Buying Property in Lithuania: What It Actually Costs

Transfer Tax

Lithuania does not levy any transfer tax or stamp duty on property purchases. This makes Lithuania one of the most affordable countries in the EU for property transaction costs. The only costs are notary fees (0.45%, capped at EUR 5,000), property registration (~EUR 35), and agent commission.

What You'll Pay at Transfer

On top of the transfer tax, there are several legal and administrative fees that you need to budget for. Here's what to expect.

Transfer / conveyancing fees

These fees apply whether you're paying cash or taking out a bond.

Bond registration fees (only if you're taking a bond)

If you're financing your purchase with a home loan, the bank's bond also needs to be registered at the Deeds Office. These are the fees for that process.

Your Monthly and Annual Costs as an Owner

The purchase price is just the beginning. As a property owner in Lithuania, you'll have recurring costs that eat into your rental income. Knowing these upfront helps you model realistic returns.

• Real Estate Tax (Nekilnojamojo turto mokestis)

  From 2026: investment properties taxed at progressive rates (0.1-1%) on value above EUR 50,000. Primary residences exempt up to EUR 450,000. Rates set by municipalities. Typical mid-market Vilnius apartment (~EUR 180K): EUR 100-300/year for investment properties.

  annual
  Typically escalates ~2% per year
• Land Tax (Zemes mokestis)

  Annual land tax set by municipalities. Typically 0.2-0.4% of the land's taxable value for residential land. Usually EUR 30-100/year for urban plots. Apartments pay a proportional share of the building's land.

  annual
  Typically escalates ~1% per year
• Property Insurance

  Annual buildings insurance. Typically EUR 100-400/year depending on property value and type. Not legally mandatory but recommended. From 2026, a 10% security surcharge applies on non-life insurance premiums.

  annual
  Typically escalates ~3% per year
• Waste Management (Atlieku tvarkymas)

  Annual waste collection and management fee. Varies by municipality — typically EUR 60-180/year per household.

  annual
  Typically escalates ~2% per year
• Maintenance & Repairs

  Annual budget for ongoing repairs and maintenance. Typically 1-2% of property value per year.

  annual
  Typically escalates ~3% per year

When You Sell: Capital Gains Tax

Lithuania taxes capital gains at separate, lower rates than ordinary income. If you hold the property for more than 12 months, you qualify for long-term rates — which are significantly lower than short-term rates.

Costs of Selling Your Property

When you eventually sell, there are costs that come out of your sale proceeds before you see the cash. Here's what to factor in when modelling your exit.

Buying Property in Lithuania as a Foreign National

Here's what foreign buyers need to know:

• 1 Personal identification code: You'll need a Lithuanian personal code (asmens kodas) for the transaction. EU citizens can obtain this at migration offices; non-EU citizens through their embassy or on arrival.
• 2 No transfer tax: Lithuania does not charge any transfer tax or stamp duty. Total transaction costs are among the lowest in the EU at 1-2% of the purchase price (notary + registration only).
• 3 Language requirement: Notary proceedings must be conducted in Lithuanian. A sworn translator is required if you don't speak the language (typically EUR 100-300).
• 4 Financing: Foreign buyers can obtain mortgages from Lithuanian banks but may face stricter eligibility. Typical LTV: 70% for investment properties. Variable rates around 3.5-4.5% (EURIBOR-linked) for 25-year terms.
• 5 Land restrictions: Non-EU citizens cannot purchase agricultural or forest land. EU citizens can buy agricultural land if they demonstrate 3 years of agricultural activity in Lithuania.

Which Property Type Is Right for You?

Different property types come with different income potential, vacancy assumptions, and cost profiles. Here's how the main types compare in our calculator defaults for Lithuania.