This article provides a detailed breakdown of the average costs involved in creating and maintaining a standard limited liability company (Uždaroji akcinė bendrovė, UAB) in Lithuania. All figures are based on the most recent 2025 data and relevant regulations affecting both company formation and ongoing operational expenses.
Company Incorporation Costs in Lithuania (2025)
Setting up a UAB, the most common business entity for local and foreign investors in Lithuania, involves several upfront costs. The table below summarizes current average creation fees in euros (EUR), with an added USD conversion based on the exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.10 USD.
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | €1,000 | $1,100 |
| State Enterprise Centre of Registers (JAR) registration fee (electronic, standard) | €57 | $62.70 |
| Notary fees (if not using electronic registration) | €72 | $79.20 |
| Legal address service (average) | €60 | $66.00 |
| Preparation of incorporation documents (average legal/lawyer fee) | €200 | $220.00 |
Average creation cost excluding minimum capital: €670 (approx. $737) typically covers registration, legal support, and address requirements. The minimum capital itself (€1,000/~$1,100) must be deposited but can be used in the course of business after incorporation.
Understanding What You Pay For
The largest upfront cost is the statutory minimum capital, a requirement for all UABs. Registration through Lithuania’s electronic system is cost-effective, but if you opt for a notary public, additional fees apply. For remote or foreign founders, using a legal address service is common and incurs a modest yearly charge. Legal fees for document preparation can vary but generally reflect the rates of experienced professionals familiar with local compliance obligations.
Ongoing Company Maintenance Costs (2025)
Once established, maintaining a UAB in Lithuania involves several recurring expenses annually. These depend on company size and service requirements but remain moderate by regional standards. The table below highlights expected maintenance outlay for small companies by main cost categories:
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services (annual, small company) | €600 | $660 |
| Annual financial statement filing fee | €0 | $0 |
| Registered office address (annual, if using service) | €60 | $66 |
| Legal/lawyer support (optional, average) | €300 | $330 |
| Other administrative costs (bank, compliance, etc.) | €100 | $110 |
| Audit (only if required by law, not typical for small UABs) | €740 | $814 |
Estimated annual maintenance range: €600–€1,800 ($660–$1,980), depending on the extent of professional services and compliance needs. Audit fees only apply if turnover or staffing exceeds statutory thresholds; for most small businesses, this is not a required expense.
Key Factors Impacting Ongoing Expenses
Accounting services represent the principal recurring cost for most small companies, driven by requirements for accurate bookkeeping and annual filing. No fees are charged for submitting annual financial statements if completed on time and through official channels. Additional legal support, while optional, provides assurance when dealing with regulatory updates or contracts. Registered office and administrative banking charges remain low, making Lithuania cost-effective for ongoing operations. Audits are not typical unless specific legal criteria are met.
Pro Tips for Company Formation and Maintenance in Lithuania
- Utilize Electronic Registration: Registering a UAB electronically significantly reduces setup costs and eliminates the need for notary services, saving both time and money.
- Plan for Minimum Capital Use: While €1,000 must initially be deposited as capital, these funds can be accessed for normal business activities once the company is established.
- Bundle Professional Services: Consider choosing a service provider that offers a package covering legal, address, and accounting support for predictable ongoing expenses.
- Monitor Audit Thresholds: Stay informed about financial and staff limits that would trigger mandatory audits to avoid unexpected high professional fees.
Resources and Official Information
For further details or updates, refer to Lithuania’s official business registry and governmental resources at State Enterprise Centre of Registers.
Lithuania’s incorporation and annual maintenance costs remain straightforward and accessible by European standards. The one-off creation charges are moderate and transparent, while streamlined accounting and filing processes help keep annual overheads in check for most small UABs. Careful planning of services and awareness of compliance triggers can further optimize both the cost and simplicity of operating in the Lithuanian business environment.