Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Ukmerge

About Residence by Investment Law in Ukmerge, Republic of Lithuania

Residence by investment in Lithuania is a national legal framework that allows foreign nationals to obtain the right to live in Lithuania by making a qualifying investment or by actively running a business in the country. Ukmerge is a municipality within Lithuania, so the same national rules apply there. Lithuania does not operate a classic golden visa that grants residence solely for purchasing real estate. Instead, most applicants qualify by establishing or investing in a Lithuanian company, creating and maintaining jobs, or by launching an innovative startup under the Startup Visa route. Successful applicants usually receive a temporary residence permit that can be renewed if legal requirements continue to be met, with the possibility of long-term residence or permanent residence after continuous lawful stay.

The process involves strict compliance checks, including proof of lawful funds, a viable business plan, and evidence of actual economic activity. Applications are filed through the Migration Department system and include biometrics, background checks, and documentary evidence. Family members can often accompany the main applicant under family reunification rules once the main applicant has a qualifying residence permit.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer experienced in Lithuanian immigration and corporate law can help you choose the best legal basis for residence and structure an investment that complies with current regulations. Many applicants need support to avoid common pitfalls such as selecting the wrong immigration route, incorporating a company that does not meet eligibility criteria, or failing to demonstrate real economic activity during renewals. Legal counsel can draft or review corporate documents, employment contracts, and shareholder agreements, ensure that your business plan aligns with residence permit criteria, and coordinate with accountants on tax and social security compliance.

Lawyers are often needed when gathering proof of funds and source of wealth under anti money laundering rules, preparing for due diligence, or responding to requests from the Migration Department. If an application is delayed or refused, a lawyer can assist with appeals, rectifying documentation issues, and engaging with authorities. In Ukmerge specifically, counsel can help secure a compliant lease and declare your place of residence, identify local licensing needs for regulated activities, and coordinate filings with municipal services and national registries.

Local Laws Overview

Residence by investment in Ukmerge is governed by national legislation, primarily the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and related regulations issued by the Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania. Key routes include a temporary residence permit based on lawful activities as a company shareholder or manager, a significant business investment that creates jobs, and the Startup Visa route for founders of innovative businesses. Lithuania does not grant residence solely for buying property, and passive investment without meaningful economic activity is unlikely to qualify.

Applicants typically must demonstrate a clean criminal record, sufficient lawful funds, valid health insurance, and accommodation in Lithuania. For business based routes, authorities examine whether the company is properly incorporated and capitalized, whether it operates genuinely in Lithuania, and whether it meets employment and tax obligations. Startups undergo an assessment of innovation and scalability. Processing includes biometric capture and security checks. Initial permits are time limited, commonly one to three years, and renewals require evidence of ongoing compliance, such as active operations, employees, and payment of taxes and social contributions.

After five years of continuous legal residence, some applicants may qualify for a long-term resident status or permanent residence, subject to integration requirements such as a Lithuanian language exam and proof of stable income. Family members may join under family reunification rules. While immigration is national, practical steps in Ukmerge may involve declaring your residential address with local authorities, working with local banks, and coordinating with the State Enterprise Centre of Registers for business matters. Sector specific licenses may be required for activities such as financial services, healthcare, food, education, transportation, or alcohol and tobacco sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lithuania have a golden visa through real estate purchase

No. Lithuania does not grant residence solely for buying real estate. Most qualifying routes are business based, such as establishing or investing in a Lithuanian company that carries out real economic activity and creates jobs, or launching an innovative startup under the Startup Visa program.

What are the typical investment routes for residence in Lithuania

Common routes include a temporary residence permit based on being a shareholder and manager of a Lithuanian company with genuine operations, a significant investment that meets statutory thresholds and creates jobs, and the Startup Visa for founders of innovative ventures. The exact criteria are set by national law and are updated periodically, so applicants should verify current thresholds and conditions before applying.

Can I base my application in Ukmerge even if my business operates nationally

Yes. You can live in Ukmerge and run a business that operates locally or across Lithuania. Immigration rules are national, so the location within Lithuania is flexible. You must still declare a place of residence in Lithuania and ensure your company meets all national compliance requirements.

How long is a temporary residence permit valid and can it be renewed

Business based temporary residence permits are commonly granted for one to three years, depending on the route, and can be renewed if you continue to meet eligibility requirements, including maintaining real economic activity, employing required staff where applicable, and paying taxes and social contributions.

Can my family members join me in Lithuania

Yes. Spouses and minor children can usually apply for residence under family reunification once the main applicant holds a qualifying residence permit. They must meet general requirements such as health insurance and a clean criminal record, and the sponsor must demonstrate sufficient means and suitable accommodation.

Do I need to speak Lithuanian to get a residence permit

No language exam is required for initial business based temporary residence permits. However, Lithuanian language knowledge is usually required for long-term or permanent residence. Integration requirements can include language at a prescribed level and proof of stable income and lawful residence.

What are the main reasons applications are refused

Common reasons include insufficient or unverifiable source of funds, a business plan that lacks credibility, failure to demonstrate actual operations or job creation, missing or inconsistent documents, prior immigration or criminal issues, and non compliance with tax or social security obligations. Expert legal and accounting support helps reduce these risks.

How do taxes work if I live in Ukmerge under a residence by investment route

Tax residency depends on days of presence and ties to Lithuania. Lithuanian companies are subject to corporate income tax and other obligations, with specific rates depending on size and activity. Individuals may be subject to personal income tax and social security contributions. Double tax treaties may apply. Coordinate early with a Lithuanian tax advisor to structure operations and payroll correctly.

Can I travel in the Schengen Area with a Lithuanian residence permit

Yes. A valid Lithuanian residence permit allows short stays in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180 day period for tourism or business. Your main place of residence must remain in Lithuania, and you must continue meeting Lithuanian legal obligations.

What practical steps are specific to Ukmerge

You will need to secure accommodation and declare your place of residence with local authorities, open and maintain banking relationships that meet anti money laundering standards, and manage any local operational needs such as leases, staffing, and municipal permits. For filings and biometrics, you will typically use the national online system and attend a Migration Department office in the nearest city.

Additional Resources

Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania - for residence permit rules, applications, biometrics, and decisions.

MIGRIS - the national electronic system for submitting and tracking migration applications.

Ukmerge District Municipality Administration - for local address declaration and municipal services.

State Enterprise Centre of Registers - for company incorporation, shareholder changes, and address registrations.

State Tax Inspectorate - for tax registration, filings, and compliance guidance.

Sodra - the State Social Insurance Fund Board for employee registration and social security contributions.

Invest Lithuania - for investment climate information and project support.

Startup Lithuania and the Innovation Agency Lithuania - for Startup Visa guidance and ecosystem contacts.

Bank of Lithuania - for financial sector licensing and compliance in regulated activities.

Lithuanian Chamber of Notaries - for notarization needs during incorporation, share transfers, or real estate transactions.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal and timeline. Decide whether your situation fits a business ownership route, a significant investment route, or the Startup Visa. Consider your family plans, sector, and job creation capacity. A lawyer can compare options and outline the most suitable legal basis.

Develop a compliant structure. Incorporate or acquire a Lithuanian company if appropriate, prepare a robust business plan aligned with immigration criteria, and map licensing needs. Coordinate with an accountant on tax registration and payroll for planned hires in Ukmerge or elsewhere in Lithuania.

Prepare documents. Gather proof of lawful funds and source of wealth, clean criminal record certificates, health insurance, accommodation evidence, corporate documents, and any innovation or endorsement materials for startup routes. Translate and legalize documents as required.

File through the national system. Create an application in MIGRIS, pay the state fee, and schedule biometrics at a Migration Department office. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Implement the plan. After receiving your permit, start operations, hire staff where required, maintain accurate accounting, pay taxes and social contributions, and keep your address declaration current in Ukmerge. Track renewal deadlines and prepare evidence of real activity well in advance.

Seek professional support. Engage a Lithuania based immigration lawyer, corporate secretary, and tax advisor. This team can help maintain compliance, handle renewals, and prepare for long-term or permanent residence when eligible.