Return to the Newsroom
Mailchimp - subscribe form sidebar

Doing business in Lithuania: 5 key areas for investors before market entry

December 1, 2025

When doing business in Lithuania, companies benefit from a stable and innovation-focused economy supported by strong industries such as manufacturing, IT, biotechnology, finance, shared services and logistics. Lithuania also actively promotes investment in high-growth fields like fintech, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and logistics solutions, making it a competitive hub for regional and international expansion.

The regulatory environment is designed for clarity and accessibility, with defined procedures for company formation, taxation and VAT obligations supported by digital public registers. Employment regulations allow for a wide range of contract types and clear pathways for both EU and non-EU nationals, while businesses and individuals operate within a structured personal tax and social security framework that supports diverse forms of economic activity.

Together, these elements position Lithuania as an attractive destination for organisations seeking opportunities in the Baltics. This infographic summarises the key points to consider when entering or expanding in the Lithuanian market.

Compare Lithuania to 16 other markets in our FULL EXPANSION guide

Our free eBook on international expansion was created in cooperation with our global business community, Accace Circle, providing basic yet valuable information from 17 countries. Breeze through the specifics of doing business across different markets and compare key data that may be crucial for your ambitions of international expansion.


Industries & investment incentives

Most common industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • IT
  • Biotechnology
  • Shared service services
  • Finance
  • Transport and logistics

Industries favoured by investment incentives:

  • IT
  • Fintech
  • Renewable energy
  • Logistics
  • Manufacturing

Company formation in Lithuania

Most common legal form of business: Private Limited Liability Company

Required no. of shareholders: at least 1

Required no. of directors: at least 1

Official company registers: www.registrucentras.lt

Incorporation time
3-5 business days

%
Incorporation fee
EUR 100

%

Corporate tax

Standard CIT rate
20%*

%

* Small companies may apply 6% or 0% under certain conditions. The rates will increase by 1% in 2026

Who are tax residents: companies incorporated in Lithuania, have a place of effective management located in the country

Tax period: calendar year, however companies may choose a different financial year

Due date for CIT return: by the 15th day of the 6th month following the end of the tax year (usually June 15)

Standard VAT rate
21%

%
Reduced VAT rate
5% and 9%

%
Reduced VAT rate
0%

%

VAT registration for residents: mandatory if:

  • in the current or previous calendar year, the total consideration received (or receivable) for taxable supplies of goods and/or services in Lithuania exceeds €45,000
  • in the current or previous calendar year, the total value (excluding VAT) of goods acquired from VAT payers in other EU Member States and transported to Lithuania exceeds €14,000
  • a person controls two or more companies, the combined turnover and/or EU goods acquisitions of all controlled entities are taken into account when applying the above thresholds
  • services are purchased from foreign taxable persons for which Lithuanian VAT must be self-assessed under the reverse charge mechanism
  • services are supplied where the place of taxation is considered another EU Member State under the VAT Law

VAT registration for non-residents: mandatory if they carry out taxable supplies of goods or services in Lithuania (including distance sales, intra-EU acquisitions exceeding EUR14,000, or services subject to reverse charge where the supplier is required to register), regardless of turnover threshold.

Other applicable taxes:

  • Excise tax on alcohol, tobacco, energy products, and electricity
  • Energy tax on electricity and on certain fuels (as part of excise)
  • Real estate tax on commercial property owned by individuals (0.5%–3%)
  • Land tax
  • Road tax, there is no separate national road tax, but vehicles are subject to compulsory road usage fees
  • Environmental pollution tax on fuel, packaging, etc.

In Lithuania, there is no wealth tax, property tax or regional income tax.


Labour law and employment

Who is entitled to work in Lithuania:

  • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
  • Non-EU citizens with a work permit or residence permit

Types of employment contract:

  • permanent employment contract
  • fixed-term employment contract
  • temporary employment contract
  • part-time employment contract
  • apprenticeship contract
  • seasonal contract
  • remote work contract

Personal income tax

Standard PIT rate
20% – 32%*

%

* 20% on annual income up to €126,533 and 32% on annual income exceeding €126,533

Who are tax residents:  Individuals who have a permanent residence in Lithuania, stay more than 183 days in Lithuania in a tax year or maintain their centre of vital interests in Lithuania

Tax period: calendar year

Due date for PIT return: company must submit the annual PIT declaration for employees by February 15 of the year following the reported calendar year; individuals must file their annual PIT return by May 1 of the following year, reporting all income received during the previous year

Taxable incomes in Lithuania: employment income, business/professional income, dividends, capital gains, rental income, and other worldwide income of residents

Social security contributions

Paid by employer
1.77%*

%
Paid by employee
19.5%

%

* Plus 0.16% to Guarantee Fund

Health insurance contributions

Health insurance contribution is included in the 19.5% employee rate. Self-employed persons pay social security at different rates (approx. 12.52% pension + 6.98% health insurance on 90% of taxable income, with minimum thresholds).


How we can help with doing business in Lithuania

Doing business in Lithuania can be a smooth experience when you have the right partners guiding you. The Lithuanian market offers both promising opportunities and certain challenges. With support from knowledgeable professionals, you can understand the local business environment and move forward with assurance. Whether you are starting a new venture or planning to expand your existing company, our team of Lithuanian specialists is ready to develop business solutions that fit your unique needs.

We deliver a full range of advisory and BPO services in Lithuania designed to keep your tax, legal and corporate affairs, as well as accounting, reporting, payroll and HR activities, accurate, efficient and always in line with Lithuanian laws and standards.

Mailchimp - subscribe form sidebar
apartmentflaguserusersmap-markercalendar-fulllaptopcrosschevron-leftarrow-leftarrow-right