Can a foreigner buy property in Lithuania? Everything you need to know about the process and restrictions

Updated 13 October 2026 · Author: Sandra Jakulė, real estate agent in Vilnius since 2013

Lithuania remains an attractive country for real estate investment, but the buying process is not the same for every foreigner. Depending on your citizenship, the way to the keys of your own home can be either very simple or legally complicated.

1. Who can buy property in Lithuania?

Lithuanian law divides foreigners into two main groups:

2. The key difference: a flat or land

If you are not from an EU, NATO or OECD country, the land question is essential:

• Flats in older buildings (the easiest way). This is the option I recommend most often. The land under older apartment blocks usually belongs to the state, so you buy only the flat, not a plot. The deal can be done quickly and without obstacles.
• New builds and houses (the harder way). Modern projects are often sold together with a share of the land plot. Since you cannot buy land, sellers often avoid such deals because of the legal complexity (a land lease has to be arranged), so buying a new home becomes more difficult.

3. Taxes and extra costs

The state fee of the Centre of Registers is the same for Lithuanians and foreigners, but the final cost for a foreign buyer is usually higher because of:

• Bank checks (AML): for non-EU citizens, banks charge a one-off document check fee (200–600 €).
• Translation: an interpreter is required at the notary if you do not speak Lithuanian (50–150 €).
• Legalisation of documents: translation of foreign documents and an Apostille.

4. Does buying property give you the right to live in Lithuania?

No. Buying property does not automatically give you a residence permit (TRP) or a visa. The property can only serve as proof of your place of residence when you apply to the Migration Department; the general migration requirements (work, business, family) still apply.

5. Who is not allowed to buy

For security reasons, strict restrictions apply to citizens of some countries:

• Citizens of Russia and Belarus: if you do not hold a temporary or permanent residence permit in Lithuania, your right to acquire real estate here is suspended (inheritance is the exception). The restriction also applies to companies they control. The rules change, so check with a notary before paying a deposit.
• Strategic locations: citizens of certain non-EU/NATO countries may be banned from buying property near strategically important sites (for example military training areas or airports).
• Sanctioned persons: for people on EU sanctions lists, any property purchase or movement of funds is completely blocked.