Business immigration to Lithuania lets non‑EU entrepreneurs and investors live, work and travel across Europe by establishing a genuine business in Lithuania. Since 2005, BIZBON has helped clients from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and dozens of other countries obtain Lithuanian residence permits and Schengen visas through company formation, business acquisition and investment. This guide explains every route, the exact requirements, costs and timelines, and links to detailed pages for each service.
What is business immigration to Lithuania?
Business immigration is the legal process of obtaining the right to reside in Lithuania on the basis of business activity — by registering a company, buying an existing business, opening a branch of a foreign company, or investing into a running enterprise. Because Lithuania is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, a Lithuanian temporary residence permit (TRP) lets you and your family live in Lithuania and travel visa‑free across the Schengen countries.
Who is eligible for business immigration to Lithuania?
Any non‑EU national who owns or manages a lawfully operating Lithuanian company can apply. There is no requirement for a local partner or a resident director — a foreigner can be the sole shareholder and director. Up to four people can obtain residence permits through one company (up to three shareholders and one director), and one person can act as both shareholder and director.
What are the routes to residence in Lithuania through business?
1. Register a new company
The most common route. A non‑resident can register a Lithuanian UAB (private limited company) or MB remotely, without travelling to Lithuania, and use it as the basis for a residence permit. See our full guide to company registration in Lithuania.
2. Buy an established or ready‑made business
Buying a running business can give you immediate operating history and a faster path to residence, because the company is already active. Browse available businesses for sale in Lithuania.
3. Register a branch of your foreign company
If you already own a company abroad, you can open a Lithuanian branch and obtain a 3‑year residence permit for you and your family. See branch company registration in Lithuania.
What are the requirements for a residence permit through business?
To obtain a temporary residence permit on the basis of business, the Lithuanian company generally must meet these conditions:
- Share capital of at least €28,000, with each applying shareholder owning at least €14,000 of it;
- The company must have operated for at least 6 months before the residence permit application;
- Employ full‑time staff (Lithuanian, EU or permanently resident employees) whose combined salary equals at least two average national gross salaries;
- Carry out real economic activity, generate income and pay taxes in Lithuania.
The state fee is usually around €160 (about €320 for urgent processing), and a decision is normally issued within about 2 months. Full details are on our residence permit in Lithuania page.
Do you need a Type C visa, a Type D visa, or a residence permit?
These three documents serve different purposes:
- Schengen Type C visa — a short‑stay visa allowing up to 90 days within any 180‑day period, used for business trips and meetings. See Schengen visa Type C.
- National Type D visa — a long‑stay national visa (up to 12 months, multiple entry) for company owners, often used while the residence permit is being prepared. See Schengen visa Type D.
- Temporary residence permit (TRP) — the longer‑term right to live in Lithuania, first issued for 1 year and then renewed for 2 years at a time.
Not sure which applies to you? Our business visa to Lithuania guide walks through each option, and depending on your role you may also need a work permit in Lithuania.
How long does business immigration to Lithuania take?
Company registration takes about 5 business days. After the company has operated for the required period, the residence permit application is prepared and a decision typically follows in about 2 months. A national D visa decision is usually made within 15 calendar days (extendable up to 45). Most clients complete the overall process within a few months.
Can your family move to Lithuania with you?
Yes. When you receive a residence permit through business, your spouse and minor children can obtain residence permits as your family members, giving the whole family the right to live in Lithuania and travel across the Schengen Area.
Is there a path to permanent residence?
After holding a temporary residence permit for 5 continuous years, you may apply for a permanent residence permit, provided your business remains active and the conditions are met. Permanent residence is a step toward long‑term settlement in the EU.
Why choose Lithuania for business immigration?
- Full access to the EU single market of hundreds of millions of consumers;
- Fast, fully remote company registration — no need to travel to set up;
- Competitive corporate taxes and a business‑friendly environment;
- Schengen mobility for you and your family;
- A clear, lawful route from residence permit to permanent residence.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner get a residence permit in Lithuania by opening a company?
Yes. Registering a Lithuanian company that carries out real activity, meets the capital and employment conditions, and has operated for at least six months is a recognised legal basis for a temporary residence permit.
How much money do I need for business immigration to Lithuania?
The company needs at least €28,000 of share capital (€14,000 per applying shareholder), plus funds for salaries, accounting and living expenses. Government fees are modest — around €160 for the residence permit and €140 for a national D visa.
Can I buy a ready‑made company instead of registering a new one?
Yes. Buying an established or ready‑made Lithuanian company is often faster because the business already has operating history. We help you find and safely acquire a suitable company.
Which countries do your clients come from?
We assist entrepreneurs worldwide, with particular experience serving clients from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and other non‑EU countries.
Ready to start? BIZBON has guided business immigration to Lithuania since 2005. Contact our consultants for a personalised assessment of the fastest and safest route for your situation.