Lithuania Residence Permit by Investment

Overview

Lithuania residence permit by investment is a temporary residence permit that allows a foreign national to legally reside in the country based on investments in a Lithuanian business. It grants the right to develop a business and benefit from the advantages of a European jurisdiction.

For many investors, this is not only a way to organize a company’s operations in an EU country but also an optimal migration route with the prospect of extending status, subsequently obtaining a Lithuania permanent residence permit and, in the future, citizenship, provided the established conditions are met.

Is There a “Golden Visa” in Lithuania?

In short, there is no Lithuania golden visa in the usual sense. Here, it is not possible to simply buy real estate, invest passive capital, or transfer money to an account and automatically receive a residence permit. The Lithuanian model works differently: a residence permit is issued not for the mere fact of investment but for participation in a real business that meets legal requirements.

Main Requirements for the Company and the Investment

The basic requirements are as follows:

1. 1
   The company must conduct business in Lithuania for at least 6 months in accordance with the declared business plan.
2. 2
   The company must have employees on staff — citizens of Lithuania, the EU, EFTA, or foreign nationals with the right of permanent residence in Lithuania.
3. 3
   Their combined salaries must amount to no less than two average gross salaries in the country.
4. 4
   The company’s equity capital must be at least EUR 28,000.
5. 5
   Of this amount, at least EUR 14,000 must consist of the applicant’s own investment.

There are also requirements for the investor personally. Usually, the applicant must be the company’s manager, a shareholder, or a member with a substantial stake. If an AB or UAB is involved, the applicant must own at least 1/3 of the authorized capital. At the same time, the nominal value of the shares owned by the applicant must be at least EUR 14,000.

Why Lithuania Is Attractive to an Investor Who Wants to Obtain a Residence Permit

Lithuania’s investment residence permit has several strong points that make this option look more practical than many other European programs. The main advantage is the comparatively low entry threshold. EUR 14,000 is quite a moderate level for Europe, especially compared with programs involving hundreds of thousands of euros or more. In this sense, the Lithuania investment visa route is often seen as one of the more accessible options for active entrepreneurs.

The second important reason is the clear immigration perspective. If a foreign national legally and continuously lives in Lithuania with a temporary residence permit, they may apply for permanent residence after 5 years. And after 10 years of legal residence in the country, it becomes possible to apply for Lithuanian citizenship by naturalization, provided the other conditions are met, including knowledge of the language and the basics of the Constitution.

Moreover, Lithuania is attractive because it is an EU country with a developed business environment, and the local residence permit is not limited to formal ownership of an asset. For an entrepreneur, this is a plus: with a properly structured setup, it is possible to both resolve the migration issue and build a successful European company at the same time. That is why Lithuania is especially suitable for those who do not simply want to “buy” a passport, but want to follow a real business route with the prospect of Lithuania PR by investment and citizenship.

What Documents Are Required?

For an investment residence permit, a passport, company documents, proof of investment, and papers showing that the business is actually operating are usually required. The basic package generally includes a business plan, documents on the company’s activities for the last 6 months, confirmation of the composition of members or shareholders, data on employees and salaries, and, if necessary, licenses, a lease agreement, bank statements, and other documents related to business activity.

In addition to corporate documents, the applicant usually submits proof of sufficient funds, medical insurance, a criminal record certificate in cases where it is required, as well as translations and legalization of foreign documents. The application is submitted through MIGRIS, after which the originals must be presented in person, and biometrics must be provided. In practice, a Lithuania residence permit by investment application is assessed based on both the formal documents and the actual substance of the business.

How the Procedure Works

1. 1
   Collect the document package. A dossier is prepared: the applicant’s personal documents, the company’s corporate documents, proof of investment, data on employees, salaries, address, insurance, and availability of funds. Foreign documents must be translated and, if required, legalized or apostilled.
2. 2
   Submit the application. The application for a temporary residence permit is submitted online through the MIGRIS system. Electronic copies of the documents are attached to the application form.
3. 3
   Complete a personal visit. The applicant must appear in person at the migration authority or an authorized institution to present the original documents and provide biometrics. Usually, this must be done within 4 months after completing the application in MIGRIS.
4. 4
   Wait for the decision. The migration service reviews the submitted documents. At this stage, additional information may be requested about the company, the investment, the source of funds, or the actual business activity.
5. 5
   Receive the residence permit card. If the application is approved, the applicant is issued a temporary residence permit card. After that, it is possible to legally reside in Lithuania within the validity period of the permit and later apply for an extension if the company continues to meet the requirements.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit through investment may appear straightforward on paper. In practice, much depends on the correct business structure, proof of investment, and the quality of the prepared dossier. Mistakes in the documents, the company's formal nature, or non-compliance with migration requirements may complicate the process. So, the investor needs to develop an application strategy in advance.

Bimaris Law Firm provides comprehensive legal support on matters related to obtaining a residency by investment Lithuania — from assessing the business model and verifying the grounds to preparing documents and providing support at all stages of the procedure. Contact our team if you want to receive a clear list of requirements and a personalized application strategy for your specific case in advance.