbank, SEB, and Luminor, which are the largest retail lenders with established processes for non-Lithuanian applicants.
What makes these banks more foreigner-friendly in Lithuania is that they have English-language documentation, dedicated mortgage advisors experienced with international income verification, and clearer processes for non-standard residency situations.
These banks can lend to non-residents in Lithuania, but approval is significantly harder without local residency, and you should expect stricter income requirements and a larger down payment compared to resident borrowers.
We actually have a specific document about how to get a mortgage as a foreigner in our pack covering real estate in Lithuania.
What mortgage rates are foreigners offered in Lithuania in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners in Lithuania can expect mortgage interest rates in the range of 4% to 5% annually, with exact pricing depending on your profile, loan-to-value ratio, and whether you choose fixed or variable terms.
Most mortgages in Lithuania are priced as EURIBOR plus a bank margin, so variable rates move with euro area conditions while fixed-rate options typically cost slightly more but provide payment stability for a set period.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Lithuania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What will taxes, fees, and ongoing costs look like in Lithuania?
What are the total closing costs as a percent in Lithuania in 2026?
The typical total closing cost when buying property in Lithuania in 2026 is around 1% to 2% of the purchase price if you buy without an agent, or 3% to 5% if you use an agent whose commission is included.
The realistic range that covers most standard transactions in Lithuania runs from about 1% at the low end for a simple apartment purchase without agent fees, up to 5% when you factor in full agent commission and more complex legal work.
The specific fee categories that make up closing costs in Lithuania include notary fees, Real Property Register registration fees, legal fees if you hire a lawyer, and agent commission if applicable.
The single biggest contributor to closing costs in Lithuania is usually the real estate agent commission when one is used, which commonly runs 2% to 3% of the purchase price and can exceed all other fees combined.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Lithuania.
What annual property tax should I budget in Lithuania in 2026?
As of early 2026, most owner-occupied homes in Lithuania face annual property tax of zero to 50 euros because the tax only applies above high value thresholds, though second properties or high-value homes may owe between 0.2% and 2% on the taxable portion.
Annual property tax in Lithuania is assessed based on the property's taxable value above certain thresholds, with municipalities setting the exact rate within a framework range rather than charging a flat annual fee.
How is rental income taxed for foreigners in Lithuania in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income for foreigners in Lithuania is taxed at 15% personal income tax up to a high annual threshold and 20% above that, which is the same rate structure that applies to Lithuanian residents.
Foreign owners must file an annual tax declaration with the State Tax Inspectorate and pay the tax due, and if you have a double-tax treaty between Lithuania and your home country, you can usually claim a credit for Lithuanian taxes paid.
What insurance is common and how much in Lithuania in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical annual home insurance premiums in Lithuania range from 80 to 250 euros for apartments and 200 to 600 euros for houses, depending on the property value, coverage level, and specific risk factors.
The most common type of property insurance coverage in Lithuania is building insurance that covers structural damage from fire, flooding, storms, and similar events, often bundled with contents coverage and liability protection.
The biggest factor that makes insurance premiums higher or lower for the same property type in Lithuania is the insured sum and deductible you choose, because higher coverage limits and lower deductibles increase the premium while basic coverage keeps costs down.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Lithuania
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Lithuania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| European Land Registry Association (ELRA) | Part of a Europe-wide land registry network describing Lithuania's property rules. | We used it to anchor what foreigners can own and the nationality criteria for land. We cross-checked these points against registry and government pages. |
| Centre of Registers | The state operator of Lithuania's Real Property Register and cadastre. | We used it to explain what ownership means in practice through registration. We based due diligence steps on their title and cadastral data systems. |
| Ministry of Finance | The government ministry responsible for national tax policy in Lithuania. | We used it to confirm who pays property tax and general tax scope. We triangulated thresholds with other authoritative references. |
| Migration Department | Lithuania's official immigration authority under the Ministry of the Interior. | We used it to confirm residency pathways and clarify property purchase is not a permit category. We verified e-residency limitations on their dedicated page. |
| European e-Justice Portal | An EU portal explaining how national land registers work. | We used it to corroborate who runs Lithuania's register and the paid-access nature of extracts. We aligned title verification guidance with EU-standard descriptions. |
| TPS "Planuoju statyti" | Lithuania's single-window system for planning and construction services. | We used it to show how to check zoning and development constraints. We combined it with practical municipal verification steps. |
| Bank of Lithuania | The national central bank reporting official lending statistics. | We used it to anchor mortgage rate estimates for home loans. We triangulated with ECB data for consistency. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | A top-tier tax advisory with transparent summaries used by professionals globally. | We used it to anchor rental income tax rate bands and thresholds. We cross-checked with other reputable summaries for consistency. |
| SEB Bank | A major bank's official product page showing real lending requirements. | We used it to identify typical collateral structure and process steps. We framed document and timeline expectations based on their materials. |
| Swedbank | Another major retail lender's official home loan page in Lithuania. | We used it to confirm mainstream lending is mortgage-secured and application-driven. We kept lender guidance realistic based on their underwriting approach. |
| Luminor Bank | A major lender's page clearly stating baseline down payment and process steps. | We used it to anchor typical LTV and down payment expectations. We adjusted foreigner guidance with conservative buffers. |
| Ministry of Justice | The ministry supervising core legal registries including property and mortgages. | We used it to identify relevant registries for liens and encumbrances. We translated that into a practical buyer checklist. |
| LRT (Lithuanian National Broadcaster) | A national broadcaster attributing figures to central bank and legislative sources. | We used it to capture practical tax thresholds being discussed for 2026. We treated it as policy detail reporting and corroborated with official sources. |
| Geoportal.lt | An official national platform for spatial datasets and cadastre layers. | We used it to give buyers a tool to check location and land plots. We recommended it as a companion to registry extracts. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Lithuania. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.