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

Lithuania remains an attractive country for real estate (RE) investments, but the purchasing process for foreigners is not uniform. Depending on citizenship, the path to owning a home can be either very simple or legally complicated.

Who can buy real estate in Lithuania?

Lithuanian laws divide foreigners into two main groups:

• EU, NATO, and OSCE citizens (e.g., Germany, USA, UK, Canada): Citizens of these countries are subject to the same rules as Lithuanians. They can freely buy apartments, houses, and Land plots.
• Third-country nationals (e.g., Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Israel): These individuals may purchase freely the very same buildings (but must not own land in Lithuania). However, they are strictly prohibited from owning Lithuanian land.

2. Critical Difference: Apartment vs. Land

If you are not from NATO or EU countries, the land issue is essential:

• Old building apartments (The easiest way): The most recommended option. Since the land under old apartment buildings usually belongs to the state, the buyer only acquires the housing, not the plot. This allows the transaction to be completed quickly and without obstacles.
• New construction and homes (The harder path): Modern projects are often sold with a portion of the land plot. Since a non-EU/NATO citizen cannot purchase land, sellers often avoid such transactions due to legal complications (lease agreements need to be drawn up), making the acquisition of new housing more difficult.

3. Taxes and additional expenses

Although the state The fee of the Register Center is identical for both Lithuanians and foreigners, the final price for a foreign buyer is usually higher due to:

1. Bank Verification (AML): Do EU citizens pay a one-time document verification fee to banks?200–600 euros).
2. Translation costs: A sworn translator must be present if the buyer does not speak Lithuanian.50–150 €).
3. Document legalization: Translation and certification of foreign documents Apostille.

Does purchasing property grant the right to live in Lithuania?

Important to Know: Real Estate Acquisition doesn't provide automatic right to obtain a residence permit (TRP) or visa. Housing can only serve as proof of residence when submitting documents to the Migration Department, but general migration requirements (work, business, family) remain in force.

5. Who is strictly prohibited from buying housing?

Due to the geopolitical situation and national security laws in effect in 2026, strict restrictions apply to citizens of certain countries:

• Citizens of the Russian Federation: Currently in effect insurance Russian citizens to acquire any real estate in Lithuania.
  • Exception Only Russian citizens who have property can buy permanent residency permit In Lithuania (permanent resident). If the person only has a temporary permit or visa, the transaction is not possible.
• Restrictions in strategic locations: Citizens of certain non-EU/NATO countries may be prohibited from acquiring property near strategically important sites (e.g., military training grounds or airports).
• Sanctioned individuals: For individuals included in EU sanctions lists, any real estate acquisition or movement of funds is completely blocked.

Tip for the buyer: If you are not a citizen of an EU or NATO country, be sure to request a draft purchase and sale agreement before making a deposit and check if the transaction involves a portion of land. This will help avoid a situation where the notary refuses to finalize the transaction at the last minute.