Buy a Property in Lithuania: Steps and Legal Aspects

Purchasing a property in Lithuania as a foreigner is generally straightforward, but there are specific rules, regulations, and steps to follow to ensure a smooth process. Our law firm in Lithuania can explain the conditions for buying a house in Lithuania in 2026 and the legal aspects involved.

Quick Facts
Can expats buy properties in Lithuania?	Buildings and apartments can be bought freely; land can be acquired only by persons from EU, EEA, OECD or NATO states (or Lithuanian permanent residents), and Russian citizens face additional restrictions.
Legislation for property purchase in Lithuania	– Civil Code (Book Four) and Law on the Real Property Register, – Law on Land of the Republic of Lithuania
Types of properties you can buy as a foreigner	residential/ commercial/ industrial properties etc.
Property inspection before purchase (YES/NO)	YES
Pre-sale agreement required	A preliminary sale-purchase agreement is signed as part of the property acquisition in Lithuania.
Documentation verification made by our law firm in Lithuania	– property history, – title deed, – cadastral documents, etc.
Content of a sale-purchase contract of a property	– type of property, – location, – size, – name of the buyer and seller, – price of the property, – date of contract, – payment method, etc.
Real estate tax in Lithuania	0.5%-3% on non-residential property (plus 0.2% supplementary tax from 2026); individuals' residential property is taxed at 0.1%-1% only above exempt thresholds (EUR 450,000 for a main home)
VAT rate for property purchase in Lithuania	21% for new buildings
Can a lawyer in Lithuania represent you with a power of attorney?	Yes, you can be represented with a power of attorney for property purchase in Lithuania.
Possibility to buy without visiting Lithuania (YES/NO)	YES
Residence permit issued for buying property in Lithuania	Not an available option
Citizenship application permitted	No
Buying a property in Lithuania through mortgage	Available option, but specific conditions apply.
Legal services offered for buying a property in Lithuania	We represent clients in the process of buying a property in Lithuania by managing the paperwork and verifying the existing ones. We assure customers that there are no legal problems with the property they want to buy.
Can a foreigner buy a property in Lithuania on her/his own?	Yes, but it is recommended to talk to our real estate lawyer in Lithuania who can manage the formalities and explain all the legal aspects.
Can foreigners buy agricultural land in Lithuania?	Yes, but certain restrictions might apply.
Institution that issues approvals for foreigners buying a property in Lithuania	Government bodies in cases of land purchase
Recommendations for loans in Lithuania	It is advisable to collaborate with a real estate lawyer in Lithuania with experience in mortgage.
What happens with the deposit if the buyer changes his/her mind?	In most cases, the deposit cannot be recovered.
When is the property transfer made?	Proof of payment is solicited.
Notary fees	Around 0.45% of the property value (capped); usually paid by the buyer, or as agreed by the parties.
Fees for real estate agents (approx.)	Between 1% and 3% calculated on the house price.
Other obligations for the new property owner in Lithuania	Ownership is registered in the Real Property Register (Centre of Registers), usually by the notary
Buying a property for rental purposes in Lithuania	Available option for foreigners interested in this kind of investment
Homeownership rate in Lithuania	Around 88.6%
Title transfer	Once the sale-purchase contract is signed and the payment is concluded
Avoiding possible legal disputes	Our lawyers with experience in the real estate field in Lithuania know the legislation and can advise you before signing a sale-purchase contract.
Popular cities for buying a house in Lithuania	– Vilnius, – Kaunas, – Klaipeda, etc.
Average price per square meter for a property in Vilnius, the capital city	Around EUR 4,478.83

Are there any restrictions on foreigners buying properties in Lithuania?

Buildings and apartments: no restrictions. Land (including agricultural and forest land) can be acquired only by persons from EU, EEA, OECD or NATO states or Lithuanian permanent residents.

Do I need residency in Lithuania to buy a property here?

Not required.

NOTE: Purchasing a property in Lithuania does not confer residency; other routes are available. There is no golden visa that allows residency through real estate investments.

What types of property can foreigners purchase in Lithuania?

Houses,
Vilas,
Apartments,
Office & residential spaces or buildings,
Hotels or holiday homes, etc.

You may want to explore this infographic with details about property purchase in Lithuania:

What are the steps involved in buying a property in Lithuania in 2026?

when you want to buy a house in Lithuania, you must have specialized help for checking the property history;
you must obtain an extract from the Real Property Register (State Enterprise Centre of Registers) in Lithuania to confirm the ownership;
a preliminary sale-purchase contract is signed;
a deposit of 10% of the total price of the property is paid;
the final sale-purchase contract is signed in front of the notary, and one of our attorneys in Lithuania can represent you in this process;
once the taxes are paid, the ownership is registered in the Real Property Register (Centre of Registers).

What documents are needed for buying a house in Lithuania?

valid passport or identity card;
visa/residence permit: if you’re a non-EU citizen, a visa or residence permit is needed only for your stay, not for the purchase itself.
TIN (Tax Identification Number): You must have a Lithuanian tax identification number (TIN), which is required for all real estate transactions;
proof of funds: evidence that you have sufficient funds to complete the purchase (e.g., bank statements or loan approval from a bank);
preliminary sale agreement: if applicable, a signed preliminary agreement and payment receipt.

Are negotiations available in Lithuania when buying a property?

Yes, most sellers are willing to negotiate the price.

Do I need a real estate due diligence before buying a house?

Yes, it is quite recommended. Our Lithuanian lawyers can assist and guide you in this matter to ensure the property you want to purchase is not subject to legal issues.

Watch the following video presentation about real estate purchases in Lithuania:

Is buying a house in Lithuania an advantage when applying for residency?

Yes, because this way you can prove that you own property in this country.

What is the real estate tax in Lithuania?

the tax on commercial real estate in Lithuania ranges from 0.5% to 3% (set by municipalities), plus a 0.2% supplementary tax from 2026,
there is no property transfer tax or stamp duty in Lithuania. The buyer usually pays the notary fee (about 0.45%) and registration fees.

Can I apply for a loan to buy a property in Lithuania?

Lithuanian law does not prohibit mortgage loans to foreign citizens, but banks apply stricter conditions to non-residents. Even so, company owners can buy properties in Lithuania with a mortgage.

If you are interested in immigrating to Lithuania and buying a property here, we invite you to explore the range of services our law firm in Lithuania offers. For example, if you want to obtain Lithuanian citizenship, you can rely on our assistance. You can also count on our attorneys in Lithuania for business-related matters and legal procedures in this country. If you want to buy a house in Lithuania, do not hesitate to contact us and ask for more information.