Finding a comfortable place to live is key to feeling at home in any country or city. Here is a guide to help you take the first steps when renting or buying property in Vilnius.
LRT English brings you the Guide to Lithuania, a series of articles by the International House Vilnius, an initiative that helps new arrivals settle in Lithuania. You can find all the explainers here.
Renting
Once you decide on your preferred location for your new home, head to the real estate ads websites – Aruodas, Domoplius, Rebaltic, or Homerental – to see what is on the market
Next, learn about costs and utilities, dealing directly with the owner or agent. Keep in mind that utilities are usually paid on top of the rent. If you have a pet, be sure to inquire if the place you are interested in is pet-friendly, as some landlords may be more open than others.
Often, renting happens through agents, who charge a one-off new tenant fee. When signing a lease, the owners will typically ask you for a deposit of 1-3 months’ rent.
Once a contract is drawn, be sure to sign it in two languages – Lithuanian and another language that you understand – agreeing clearly on terms, from deposit size to rent period. And always make your first payment after the contract is signed, not before!
Also, keep in mind that it is most tricky to rent in August and September as the demand and prices in Vilnius go up due to new students flocking to the city.
Buying
First off, bear in mind that buying property in Lithuania does not grant you residency in Lithuania. With that understanding, a property can be bought directly from its owner or via a trusted real estate agency.
Once you have a property in mind and a sales contract drawn up, make sure that you understand it completely before signing – getting a translation, if necessary. The sales contract will need to be notarised; we recommend registering ownership at the Centre of Registers.
What about mortgages? Some banks are more flexible than others when lending to foreigners, so shop around for the best terms.
To take out a mortgage, you’ll need to have a work contract of at least 6-12 months in Lithuania. Mortgages are typically issued for up to 30 years, and insurance will be required. Loan conditions also depend on your income and the property value. As a foreigner, you may also receive individualised downpayment terms.
Rent-to-buy is another option, especially for foreigners, as it offers an alternative to buying outright.
Moving your belongings
Lithuania has a number of reliable moving companies to assist you with the move. Check out Movers, Kraustymo Komanda, Adrem, and Kraustina, as they all provide information in English. Or use the popular Discontract app to find a trusted private mover. If you’ve already settled in Vilnius and are moving from one part of the city to another, you can also look into renting a CityBee van for a few hours or a day.
Do I need to register my address?
It depends! Foreigners with a visa do not need to declare their place of residence in Lithuania. However, if you need to declare your place of residence, you can do so at the Migration Department when picking up your residence permit or in your eldership (seniūnija).
Keep in mind: when declaring residence at another person’s property, the owner’s consent is needed. The owner can consent by providing a signed rent agreement, providing a notarised copy of their consent, or visiting the Migration Department or eldership together with you.
If you’re a foreign student, the rules are a little different. Students can declare their place of residence with the consent from the dormitory’s administrative team. Then, the declaration should be delivered to the eldership of the place of residence.
If students rent apartments rather than living in a dormitory, they can declare their place of residence in the same way as everyone else, provided they have a residence permit.
If you still need more information about finding a place to live in Vilnius, here is a detailed relocation guide.
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