Overview
Written by the US GO EU Lithuania startup team · Last updated July 2026
Launching Your Business in Lithuania
US citizens can enter Lithuania visa-free for 90 days. To establish a business and reside, you apply for a national temporary residence permit — typically the Startup Visa — which can be initiated from within Lithuania. The process is transparent, founder-friendly, and fast compared to Western Europe.
The Lithuanian Startup Visa requires acceptance into an accredited startup incubator, an innovative and scalable business model, and sufficient funds. The approval process takes approximately 2–3 months and has high approval rates for qualified applicants, with strong government backing through Startup Lithuania.
Lithuania's Startup Visa process is clear, fast, and high-approval — 2–3 months from application to permit. For American founders who want EU access without bureaucratic friction, the Baltic Tiger delivers.
US GO EU — Lithuania Startup Guide
Our Services
Your Partner for Lithuanian Business Launch
Business & Residency Pathway Strategy
Clear analysis of your optimal route: the Lithuanian Startup Visa for innovative ventures, the Temporary Residence Permit for Business for traditional businesses and investors, or the EU Blue Card if initially joining a local high-growth entity.
Startup Visa Facilitation
End-to-end support for Lithuania's flagship Startup Visa. We assist in developing your innovative business plan for acceptance by an accredited Lithuanian incubator (Startup Lithuania, Unicorns Lithuania), and manage the application with the Migration Department (MIGRIS).
Company Formation (UAB)
Step-by-step assistance in establishing your Uždaroji Akcinė Bendrovė (UAB) or the simplified MB — including document notarization, registration with the Centre of Registers, and tax registration with the State Tax Inspectorate (VMI).
Ecosystem Integration & Funding Navigation
Connections to Lithuania's dynamic tech hubs in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. Introductions to accelerators (Traction Camp, Rise Vilnius), VCs (Practica Capital, Contrarian Ventures), and guidance on public grants via LVPA.
Settling-In for Founders
Practical support for your Lithuanian Residence Permit, securing a Personal Code (Asmens kodas), opening a local business bank account, finding office space in Vilnius Tech Park or Sunrise Valley, and navigating the tax system. Check
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Residency Pathways
Navigating Business & Residency Pathways
Innovative Scalable Startups
Lithuanian Startup Visa
The premier pathway. Requires acceptance into an accredited startup incubator, proof of an innovative and scalable business model, and sufficient funds. Grants temporary residency including family members. Process takes approximately 2–3 months.
Traditional Businesses & Investors
Temporary Residence Permit for Business
Involves establishing or investing in a Lithuanian company. Can require a business plan, proof of investment, and job creation commitments. Less streamlined than the Startup Visa but viable for non-tech ventures.
Highly Skilled Founders
EU Blue Card
An option if your Lithuanian company can immediately meet the high salary threshold and you hold a relevant university degree. More common for founders joining an existing high-growth entity.
Costs & Tax
Business & Living Costs in Lithuania
Company formation & tax
The UAB has a minimum share capital of €1,000 (reduced from €2,500 by a May 2023 law change), of which only 25% (€250) must be paid up before registration. Company registration fees are minimal. Corporate income tax is a flat 17% (raised from 15% effective 1 January 2026) — reduced to 7% for small companies on the first €300,000 of profit (raised from 5%/6%), with a 0% rate available in the first two tax periods for qualifying new small companies. Salaries for top tech talent are approximately 30–50% lower than Western European equivalents.
Public grants
Lithuania offers attractive public grants for startups, including 70% co-funding for product development and salaries through the Lithuanian Business Support Agency (LVPA). These grants can significantly extend your runway at the earliest stage.
Personal cost of living
Living costs in Vilnius are very low by Western standards. High-quality housing, dining, and services are affordable, maximising your personal runway during the early-stage building phase.
Where to Base
Lithuania's Top Startup Hubs
Vilnius
The capital and undisputed tech heart. Home to Vilnius Tech Park, Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park, and most VC funds and unicorns (Vinted, Nord Security). Strong in FinTech, SaaS, Cybersecurity, and Biotech.
Kaunas
The second city and a major university centre. Growing rapidly as a hub for Laser Technologies, Engineering, MedTech, and AI — anchored by Kaunas University of Technology and the Santaka Valley innovation park.
Klaipėda
The main port city, emerging as a hub for Maritime Tech, Logistics, and Green Energy. Benefits from special economic zone incentives.
Digital Infrastructure
Lithuania has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world and a fully digitised public service system, enabling seamless remote administration and e-signature access from day one.
Step by Step
Essential Steps for American Entrepreneurs
1
Validate with an accredited incubator
Your first strategic step — engage with a Startup Lithuania-approved incubator. Their endorsement is mandatory for the Startup Visa and provides invaluable local mentoring and network access.
2
Develop an innovative business plan
Focus on scalability, innovation, and market potential. The plan must satisfy the incubator's criteria, which align with global startup standards.
3
Register your Lithuanian company (UAB)
Done efficiently online via the Centre of Registers. You will need a local legal address — virtual office services are available and acceptable for initial registration.
4
Apply for the Startup Visa via MIGRIS
Submit with the incubator's certificate, business plan, proof of funds, and company registration documents. Applications can be submitted from within Lithuania. Expect a 2–3 month processing timeline.
5
Leverage the digital ecosystem
Obtain your e-signature for seamless interaction with all government agencies. Use Lithuania's advanced fintech infrastructure for business banking and payments from day one.
6
Tap into local talent
Lithuania has a high density of English-proficient STEM graduates. Use platforms like CVBankas and partner with universities for R&D projects.
7
Access public funding (LVPA)
Immediately explore grants from LVPA and Innovation Agency Lithuania — 70% co-funding for product development and salaries can significantly extend your early-stage runway.
Why Lithuania
Why Lithuania is a Strategic Launchpad for US Founders
EU Membership with Agile Regulation
Full access to the EU single market with a business-friendly, English-speaking bureaucracy — a rare and valuable combination in the EU context.
Proven Unicorn Factory
Vinted and Nord Security are evidence of a mature ecosystem with established pathways from seed to scale.
Top-Tier Digital & Physical Infrastructure
One of the world's fastest internet speeds and fully digitised public services, combined with modern co-working spaces and tech parks.
Gateway to Nordic, Baltic & CEE Markets
Ideal location for testing and scaling into Northern and Eastern Europe from a single, cost-effective base.