How a Foreigner Can Register a Company in Lithuania (2026 Complete Guide)
5 Key Factors
- A foreign individual or a foreign company can be the founder and sole owner of a Lithuanian company (UAB). A local partner is not required, Lithuania permits international ownership structures, and the director may be a non-resident. Registration is available remotely – by power of attorney, without the need to travel to Lithuania in person.
- UAB (uždaroji akcinė bendrovė) is the most common corporate form for foreign founders: a private limited liability company with a minimum share capital of EUR 1,000 and a straightforward management structure. This form is suitable for trade, services, IT, logistics, and regulated projects.
- The registration process includes selecting and reserving a company name, preparing incorporation documents, contributing the share capital, notarisation (or executing a power of attorney), filing with the Register of Legal Entities, and post-registration setup – tax registration, accounting, and opening a business account.
- For a number of business models – fintech, crypto, payments, transport, gambling, regulated services – registering a UAB alone is not sufficient. After incorporation, licences, permits, AML controls, or sector-specific approvals may be required. Identifying licensing requirements before registration saves time and budget.
- Company in Lithuania UAB (company code 304377400) supports non-residents at every stage: from selecting the company form and preparing documents to registration by power of attorney, registered address, accounting support, tax registration, and assistance with licensing.
Registering a company in Lithuania is one of the most common first steps for foreign entrepreneurs planning a business in the European Union. Lithuania’s EU membership, the straightforward UAB corporate form, digital administrative processes, and access to the single European market make the country an attractive jurisdiction for launching a business.
However, for non-residents the registration process is more than filling out a form. It involves document preparation, resolving questions around capital and registered address, notarial formalities, beneficial owner identification, and post-registration setup. This article is a practical guide for foreign founders on registering a company in Lithuania in 2026.
Can a Foreigner Legally Open a Company in Lithuania
Yes. A foreign individual or a foreign company can be the founder and sole owner of a Lithuanian legal entity. Lithuanian law does not require the involvement of a local partner, imposes no restrictions based on the founder’s nationality, and permits a fully foreign ownership structure.
The company director may also be a non-resident of Lithuania. This is one of the most frequently asked questions by foreign entrepreneurs – and the answer is direct: a Lithuanian company can be fully incorporated, managed, and owned by foreign persons.
Why Lithuania Is a Popular Jurisdiction for Foreign Founders
The choice of Lithuania is based on several practical factors. EU membership – a Lithuanian company gains access to the single European market. A clear UAB corporate form – a transparent limited liability structure suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. Digital administrative processes – a significant portion of interaction with government authorities is available online. Suitability for a range of business models – trade, services, IT, logistics, fintech, and regulated projects. The option to use the company for an operating business as well as a holding or expansion structure.
For non-residents, Lithuania represents a balanced option: a competitive cost of launch and administration with full access to the European market.
What Type of Company Foreigners Usually Register in Lithuania
In practice, the vast majority of foreign founders choose a UAB – uždaroji akcinė bendrovė (a private limited liability company). This is the most common and versatile corporate form in Lithuania.
A UAB is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, foreign owners, and projects requiring a clear corporate structure. Shareholder liability is limited to the amount of the capital contribution. The minimum share capital is EUR 1,000. The company is managed by a director appointed by the founder. This form is used for both ordinary commercial activity and regulated projects.
Minimum Requirements Before Registration
Before filing registration documents, several basic elements must be prepared. The company name – a unique name checked and reserved in the Register of Legal Entities. The founder or founders – an individual or legal entity with verified details. The director – the person authorised to manage the company (may be a non-resident). The registered address – the company’s registered office in Lithuania. The share capital – a minimum of EUR 1,000, part of which is contributed before registration. The incorporation documents – the articles of association and the founder’s resolution on the establishment of the company. Beneficial owner information – details of the company’s ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).
Can You Register a Company in Lithuania Remotely
Yes. Several options are available to non-residents: personal presence – the founder travels to Lithuania and completes all procedures in person. Registration by power of attorney – the founder executes a notarised power of attorney under which a representative in Lithuania carries out all procedures on their behalf. This is the most common option for non-residents.
It is important to understand that “fully remote” registration does not mean the absence of formalities. Notarial actions, preparation of corporate documents, and identification of the founder and beneficial owners must still be carried out correctly. The power of attorney typically requires apostillation or legalisation in the founder’s country.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Lithuania
The process follows this sequence. The first step is selecting the legal form (in most cases, a UAB). The second is checking and reserving the company name in the Register of Legal Entities. The third is preparing the incorporation documents: articles of association, the founder’s resolution, and details of the director and shareholders. The fourth is resolving the capital question: opening an accumulation account and contributing the share capital (minimum EUR 1,000). The fifth is notarisation of documents or execution of a power of attorney (if the founder is acting remotely). The sixth is filing documents with the Register of Legal Entities (Registrų centras). The seventh is receiving the company code and completing registration. The eighth is post-registration setup: tax registration, accounting, opening a business account, and assessing the need for VAT registration.
Documents a Foreigner Usually Needs
For an individual founder: passport details, proof of address (where applicable), and a power of attorney (if registration is remote). For a corporate founder: corporate documents of the parent company, details of management and shareholders, and a resolution on establishing the subsidiary. In both cases: articles of association, details of the appointed director, shareholder structure and UBO data, registered address details in Lithuania, and share capital documents.
Documents of foreign origin typically require translation into Lithuanian and apostillation or legalisation.
Registered Address, Director and Shareholders: What Is Mandatory
The three most frequently asked questions by foreign founders deserve separate clarification.
Registered address – yes, a Lithuanian company must have a registered address in Lithuania. This may be a rented premises or an address provided through a registered address service. A formal “virtual address” is permissible provided it meets the requirements.
Director – may be a non-resident of Lithuania. There is no mandatory requirement to appoint a local director. The director bears responsibility for the company’s activity and represents it in dealings with third parties.
Shareholders – the company may be fully owned by foreign persons. There are no restrictions based on the nationality or residency of shareholders. Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) data is subject to disclosure.
How Long Does Company Registration Take in Lithuania
Formal registration in the Register of Legal Entities with a complete document package can be completed relatively quickly – within a few business days. However, the real end-to-end timeline for non-residents depends on the preparatory stages: execution and apostillation of the power of attorney, translation and certification of documents, opening an accumulation account and contributing capital, notarial procedures, and KYC clearance.
In practice, the entire process from decision to receiving the company code takes from one to several weeks – depending on document readiness and the speed of resolving organisational matters.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Lithuania
The total cost extends beyond the state fee. A realistic launch budget includes the state registration fee, name reservation, notary services, document translation and apostillation, registered address, registration support (legal assistance), accounting setup, and opening a business account at a bank or EMI.
For non-residents, costs related to the power of attorney and coordination across jurisdictions may be added. The budget should be planned with the entire cycle in mind – from preparation through to operational readiness.
What Happens After the Company Is Registered
Registration is the beginning, not the finish line. After receiving the company code, the following steps typically follow. Opening a business account at a bank or EMI – necessary for operations and settlements. Tax registrations – registering with the tax authorities and assessing the need for VAT registration. Accounting setup – a mandatory requirement for all Lithuanian companies. Formalising employment or contractor relationships – if the company hires staff or engages contractors. Assessing licensing requirements – for regulated types of activity.
For non-residents, the post-registration stage often proves more complex than the registration itself and requires professional support.
Do Foreign Founders Need VAT, Accounting or a Business Account Immediately
VAT registration depends on the type of activity and turnover: not all companies are required to register as VAT payers from day one, but for certain operations (particularly international supplies) this may be necessary from the start of activity.
Accounting is mandatory for all Lithuanian companies as part of corporate administration. Even if the company has not yet commenced active operations, minimum reporting is required.
A business account – a bank account or an EMI account – is typically needed at an early stage for normal operations, settlements with counterparties, and compliance. Opening an account for a Lithuanian company with foreign owners may require an extended KYC procedure.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make When Registering a Company in Lithuania
The most common mistakes by non-residents include choosing an unsuitable corporate form without considering the specifics of the business. Ignoring post-registration obligations – accounting, tax registration, and reporting. Lacking a genuine registered address solution – a formal address without provision for correspondence and document management. Poor preparation of beneficial owner documentation – incomplete UBO disclosure or missing supporting documents. Expecting a bank account to open automatically – in practice, KYC for companies with foreign owners can take time. Launching regulated activity without a preliminary legal review – commencing operations before obtaining the necessary permits.
When a Simple Company Registration Is Not Enough
For a number of business models, registering a UAB alone is not sufficient to commence activity. Fintech, crypto, and payments require an EMI or PI licence or CASP authorisation under MiCA. Transport requires a transport licence and the appointment of a transport manager. Gambling requires a gaming licence, a remote gambling permit, and approved regulations. Regulated financial services require an investment firm licence or another permit.
Identifying licensing requirements before company registration makes it possible to structure the company, capital, and governance correctly from the outset – rather than reworking them afterwards.
Buying a Ready-Made Company in Lithuania: An Alternative to Registering from Scratch
For non-residents, there is another practical route to entering the Lithuanian market – purchasing a ready-made (shelf) company. This is an already registered UAB with no operating history, fully paid-up share capital, and a complete set of corporate documents.
The key advantage for a non-resident is the elimination of the need to open a temporary accumulation account for contributing share capital. When registering a new company in Lithuania, opening such an account is a mandatory requirement, and for a foreign founder this often becomes the most time-consuming stage: banks conduct extended KYC procedures, request additional documents, and timelines can be unpredictable. When purchasing a ready-made company, this stage is entirely eliminated – the capital has already been formed.
This significantly shortens timelines and allows the entire process to be completed fully remotely: the change of shareholder and director is formalised by power of attorney, after which the company is ready for operations. For non-residents who need speed of launch, purchasing a ready-made company is the most efficient option.
Company in Lithuania UAB offers non-residents the purchase of registered companies in Lithuania with no operating history. This is a proven and safe way to obtain a Lithuanian legal entity with minimal time investment.
How to Register a Lithuanian Company Safely as a Non-Resident
Practical recommendations for non-residents: determine the business model in advance and check whether licensing is required. Prepare the ownership chain – the shareholder structure and beneficial owner data. Execute a power of attorney if necessary – with an apostille and translation. Choose a registered address solution. Plan banking or EMI onboarding in advance. Set up accounting and compliance immediately.
Quality preparation at the pre-registration stage saves time, money, and eliminates the need for corrections afterwards.
How We Help Foreigners Register Companies in Lithuania
Company in Lithuania UAB supports non-residents at every stage of registration and business launch in Lithuania. We handle the selection of the company form and preparation of incorporation documents, registration by power of attorney – without the need for a personal visit, provision of a registered address in Lithuania, accounting support and tax registration, assistance with licensing for regulated types of activity, and ongoing support for non-residents after registration.
Contact Company in Lithuania UAB – our legal team will help you register a company in Lithuania and structure your business project.