How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Lithuania?
Written by: Domantas
Business Formation Expert
Registering a company in Lithuania is one of the most cost-effective ways to establish a legal EU business — but the total cost depends on the legal structure you choose, how you register, and what services you include. This guide gives you a complete, honest breakdown with no surprises.
The cost to register a company in Lithuania is €700 for an MB (small partnership) and €1,200 for a UAB (private limited company). Both prices are all-inclusive — covering all government fees, state duties, and a registered business address for an unlimited period. Ongoing costs such as accounting and VAT registration are separate.
MB or UAB: Which Structure Should You Choose?
Before looking at costs, you need to know what you're registering. Lithuania offers two main business structures for small and medium enterprises:
MB (Small Partnership) is Lithuania's simplest business structure. An MB is a limited liability company — members are not personally liable for the company's obligations. The minimum share capital is just €1, making it the lowest-barrier legal structure available. An MB cannot have legal entity shareholders — all members must be natural persons, which makes it ideal for freelancers, solopreneurs, and services-based businesses.
UAB (Private Limited Company) is Lithuania's equivalent of a Ltd or GmbH. It requires a minimum share capital of €1,000, at least half of which (€500) must be deposited before registration can be completed. A UAB provides full liability protection — shareholders are only liable up to their contribution. It can be owned by both individuals and other legal entities, making it the preferred structure for investors, startups, and businesses expecting external funding or corporate clients.
For most foreign entrepreneurs setting up a lean digital or service business, an MB is faster and cheaper. For anyone planning to scale, raise investment, or work with corporate clients who require an LLC-equivalent structure, a UAB is the right choice.
[Learn more in our detailed MB vs UAB comparison guide]
How Much Does It Cost to Register an MB in Lithuania?
An MB is the most affordable company structure in Lithuania. The minimum share capital is just €1, and our all-inclusive registration service costs a flat €700.
That price covers everything: all state duties, government fees, and a registered business address valid for an unlimited period. There are no hidden extras to budget for on top of this figure.
If you choose to register via Power of Attorney instead, the cost increases by at least €500 — not because our fee changes, but due to the notarisation, apostille, and courier costs on your side. For most clients, remote registration is the smarter choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a UAB in Lithuania?
A UAB involves a higher registration fee and requires a share capital deposit, but remains very competitive by European standards. Our all-inclusive UAB registration service costs a flat €1,200 — covering all state duties, government fees, and a registered business address for an unlimited period.
The minimum share capital for a UAB is €1,000, of which at least €500 must be deposited into a temporary company bank account before registration can be completed. The remaining €500 can be contributed within 12 months after registration. This capital becomes yours — it is your working capital, not a fee.
So the true upfront commitment for a UAB is €1,200 (service fee) + €1,000 (share capital). In practice, we typically handle the share capital formation on your behalf — meaning you do not need to make a separate transfer or open a bank account yourself before registration.
What Are the 3 Ways to Register a Lithuanian Company?
Remote Registration (Recommended)
We register the company in our name, then immediately transfer full ownership to you. This is the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient method - no travel, no notary appointments, no waiting for apostilled documents.
Why it works: Lithuanian law allows company ownership to be transferred through a straightforward share transfer process. The company is legally yours from the moment the transfer is completed. You receive all founding documents, and we never retain any rights or control.
This method typically takes 5–10 business days from payment to a fully registered company.
Remote via Power of Attorney
You authorise us to act on your behalf through a notarised and apostilled Power of Attorney. We then register the company directly in your name from the start.
This method is valid and results in a company registered directly under your name - but it costs at least €500 more than remote registration and takes considerably longer. You need to have a POA document prepared, notarised in your country, apostilled (where required), and sent to us - a process that can add 2–4 weeks depending on your country of residence.
For most clients, the extra cost and delay offer no practical advantage over remote registration followed by an ownership transfer.
Visit Lithuania and Register via Notary
You travel to Lithuania and sign all documents in person before a local notary. This is the most traditional route and the most expensive - between notary fees, travel, and accommodation, the total cost is significantly higher.
It makes sense only if you have specific reasons to be physically present (e.g. complex corporate structures, simultaneous opening of multiple entities, or personal preference for in-person procedures).
How Long Does Company Registration Take in Lithuania?
The timeline depends on the method:
Remote registration: 5–10 business days from payment confirmation to a fully registered company with all documents
Remote via Power of Attorney: 2–5 weeks, depending on how quickly you can obtain, notarise, apostille, and deliver the POA
In-person via notary: Typically 1–2 business days once you are in Lithuania, but document preparation, travel planning adds to the overall timeline
The Centre of Registers processes standard registrations within 3 business days. Expedited same-day registration is possible for an additional state fee, though this is rarely necessary given the already short standard timeline.
What Are the Annual Maintenance Costs?
Registration is a one-time cost. Running your Lithuanian company involves predictable, manageable recurring expenses.
Accounting
Every Lithuanian company must maintain proper accounting records and file annual financial statements with the Centre of Registers. Accounting services start from €100 per month for a basic package.
However, if your company has limited activity, you can significantly reduce this cost. Many low-activity companies hire an accountant once a year to reconcile all transactions, prepare the annual financial statements, and file all required reports. This approach is fully legal and practical for holding companies, dormant entities, or businesses with only a few transactions per month.
Registered Business Address
A registered address in Lithuania is a legal requirement for all companies. We provide a registered business address included in the registration price, valid for an unlimited period — there is no annual renewal fee for this service.
VAT Registration
Lithuanian companies are not automatically VAT-registered. You only need to register for VAT if:
Your annual turnover exceeds €45,000 (the Lithuanian VAT registration threshold), or
You purchase goods from other EU member states or from third countries for more than €10,000 per year
If either threshold is reached, VAT registration with VMI (Valstybinė mokesčių inspekcija) is mandatory. Our VAT registration service costs €400.
Total Cost to Register a Company in Lithuania
The cost to register a company in Lithuania is genuinely low by European standards. Both prices are fully all-inclusive — no surprise state duties or hidden government fees on top:
MB: €700 (all government fees + registered address included; minimum share capital of just €1)
UAB: €1,200 (all government fees + registered address included) + €1,000 share capital (typically formed by us — no separate bank transfer needed on your end)
Ongoing costs are predictable: accounting from €100/month (or a one-time annual service for low-activity companies), a registered address included in your package permanently, and VAT registration at €400 if and when required.
Lithuania remains one of the most accessible EU jurisdictions for foreign entrepreneurs — combining low setup costs, a modern digital infrastructure, and full access to the EU single market.
What Taxes Apply After Establishing a Company in Lithuania?
Lithuania offers a favourable tax environment for businesses, with particularly attractive conditions available to qualifying small and newly established companies. Below is an overview of the principal taxes you should consider.
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) is calculated on taxable profit rather than the company’s total revenue. Lithuania’s standard corporate tax rate is 17%. However, qualifying small companies with annual revenue not exceeding €300,000 may benefit from a reduced 7% rate. Newly established businesses that meet the statutory requirements may apply a 0% corporate tax rate during their first two tax periods.
Before corporate tax is calculated, the company may deduct eligible operating costs, such as salaries, rent, software, professional services and other expenses incurred for business purposes. Tax is therefore charged only on the remaining taxable profit.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is generally charged at 21%. Registration normally becomes compulsory when the company’s taxable turnover in Lithuania exceeds €45,000 under the applicable calendar-year rules. Certain transactions involving foreign suppliers, EU purchases or cross-border services may create VAT obligations even before this threshold is reached.
Businesses may also register voluntarily. This can be beneficial for companies working primarily with other VAT-registered businesses, particularly within the European Union, because it may allow them to recover eligible input VAT and obtain an EU VAT number listed in the VIES system.
Reduced VAT rates of 12% and 5% apply to selected goods and services, including certain publications, accommodation, passenger transport, medicines and medical products. The correct rate always depends on the exact nature of the transaction.
Dividend taxation depends on who receives the distributed profit. Dividends paid to individuals are generally subject to 15% personal income tax. Different rules apply when dividends are paid to another company.
A company receiving dividends may qualify for a participation exemption if it has continuously controlled at least 10% of the voting rights in the distributing company for a minimum of 12 months. Dividends received from qualifying companies established within the European Economic Area may also be exempt, subject to the relevant legal conditions.
Relief from international double taxation may be available when income is connected to more than one country. Lithuania has signed double taxation treaties with numerous jurisdictions. Depending on the applicable treaty, foreign tax may be credited, income may be exempt, or the withholding tax rate may be reduced. Each situation must be assessed according to the relevant agreement and the recipient’s tax residence.
Lithuania does not impose general exchange controls on ordinary international business transfers. Companies can generally receive and send funds across borders, although banks and payment institutions must still carry out anti-money-laundering, sanctions and compliance checks.
Tax legislation, rates and eligibility requirements may change. Before making financial decisions, confirm the current rules with an accountant or the Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate at vmi.lt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to register a company in Lithuania?
The cheapest method is remote registration, where the company is first registered in our name and then ownership is transferred to you. For an MB, total cost is €700. For a UAB, total cost €1200. This avoids notary fees, travel costs, and the additional expense of a Power of Attorney process.
Do I need to be in Lithuania to register a company?
No. Lithuania allows fully remote company registration. The most efficient route is remote registration via our service, which requires no travel, no notary visit in Lithuania, and no Power of Attorney. You receive all company documents electronically and physically within 5-10 business days.
Do I need a Lithuanian address to register a company?
Yes, a registered business address in Lithuania is a legal requirement for all companies. We provide a registered address as part of our registration service, included in the price with no time limit or annual renewal fee.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Lithuanian company?
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of Lithuanian companies. A non-resident foreigner can be the sole shareholder and sole director of both an MB and a UAB. No local partner or resident director is required.
What ongoing costs should I budget for annually?
The main recurring costs are accounting (from €100/month, or a lower annual fee for low-activity companies) and VAT obligations if applicable. Your registered address is included in the registration price indefinitely.
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