Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Skuodas

About Golden Visa Law in Skuodas, Republic of Lithuania

In Lithuania there is no program officially branded as a Golden Visa. Instead, non-EU nationals can obtain residence on the basis of investment or business activity through temporary residence permits governed by national immigration law. People often refer to these investor and entrepreneur routes as a Golden Visa because they allow the holder and eligible family members to live in Lithuania, travel in the Schengen Area for short stays, and develop a business. Skuodas is a municipality in Klaipėda County, and applications from residents of Skuodas are handled under the same national rules as the rest of the Republic of Lithuania.

Common routes include a temporary residence permit for engaging in lawful activities through a Lithuanian company where the foreign national is an owner or manager, an investment-based residence permit tied to capital investment and job creation, and startup founder routes for innovative businesses. Real estate purchase alone does not qualify for a residence permit. The Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior administers applications, with online filing through the MIGRIS system and in-person biometrics in Lithuania or at Lithuanian diplomatic missions abroad.

Temporary residence permits issued for business or investment are typically valid for a limited period and can be renewed if the statutory conditions continue to be met. After a period of lawful residence, it may be possible to apply for a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status subject to residence duration, integration, language, and compliance requirements set by law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Investment and business residence permits are rules-heavy and evidence-heavy. A lawyer can evaluate eligibility and help you choose the correct legal basis, whether it is managing a Lithuanian company, making a qualifying investment, or pursuing a startup route. This reduces the risk of choosing an unsuitable pathway that leads to refusal or later compliance problems.

Many applicants need support structuring a company and shareholding to fit immigration criteria, drafting a compliant business plan, and documenting capital, turnover, and employment. Legal counsel can coordinate company formation, articles of association, corporate governance, and employment contracts so that immigration and company law requirements align.

A lawyer is particularly useful if you have previous visa refusals, complex family circumstances, gaps in lawful stay, or criminal record issues. Counsel can also advise on tax residence, social insurance, and payroll obligations that interact with immigration status, and can help you respond to Migration Department requests for additional information or to appeal a refusal.

If you plan to live or operate in Skuodas, a local practitioner can guide you through address registration, municipal procedures, and practical steps like notarization, translations, and dealing with local banks and accountants.

Local Laws Overview

Residence for investors and entrepreneurs in Skuodas is governed by national legislation, primarily the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania and related orders of the Migration Department. Key points include the requirement to demonstrate lawful activity in Lithuania through a company or investment, proof of sufficient means of subsistence and accommodation, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record from the country of citizenship and recent residence.

For company-based permits, the law sets conditions such as holding a qualifying share or management position, the company meeting minimum capital or turnover criteria, and maintaining a minimum number of employees who are citizens or permanent residents. Exact thresholds and documentation lists are specified by legal acts and are periodically updated, so applicants should verify the current standards before filing.

Applications are filed through the MIGRIS portal, followed by a biometrics appointment in Lithuania or at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate. Some applicants first obtain a national D visa to enter Lithuania and complete residence formalities. Family members such as spouses and minor children may apply for family reunification if the sponsor meets the conditions.

After several years of continuous lawful residence, an applicant may be eligible for permanent residence or EU long-term resident status if they satisfy residence duration, integration, language, and income requirements. Real estate ownership by itself does not provide a basis for a residence permit. Municipalities, including Skuodas District Municipality, handle local registration of place of residence, while immigration decisions are made centrally by the Migration Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lithuania have a Golden Visa program

Not in name. Lithuania does not offer residence solely for buying property. It does allow residence based on business activity or investment in a Lithuanian company, which many people informally call a Golden Visa. These routes require you to meet specific company, investment, and employment conditions.

Can I qualify by purchasing real estate in Skuodas

No. Real estate purchase on its own is not a basis for a residence permit in Lithuania. You would need to qualify through business or investment activity or another legal ground such as work, studies, family reunification, or startup founding.

What are the typical investment or business routes available

Common options are a temporary residence permit for engaging in lawful activities through a Lithuanian company where you are an owner or manager, an investment route that involves capital investment and job creation in a Lithuanian company, and the startup founder route for innovative businesses. Each route has specific criteria on shareholding, company capital or turnover, and employment.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary by route and workload. As a general guide, allow several weeks to several months from submission to decision. Additional time is needed for document gathering, company formation, bank account opening, translations, legalization or apostille, and scheduling a biometrics appointment.

Can my family join me

Yes, eligible family members such as a spouse and minor children can usually apply for residence under family reunification once you hold a residence permit and meet the conditions for adequate income, accommodation, and health insurance. Evidence of family relationship and compliance with national requirements is required.

Do I need to live in Lithuania full time to maintain my permit

You must comply with the residence and activity conditions of your permit. Extended absence from Lithuania or failure to carry out the stated activity can jeopardize renewal or future eligibility for permanent residence. For permanent or EU long-term resident status there are strict physical presence rules. A lawyer can advise on absence limits and documentation.

What is the difference between a national D visa and a residence permit

A national D visa allows long-term entry and stay for a limited period and is often used to enter Lithuania to finalize a residence permit. A residence permit allows you to reside in Lithuania for a longer period and can be renewed if you continue to meet the conditions. Many applicants apply first for a D visa, then obtain a residence permit card after biometrics and approval.

What documents will I need

Expect to provide a valid passport, recent photographs, a clean criminal record certificate, proof of health insurance, proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient means, and business documents such as company registration, articles of association, shareholding proof, bank statements, employment contracts, and a business plan. Documents issued abroad typically require legalization or apostille and certified translation into Lithuanian.

Are there tax implications

Yes. Immigration status and actual presence can affect your tax residence. Company-based routes create corporate and payroll obligations. Lithuania taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Lithuanian-source income. Before investing or moving, obtain coordinated tax advice on personal income tax, corporate tax, VAT, and social insurance, and observe reporting duties to the State Tax Inspectorate and the State Social Insurance Fund Board.

Can I operate my business from Skuodas specifically

Yes. You can register and operate a Lithuanian company that has an address, staff, or operations in Skuodas. You will also need to register your place of residence locally and comply with local municipal procedures. Immigration decisions remain national, but day-to-day business and registration steps can be handled in Skuodas.

Additional Resources

The Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior provides official guidance on residence permits, application forms, and the MIGRIS online system.

The State Enterprise Centre of Registers manages the Register of Legal Entities for company incorporation, changes, and filings.

The State Tax Inspectorate provides information on tax registration, filings, and obligations for individuals and companies.

The State Social Insurance Fund Board provides guidance on employer registration and social insurance contributions.

Skuodas District Municipality Administration and local elderships handle declaration of place of residence, local certificates, and certain municipal services.

Invest Lithuania offers general information for foreign investors and startups considering Lithuania.

Embassies and consulates of the Republic of Lithuania handle visa applications and can accept some residence applications for applicants abroad.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal and timeline. Decide whether your best path is a company ownership or management route, a capital investment with job creation, or a startup founder route. A short consultation with an immigration lawyer can help you choose the correct legal basis and avoid delays.

Assess eligibility and compliance. Verify the current legal thresholds for shareholding, company capital or turnover, minimum employees, and documentary requirements. Confirm that your background documents can be legalized or apostilled and translated into Lithuanian.

Prepare your corporate structure. If using a company-based route, register or acquire a Lithuanian company, open a corporate bank account, draft compliant articles and management documents, and prepare employment contracts for required staff. Coordinate tax and social insurance registrations from the outset.

Organize your file. Gather your passport, criminal record certificate, proof of accommodation in Lithuania, health insurance, proof of funds, business plan, company registry extracts, bank statements, and any marriage or birth certificates for family members. Arrange legalization or apostille and certified translations.

File and attend biometrics. Submit your application through the MIGRIS system or at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate as appropriate. If required, apply for a national D visa to enter Lithuania. Attend your biometrics appointment on time and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Register locally in Skuodas. After arrival and issuance of your residence card, declare your place of residence with the Skuodas District Municipality or the relevant eldership, and complete any remaining tax and social insurance steps. Keep records showing that you continue to meet the conditions of your permit for renewals and future permanent residence applications.

Stay compliant and plan ahead. Track renewal deadlines, maintain business activity, meet employment and capital criteria, and monitor physical presence. Discuss long-term goals such as permanent residence or EU long-term resident status with your lawyer, including any language and integration requirements.

This guide is informational and does not replace tailored legal advice. Because rules and thresholds change, consult a qualified immigration lawyer before you apply.