Lithuania is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive destinations in the European Union for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Its central location, stable economy, EU membership, and business-friendly environment make it a natural gateway for international trade and investment.
For non-EU nationals seeking both business opportunities and a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), one of the most efficient routes is to become a shareholder in an existing Lithuanian company.
At ZattWorldSolutions, we guide our clients through this process from start to finish. Below, we explain the shareholder pathway in detail — its benefits, requirements, risks, and how our team ensures a smooth and legally secure transition into the European market.
Why Lithuania?
Before exploring the shareholder option, here’s why Lithuania has become so popular among international investors:
- Strategic EU Location: Situated at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe, with access to major EU markets and Scandinavia.
- Fast-Growing Economy: Strong GDP growth with thriving IT, logistics, fintech, and startup sectors.
- EU Residency: A Lithuanian TRP allows non-EU citizens to live, work, and operate across the Schengen Area, with options for long-term residence or citizenship.
- Cost Advantage: Lower business setup costs, employee wages, and operations compared to Western Europe.
For entrepreneurs from Asia, the Middle East, or Africa, Lithuania offers a reliable, affordable, and realistic pathway into the European market.
What Does “Becoming a Shareholder” Mean?
Becoming a shareholder means purchasing part of an existing Lithuanian company. Depending on your goals and budget, this could be a minority stake or a majority shareholding.
Most Lithuanian companies are registered as UABs (Private Limited Liability Companies). In this structure, your liability is limited to the amount you invest, protecting your personal finances while giving you access to the benefits of being part of an established EU business.
Key Benefits of the Shareholder Route
- Faster Market Entry
- No need to start a new company from scratch.
- Join an existing business and apply for residency within weeks instead of months.
- Established Business Track Record
- Immigration authorities prefer companies with financial history, employees, and turnover.
- Your TRP application is strengthened by the credibility of the company you invest in.
- Reduced Risk
- Avoid the uncertainty of launching a new business.
- Invest in a company with existing clients, operations, and revenue.
- Clear Residency Pathway
- Lithuanian law allows non-EU nationals who are significant shareholders to apply for a TRP.
- Permits are typically issued for 1–2 years, renewable with ongoing compliance.
Requirements for Shareholders
To qualify for TRP through shareholder investment, you must meet certain conditions:
- Minimum Investment: Typically €14,000–€28,000 for minority stakes. For full company acquisition, investments generally start at €100,000+.
- Active Business: The company must be operational, with turnover, staff, or clients. Dormant companies do not qualify.
- Legal Documentation: A notarized share purchase agreement and updated entry in the Lithuanian Register of Legal Entities.
- Regulatory Compliance: The company must follow all tax, accounting, and labor laws in Lithuania.
How ZattWorldSolutions Guides You
Our process is end-to-end, ensuring your investment and residency pathway are secure:
- Initial Consultation – We assess your goals, budget, and residency needs.
- Company Search – We identify fully compliant Lithuanian companies suitable for TRP.
- Due Diligence – We verify the company’s financial health, debts, and legal standing.
- Negotiation & Share Transfer – We prepare contracts and negotiate with shareholders. Transfers are notarized in Lithuania.
- Legal Registration – We update the official registry to reflect your ownership.
- TRP Application – We prepare and submit your TRP application with all supporting documents.
- Family TRP – We also assist with residency applications for your spouse and children under 18.
Advantages of Working with ZattWorldSolutions
- Full-Service Consultancy: Company search, legal documentation, and TRP submission all under one roof.
- Legal Protection: Contracts include ownership protection clauses to safeguard your investment.
- Transparency: Clear costs upfront, with no hidden fees.
- Global Experience: Trusted by clients in Lithuania, Georgia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Dubai.
- Family Support: We ensure your family enjoys the same residency benefits.
Risks and How We Minimize Them
Like any investment, shareholder entry has potential risks. Our job is to minimize them:
- Hidden Debts: We conduct thorough due diligence before recommending any company.
- Minority Rights: For smaller stakes, we secure legal clauses protecting your rights as a shareholder.
- Regulatory Compliance: We monitor ongoing company compliance to safeguard your TRP status.
Example Scenario
Imagine an entrepreneur from Bangladesh or the Middle East with €20,000 to invest. Instead of starting a new company, they purchase 30% of an established Lithuanian IT company with active clients.
- Their name is added to the official company register.
- A TRP application is submitted based on shareholder status.
- Their spouse and child apply for family TRPs.
- Within a few months, the entire family is legally residing in Lithuania, with access to EU markets.
This is a tested, practical pathway many of our clients have successfully followed.
Conclusion
Becoming a shareholder in an existing Lithuanian company is one of the fastest, safest, and most effective routes to EU residency and business opportunities. It allows you to join an active company, reduce risks, and secure a Temporary Residence Permit for yourself and your family.
At ZattWorldSolutions, we handle the entire process on your behalf — from company selection and contracts to compliance and TRP submission.
👉 Ready to start your journey? Contact us today for a free consultation and step-by-step guidance.
