Lithuania

Lithuania combines EU and Schengen membership with a digitally advanced economy and a strong technology and fintech community. Vilnius offers a competitive base for innovative founders, although the small domestic market and active-business requirements make Lithuania a specialist option.

Lithuania Golden Visa

Lithuania does not offer a conventional passive Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program. Purchasing property or making a passive investment does not provide an automatic right to residence. Alternative European options, such as Portugal’s Golden Visa Program offer permanent residency after five years without having to reside full time. It also allows visa-free travel throughout the EU Schengen zone. If you prefer eastern Europe, then Hungary’s Golden Visa is another good alternative.

Lithuania Business Visas

Lithuania offers two business-led residence routes for non-EU entrepreneurs prepared to establish and actively develop a company in the country.

Lithuania Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is open to non-EU founders building an innovative, scalable business in Lithuania. The business concept must be approved by Startup Lithuania, and applicants need the qualifications, funding and business plan required to develop it. There is no fixed capital or employment threshold. A temporary residence permit may be issued for two years and extended for a further three years while the approved startup remains active.

Lithuania Business Residence Permit

Non-EU entrepreneurs may also qualify through an operating Lithuanian company. The company must normally have traded for at least six months, employ three eligible full-time workers and hold equity of at least €28,000. The applicant must invest at least €14,000 and hold a qualifying ownership or management role.

Lithuania Permanent Residency

Those following the routes above may apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous lawful residence, subject to Lithuanian language, Constitution, financial and other requirements.

Lithuania Citizenship by Investment

Lithuania does not offer Citizenship by Investment, and neither business route provides a direct right to a Lithuanian passport. Naturalisation generally requires ten years of continuous lawful residence, permanent residence status, Lithuanian language and Constitution exams, a lawful income and other requirements. Applicants are generally expected to renounce their existing citizenship, subject to limited exceptions. For direct citizenship, consider Grenada Citizenship by Investment.

Lithuania’s Passport Strength and Ranking

The Lithuanian passport provides excellent global access. Lithuania ranks 37th out of 199 passports in the La Vida Passport Value Index and provides access to 214 of the world’s 227 destinations through visa-free entry, visa on arrival, eTA or eVisa arrangements. This covers 82.5% of global GDP and 97.0% of the worldwide visitor market.