For entrepreneurs and digital nomads, the process of starting a company in Lithuania can feel like navigating a maze of fees, paperwork, and regulatory hurdles. If you’re frustrated by opaque costs and state-imposed requirements, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the real, data-driven costs of creating and maintaining a standard company (Uždaroji akcinė bendrovė, or UAB) in Lithuania for 2025—so you can make informed decisions and optimize your fiscal strategy.
Company Formation Costs in Lithuania (2025): What to Expect
Setting up a UAB in Lithuania involves several mandatory and optional expenses. Here’s a transparent breakdown of the average costs, based on the latest data from reputable sources:
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1,000 | ~$1,080 |
| State Enterprise Centre of Registers (JAR) registration fee (electronic, standard) | 57 | ~$62 |
| Notary fees (if not using electronic registration) | 72 | ~$78 |
| Legal address service (average) | 60 | ~$65 |
| Preparation of incorporation documents (average legal/lawyer fee) | 200 | ~$216 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.08 USD (2025).
Case in Point: If you opt for electronic registration and handle your own paperwork, your outlay could be as low as €1,317 (~$1,423). If you require notary and legal services, expect to budget closer to €1,389 (~$1,500).
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Setup
- Use electronic registration to avoid notary fees.
- Negotiate legal service packages for document preparation.
- Consider a virtual office address to minimize overhead.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your Lithuanian UAB Compliant
Once your company is established, annual maintenance costs are relatively predictable. Here’s a detailed look at typical expenses for 2025:
| Maintenance Item | Annual Cost (EUR) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services (small company) | 600 | ~$648 |
| Annual financial statement filing fee | 0 | $0 |
| Registered office address (if using service) | 60 | ~$65 |
| Legal/lawyer support (optional, average) | 300 | ~$324 |
| Other administrative costs (bank, compliance, etc.) | 100 | ~$108 |
| Audit (only if required by law, not typical for small UABs) | 740 | ~$800 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.08 USD (2025).
For most small UABs, annual costs range from €600 to €1,800 (~$648 to ~$1,944), depending on your need for legal support and whether an audit is required.
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Ongoing Costs
- Choose a reliable but cost-effective accounting provider—compare quotes annually.
- Skip optional legal support unless facing complex regulatory issues.
- Confirm if your company is exempt from audit requirements to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Why Lithuania? A Libertarian Perspective on Company Costs
Lithuania’s company formation and maintenance costs are among the lowest in the EU, with minimal bureaucratic friction for small businesses. While state-imposed fees and capital requirements are unavoidable, the system is relatively transparent and offers digital registration options to minimize friction. For those seeking to optimize their fiscal footprint and maintain operational freedom, Lithuania remains a pragmatic choice in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Expect to invest around €1,300–€1,400 (~$1,400–$1,500) to launch a standard UAB in Lithuania.
- Annual maintenance costs for a small company typically fall between €600 and €1,800 (~$650–$1,950).
- Digital registration and lean administrative choices can further reduce your fiscal burden.
For more detailed information, consult these authoritative sources: