As the demand for European residency and citizenship grows, many investors are exploring Golden Visa programs across Europe. The Lithuania Golden Visa Program stands out for its affordability, ease of process, and attractive returns on investment. In this blog post, we will break down the step-by-step process for applying to Lithuania’s Golden Visa Program, its advantages, and how it compares to other popular Golden Visa programs.

Step-by-Step Process of the Lithuania Golden Visa Program

1. Initial Consultation and Eligibility Check

The first step in the Lithuania Golden Visa process is determining your eligibility. Typically, you’ll consult with a legal advisor or Golden Visa expert to review the requirements and confirm if you qualify for the program. The minimum investment amount is set at €75,000, of which €50,000 is invested into a digital asset fund and €25,000 covers legal and administrative costs for the first five years.

At this stage, you’ll also discuss the various benefits of the program, including the 5% annual return on the digital asset fund and your family’s eligibility to join the program.

2. Making the Investment

Once your eligibility is confirmed, the next step is making the required investment. You will invest €50,000 into Lithuania’s digital asset fund, a unique feature of the program that allows investors to earn 5% net annual returns over five years. Unlike other Golden Visa programs that focus solely on real estate, Lithuania offers this diversified investment opportunity, making it an attractive financial decision.

The remaining €25,000 is allocated to cover legal and administrative fees, which will be paid to the Lithuanian authorities and legal team managing your application.

3. Submission of the Application

Once the investment is made, the application for the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is submitted to the Lithuanian government. The application will include necessary documentation, such as proof of investment, personal identification, and any required notarizations. The process is relatively straightforward compared to other European countries, with the typical processing time taking between 2 to 4 months.

During this time, your legal team will keep you updated on the status of your application and ensure all paperwork is properly handled.

4. Approval of Temporary Residence Permit

After 2-4 months of processing, you will receive approval for your Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). This permit grants you and your family the right to live in Lithuania, travel freely across the Schengen Area, and enjoy visa-free travel to 26 European countries. The TRP is initially granted for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal for 2+2 years afterward.

5. Residency Renewal and Progression to Permanent Residency

Following your initial 1-year residence permit, you will renew it for two additional 2-year periods, after which you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR). This option is available after 5 years of continuous residency in Lithuania. Permanent residency grants long-term stability and access to many of the same rights as Lithuanian citizens.

6. Applying for Lithuanian Citizenship

After 10 years of residency in Lithuania, investors are eligible to apply for Lithuanian citizenship. Lithuanian citizenship opens the door to full EU citizenship, which means the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union. This is a significant benefit for investors looking for long-term integration into Europe.

What Makes Lithuania Golden Visa Program Stand Out?

1. Affordable Investment Threshold:

The Lithuania Golden Visa program has one of the lowest entry requirements in Europe. With a €75,000 investment, it is far more affordable than countries like Spain and Portugal, which require €500,000 in real estate investments.

2. Annual Financial Returns:

Unlike other Golden Visa programs, Lithuania allows investors to earn a 5% annual return on their €50,000 investment through a digital asset fund. This makes it a more appealing financial opportunity than countries that require real estate investments with minimal short-term returns.

3. Streamlined Process:

Lithuania’s application process is straightforward and efficient, typically taking 2-4 months for approval. Other countries like Portugal can take much longer, sometimes up to a year.

4. Visa-Free Travel:

With a Lithuanian residence permit, investors can enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, allowing them to explore 26 European countries with ease.

5. Family Inclusion:

The program allows investors to include their spouse and children in the application, ensuring the entire family can benefit from European residency and travel.

6. Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship:

After 5 years, investors can apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years, they can apply for Lithuanian citizenship. Full EU citizenship means the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.

Comparison with Other Golden Visa Programs

When compared to other Golden Visa programs in Europe, Lithuania offers several unique advantages:

• Spain and Portugal:

Both countries require a €500,000 real estate investment. While these programs also offer residency and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, they lack the 5% annual return that Lithuania provides through its digital asset fund. Additionally, the processing time for Spain and Portugal is often longer.

• Greece:

Greece recently increased its investment threshold to €800,000 for real estate. This makes it a far more expensive option, especially for those looking to keep costs low. While Greece offers quick residency, it lacks the financial returns Lithuania provides.

Conclusion

The Lithuania Golden Visa Program is a standout option for investors looking to gain European residency, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and benefit from a diversified investment with 5% annual returns. Its affordable investment threshold, straightforward process, and pathway to permanent residency and citizenship make it one of the most competitive Golden Visa programs in Europe today.

For investors seeking a secure, profitable, and efficient way to establish a foothold in Europe, Lithuania’s program is the ideal choice.