Residency Permit In Lithuania

Residency Permit Through a Lithuanian Company: Requirements and Process in 2026

Lithuania has become one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for foreign entrepreneurs, SaaS founders, IT companies, e-commerce businesses, consultants, and digital service providers. The country offers fast company formation, access to the European Union market, relatively competitive taxes, and a business-friendly environment for international founders.

Because of these advantages, many non-EU citizens explore the possibility of obtaining a Lithuanian Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) through a company established in Lithuania. However, there is an important misconception that often appears online - many people believe that simply opening a company is enough to receive a residency permit. In reality, Lithuanian migration authorities require genuine business activity, real investment, and proper operational substance before approving a TRP application.

In this article, we will explain the main requirements, investment thresholds, company structure, and the most important things foreign entrepreneurs should know before applying for a Lithuanian residency permit through a business.

Can You Get a Lithuanian Residency Permit Through a Company?

Yes - non-EU citizens can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania through business activities conducted via a Lithuanian company. This route is commonly used by entrepreneurs who want to relocate to Europe, manage an EU-based business, or expand operations into the European market.

However, immigration authorities evaluate whether the company is genuinely operating and contributing economically. A company created only “on paper” without real activity is usually not sufficient for a TRP application.

Lithuania’s migration system focuses heavily on actual business substance. This means the company should have active operations, financial movement, contracts, invoices, accounting records, and legitimate commercial activity before the application is submitted.

The Company Must Be Active for at Least 6 Months

One of the most important requirements is business activity duration.

Before applying for a Lithuanian Temporary Residence Permit through a company, the business must usually be active for at least six months. This is a critical requirement that many foreign founders overlook.

The company cannot remain dormant during this period. Lithuanian migration authorities want to see that the business is genuinely functioning and generating real economic activity.

In practice, this usually means the company should demonstrate:

• issued invoices;

• active contracts or agreements;

• clients or customers;

• regular bank transactions;

• operational expenses;

• proper accounting records;

• submitted tax declarations;

• real commercial operations.

The authorities evaluate whether the company is truly operating rather than existing only for immigration purposes. Simply registering a company and waiting six months without activity is generally not enough.

Because of this, many entrepreneurs begin actual business operations immediately after incorporation instead of delaying activity until later.

Minimum Share Capital Requirement – €28,000

Another major requirement for obtaining a TRP through a Lithuanian company is the company’s capital structure.

In most cases, the company must have a share capital of at least €28,000. This requirement is particularly important for immigration-related business applications.

Out of this amount, at least €14,000 can be contributed as company equity, while the remaining €14,000 must be directly invested by the shareholder who intends to apply for the Temporary Residence Permit.

Lithuanian authorities use this requirement to verify that the applicant has made a genuine financial commitment to the business and intends to operate a real company rather than using a temporary structure solely for residency purposes.

Because of this, investment documentation and financial transparency become very important during the application process.

The Shareholder Must Be Actively Involved in the Business

Obtaining residency through a Lithuanian company is not designed for passive investors alone.

In most situations, the applicant is expected to participate in the management, development, or operational side of the business. Migration authorities may evaluate the applicant’s actual role inside the company and their involvement in business activities.

For example, entrepreneurs who actively manage SaaS companies, digital agencies, e-commerce projects, consulting firms, or IT businesses generally fit more naturally into this structure than purely passive shareholders.

The stronger the operational involvement and business justification, the more credible the application appears.

What Type of Company Is Usually Used?

Most foreign entrepreneurs choose a UAB in Lithuania, which is equivalent to a private limited liability company.

A UAB is usually preferred over an MB (Small Partnership) for residency permit applications because it supports the required share capital structure more naturally and is generally viewed as a stronger corporate structure for investment and immigration purposes.

UAB companies are also more suitable for:

• multiple shareholders;

• international operations;

• investor structures;

• scalable businesses;

• fintech, SaaS, and technology companies.

While MB companies remain popular for small local businesses, UAB structures are more commonly used for immigration-related business activities.

What Documents Are Usually Required?

The exact requirements can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and business model, but Lithuanian migration authorities typically request documentation proving both company legitimacy and real business activity.

This often includes company incorporation documents, shareholder information, proof of investment, accounting records, bank statements, contracts, invoices, proof of business activity, and identification documents such as a passport.

In some cases, additional explanations or a business plan may also be requested to demonstrate the company’s operational goals and future plans in Lithuania.

Because immigration authorities review applications carefully, proper accounting and documentation become extremely important throughout the process.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The company formation process itself in Lithuania is relatively fast. However, obtaining residency through a company is a longer-term process because the business activity requirement must first be satisfied.

In practice, entrepreneurs usually spend at least six months actively operating the company before applying for the TRP. After the application is submitted, migration authority review times can vary depending on the complexity and quality of the application.

Because of this, business-based residency in Lithuania should be approached as a genuine business expansion strategy rather than a quick immigration shortcut.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a TRP Through a Lithuanian Company

One of the biggest mistakes foreign entrepreneurs make is opening a company but conducting no real activity. Migration authorities can usually identify dormant businesses quite quickly.

Another common issue is applying too early before the company has built sufficient operational history. Weak accounting records, insufficient proof of investment, unrealistic business models, or inconsistent financial activity can also negatively impact the application.

Some founders additionally underestimate the importance of proper bookkeeping and tax compliance. Since Lithuanian authorities often review the company’s actual operations, accounting transparency becomes extremely important.

The stronger and more genuine the business activity appears, the stronger the residency application usually becomes.

Why Lithuania Is Attractive for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Lithuania continues to attract international founders because of its strategic location, access to the EU market, modern digital infrastructure, and relatively efficient business environment.

The country has become particularly attractive for SaaS companies, IT businesses, fintech startups, digital marketing agencies, e-commerce projects, and international consulting businesses.

Lithuania also offers competitive corporate taxation. Qualifying small companies may benefit from a reduced 7% corporate income tax rate, while the standard corporate income tax rate is 17% once certain thresholds are exceeded.

Combined with access to European banking, fintech solutions, and EU-wide operations, Lithuania remains one of the stronger business destinations in the region for international entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Lithuanian Temporary Residence Permit through a company is possible, but it requires far more than simply registering a business.

Lithuanian migration authorities expect to see real economic activity, proper accounting, genuine operational substance, and actual financial commitment from the shareholder. In most cases, the company must be actively operating for at least six months before the TRP application is submitted.

Additionally, the business structure usually requires at least €28,000 in share capital, with at least €14,000 directly invested by the shareholder applying for residency.

Entrepreneurs who approach the process seriously, build a legitimate business, and maintain proper compliance are generally in a much stronger position when applying for a Lithuanian residency permit through a company.