Buying property in Lithuania as a foreigner

Lithuania market today

Live figures from asking prices of listings on Live Baltic, not official statistics.

Listings in Lithuania

1,243

983 for sale, 260 for rent on Live Baltic

• Homes for sale in Vilnius — 247 listings for sale
• Homes for rent in Vilnius — 74 rental listings, from €290/month
• Vilnius rent prices

Who can buy property in Lithuania

Foreign individuals can generally buy apartments, houses and the land under them in Lithuania. Citizens of EU and EEA countries are usually treated in the same way as Lithuanian citizens. For citizens of some other countries, the rules on acquiring land are stricter, and the position depends on the buyer's nationality and on the type of land.

The most significant limits concern agricultural land and forest land. Acquiring this kind of land is regulated separately, can require approval from the authorities, and may be restricted or unavailable to some non-EU buyers. A house with a large plot outside a city can include agricultural or forest land, so check the land's registered purpose early and ask a lawyer whether any restriction applies to you.

The buying process step by step

1. Find a property and agree a price. Listings are published by agencies and private sellers on portals and on Live Baltic. Prices are usually negotiable, and the agent normally works for the seller.

2. Check the property. Order an extract from the Real Property Register, which is kept by the State Enterprise Centre of Registers (Registrų centras). It shows the registered owner, the exact property, its area, its registered use, and any mortgages, seizures or other restrictions. Compare it with the seller's identity documents and the advert.

3. Sign a preliminary agreement if needed. Many buyers sign a preliminary purchase agreement and pay a deposit or advance to reserve the property. A preliminary agreement should be in writing; having it notarised gives both sides more certainty. Agree clearly when the deposit is refundable and what happens if either side withdraws.

4. Arrange financing and payment. If you are borrowing, the bank will value the property and prepare the mortgage documents, which are also signed before a notary.

5. Sign the sale contract before a notary. A contract transferring ownership of real property in Lithuania must be certified by a notary. The notary identifies the parties, checks the register data and the seller's right to sell, explains the contract, and certifies it.

6. Registration. After certification, the transfer is registered with the Centre of Registers; the notary usually sends the data electronically. Ownership rights are protected against third parties once they are entered in the register, so confirm the entry has been made in your name.

7. Handover. Take the keys, read the utility meters, and transfer utility, internet and building administration contracts into your name.

The role of the notary

The notary is a neutral public official, not the buyer's or the seller's representative. Their job is to make sure the transaction is lawful, that the parties understand what they are signing, and that the register data are correct. They do not inspect the building, assess the price or advise you on whether the purchase is a good idea.

Documents are prepared in Lithuanian. If you do not speak Lithuanian, the notary will usually require an interpreter, and you may prefer to have your own lawyer review the contract in advance. You can also sign through a representative with a notarised power of attorney, which is common when buyers live abroad.

Taxes and fees

Lithuania does not charge a general property transfer tax on buyers of homes. The main buyer costs are usually the notary's fee, the Centre of Registers registration fee, any bank and valuation costs if you borrow, translation, and legal fees if you use a lawyer. Notary and registry fees are set by regulation and depend on the value of the deal.

Owners may pay annual real estate tax and land tax, depending on the property, its value and how it is used; many owner-occupied homes below a value threshold pay little or none. If you let the property, rental income is taxable. If you later sell, capital gains can be taxable depending on how long you held the property and other conditions. Confirm the current rates and exemptions with a notary or a tax adviser before you buy.

Residency and the right to live in Lithuania

Owning property in Lithuania does not by itself give you the right to live there. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can generally live in another EU country under free-movement rules, registering their residence after a period of stay. Citizens of other countries need a visa or a residence permit that matches their reason for staying, such as work, study, family or business.

Residence permit schemes linked to investment have existed in the Baltic states at various times, and their conditions have changed. Do not buy a property on the assumption that it will qualify you for a permit. Check the current rules directly with the Migration Department (Migracijos departamentas) or an immigration lawyer before you commit.

Financing your purchase

Many buyers in Lithuania pay from their own funds, but local banks also offer mortgages. Lending to non-residents and to people without local income is assessed case by case, and conditions are usually stricter than for residents. Expect the bank to ask for proof of identity, income, existing debts and the source of your deposit, and to require a valuation of the property by an approved valuer.

The share of the price you must cover yourself, the interest rate and the loan term all depend on the bank, your profile and the property. Ask several banks for written offers and compare the total cost, including arrangement fees, valuation, insurance and the notary costs for registering the mortgage.

Practical checklist

• Decide your budget, including purchase costs, fees, translation and any renovation.
• Open a local bank account, or confirm how your bank will make the payment.
• Get a current extract from the Real Property Register (Registrų centras) and compare the owner, address and area with the advert.
• Check for mortgages, seizures, rights of way, leases or other encumbrances.
• Review the energy performance certificate and the building's condition.
• For an apartment, ask about monthly charges, the repair fund, planned works and any debts.
• For a house or plot, check boundaries, permitted use, utilities and building permits.
• Book a notary for the sale contract, and arrange a sworn translator or bilingual lawyer if you do not speak the language.
• Confirm the total taxes and fees with the notary or a tax adviser before signing.
• After signing, confirm that ownership has been entered in the register in your name.

Frequently asked questions