Property
Lithuania — Property: Foreign Ownership
Who may own property in Lithuania. Buildings are open to foreigners; land, water and forests are restricted. From the ELRA country contribution (undated).
VerifiedProfessional tax guide — not a government sourceEuropean Land Registry Association (ELRA) - Lithuania contact point contribution, limitations to foreignersLast reviewed: 2026-10-26
Why this matters
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Key facts
- Land, water and forests may be acquired only by foreign entities meeting the "European and transatlantic integration" criteria, i.e. from EU, NATO, EEA or OECD states (Constitutional Law Art. 3).
- Foreigners cannot own agricultural land, most forestry land, state parks and reserves, recreational and protective forests, border-section land or land reserved for national defence (Art. 9).
- Buildings and premises carry no limits beyond those that apply to citizens.
- Russian citizens, and entities they establish or control, cannot acquire immovable property; exceptions apply to Lithuanian residence permit holders and inheritance.
- A non-qualifying foreign heir of land receives only the sale proceeds, and a gift of land to a non-qualifying foreigner is void; notaries verify compliance before transfer.
Steps
- Registering Foreign-Owned Property — 1. Obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit if required. 2. Prepare necessary documents and contact a local real estate agent or lawyer. 3. Register the property with the Lithuanian Land Board.