Obtaining a residence permit in Lithuania through investment in an existing business is an attractive option for foreign investors. Investing in an established business means the company has a proven track record of financial stability. This includes having an active bank account, registered employees, and regular tax filings, which are critical for meeting Lithuania’s immigration requirements. A residence permit in Lithuania offers access to the Schengen Area, allowing for free movement across Europe. Furthermore, the investment ensures a steady income stream, making it easier to sustain your stay and potentially expand your business ventures within the EU.
Why Should You Buy an Already Running Business?
Purchasing an established business offers numerous advantages:
- Immediate Operations:
You will acquire a company that has been operational for two, five, or even ten years. This includes existing employees, a real office, steady income, profits, a bank account, and an established customer base. You can expect to receive a monthly salary and annual dividends from the outset. - Residence Permit Benefits:
You and your family members can obtain a residence permit within 1-2 months after applying, without additional questions regarding your business activities. There’s no need to wait six months to demonstrate an active company bank account, as the business has been active for years. The residence permit is issued for two years and can be renewed thereafter. - Investment Returns:
The larger the company you purchase, the greater the potential profit and salary. Typically, the return on investment (ROI) is within 3-5 years. This means you and your family will benefit from residence permits while recouping your investment within that period. - Self-Sustaining Business:
An already-running business generates income that covers all expenses, eliminating the need for further investments. - Residency Requirements:
To apply for a residence permit, you need to purchase at least 33% of a business. The cost of a suitable company or company share for immigration purposes starts from €30,000. This could be a small restaurant or car cleaning company, where you will be actively involved in daily operations, managing the office, workers, clients, and advertising. - Larger, Low-Maintenance Companies:
If you prefer not to deal with daily business management, consider purchasing a larger company. Prices for these businesses start at €100,000. These more reputable and profitable companies, often in consulting or Information Technology, are highly regarded by the Immigration Office and require less hands-on involvement from you.
By choosing to buy an already-running business, you ensure immediate operational capability, quick residency processing, and a sustainable income, all while securing a profitable investment for the future.
If you are looking for a fast and secure immigration to Lithuania, then option by investing into an already running business is the best way you can find on the market.
BIZBON offers business for sale. A list of available businesses for sale in Lithuania you can find here
Main reasons for visa or residence permit rejection
You may have heard about the high rate of visa and residence permit rejections, not only in Lithuania but across other European countries, including Poland, Sweden, Slovakia, Germany, and Spain.
Here are some common reasons for these rejections:
- Incorrect Documentation:
Immigration applications often fail due to improperly prepared documents. - Inadequate Preparation for Interviews:
Applicants frequently struggle to justify their intended purpose of stay during interviews. They may lack knowledge about their business plans, the location of their office, potential clients or partners, whether their company has a bank account, or if there is an accountant managing monthly reports to State Institutions. Essentially, applicants may have only a newly registered company in Lithuania without a comprehensive understanding of their business operations or the local business environment. - Insufficient Business Activity and Income:
Businesses must demonstrate adequate activity and income to sustain operations, pay taxes, and cover employee salaries. Lithuanian law requires companies to employ at least two local workers. Inadequate financial planning or business performance often leads to rejection.
Ensuring all documents are correctly prepared, thoroughly understanding and being able to articulate your business plans, and demonstrating sufficient business activity and income are critical steps to improve the likelihood of obtaining a visa or residence permit.
Pros & Cons of Business Immigration By Investing
PROS for Business Immigration
- Maximum success rate. You and your family members will get a residence permit in 1-2 months after application. BIZBON consultants take full responsibility for the company’s reliability
- You will get your salary and dividends from the same day you purchase the company
- You don’t need to wait 6 months and make active business until you will able to apply for a residence permit.
- Lifetime residence permit for you and your family members (until you decide to sell company shares to somebody else). After 5 years of having a temporary residence permit, you will get permanent residence permit which is issued for 5 years. After 10 years of living in Lithuania, you will be granted a Lithuanian passport
- An already running business. Easy immigration with family in Europe. No delays, no gaps in the process.
CONS for Business Immigration
- A bigger investment amount is needed to purchase a business around 30’000 – 120’000 Euro.
If you want to start investing in a Lithuanian business and get a Schengen residence permit please don’t hesitate to contact us.