A project in Lithuania?
Lithuania isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
The path to creating a UAB in Lithuania, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 2 to 3 business days for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: €1,000 (since May 2023).
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Notarial or electronic route
The notarial deed costs several hundred euros; the electronic route is significantly cheaper (state fees of around €30-60).
Payment account
The founder opens a payment account with a bank or e-money institution; no additional branch visit is required, as the account is opened at the time of incorporation.
Processing by the Register Centre
Standard timeframe, depending on how quickly the Register Centre (Registrų centras) processes the file.
Proof of connection to Lithuania
A foreign founder wanting to open an account must demonstrate a connection to Lithuania.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 21% | |
| Reduced rates | 12% | accommodation, passenger transport, cultural event access |
| Reduced rates | 5% | printed and digital books, non-periodical publications |
Corporate tax
17% generally; reduced 7% rate (or 0% for the first two years) for small businesses under €300,000 in annual revenue.
Is a visa required?
No for an EU/EEA national. Precise visa rules for a non-EU national could not be confirmed in this research — to be checked case by case.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Lithuania required?
For a foreign founder, a fast electronic incorporation is available without systematic travel; opening the account may require demonstrating a connection to the country.
Observed timeframe to open the account
2 to 3 business days: the payment account opens directly at incorporation, with no additional branch visit required.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: €1,000 (since May 2023).
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease and registering the establishment with the Register Centre (Registrų centras).
On-site sales & till
A certified cash register (kasos aparatas) is mandatory for retail trade.
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- myPOS
- Shopify POS
- Lightspeed
Payment providers for small businesses
- Paysera
- Stripe
- PayPal Business
- Adyen
- Montonio
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Lithuania.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Lithuanian Customs (Muitinė).
On-site consumer rules
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Lithuania — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.