What if you want to live in Europe, but without decades of waiting and bureaucracy? And although traditional destinations like Germany or the UK are still popular, amid high competition and complex visa requirements, investors’ attention has shifted to less obvious but promising countries. For example, Lithuania. In 2023, interest in the so-called Lithuania Golden Visa for Indians has almost doubled, according to immigration agencies from Delhi and Mumbai. But what kind of program is this? Does it work the same way as the “golden visas” in Portugal or Greece? And how realistic is it to get EU residency by investment without being a millionaire?
How Does the Lithuanian Program Work?
Lithuania does not offer a classic “golden visa” in the usual sense, like, for example, Spain. Here we are talking about a temporary Lithuania residence permit (TRP), which can be obtained by investing in the country’s economy. The main mechanism is registering a business with an authorized capital of €50,000. The company must be active, with real activities: fictitious structures do not work.
For Indian citizens, especially those with experience in IT, trade or logistics, Lithuania can be a very convenient entry point. Local authorities look at the project, its potential, the number of jobs, and tax returns. That is, a purely financial contribution is not the only criterion.
Why Lithuania?
At first glance, Lithuania is not an obvious choice. A small country, cold climate, difficult language. But there are nuances that work in its favor.
Firstly, it is part of the EU and the Schengen area. This means free movement throughout most of Europe, which is especially convenient for entrepreneurs. Secondly, Lithuania has a fairly simple company registration procedure and a clear tax system. And thirdly, after living for 5 years under TRP, you can apply for permanent residence by investment Europe, and after 10 years — for citizenship.
Some lawyers, however, warn that migration rules here change from time to time, and it is difficult to predict a 100% outcome. Nevertheless, practice shows that with honest business activities and compliance with the conditions, it is quite possible to obtain EU permanent residence by investment.
What You Need at the Start
The process, according to reviews, is not the most difficult, but requires accuracy. A potential investor must:
- register a company in Lithuania;
- invest capital (from €50,000);
- prepare a business plan;
- provide documents on the origin of funds;
- obtain insurance, a certificate of no criminal record, etc.
The application process itself goes through the migration department. In practice, it can take from 3 to 6 months, depending on the workload and the quality of the documents. Sometimes, as lawyers themselves note, delays arise — for example, due to missing certificates from India.
What Are the Benefits for Indian Citizens?
Obtaining a Lithuanian residence permit through investment opens up a number of advantages:
- legal permanent residency in Europe by investment;
- access to European education and healthcare;
- the ability to move your family;
- prospects for permanent residence permit and citizenship.
But it is important to remember: we are not talking about a “purchased” passport, but about a long-term path with participation in the country’s economy. This is not suitable for those who are looking for the most passive way of emigration.
For Those Who Look Beyond the Visa
Is it worth going to Lithuania for EU residency? There is no clear answer — it all depends on your goals. If you are looking only for prestige and a “golden” plaque on the door, Lithuania may seem too “modest”. But if we are talking about real opportunities, access to the EU market and life in a country with clear rules — this is a chance that does not lie on the surface, but works.
It is interesting that many Indian entrepreneurs open IT startups, cafes, service companies here and over time feel quite confident. Some stay, some move further — to Germany, France, the Netherlands. But the beginning is often right here. Lithuania is not a ticket to luxury, but a ticket to stability. And perhaps this approach turns out to be a winning one in the long run.
