Power of Attorney in Lithuania (2025): Legal Use Cases for Foreigners, Expats, and Businesses

A Power of Attorney in Lithuania (įgaliojimas) is one of the most practical legal tools for foreigners and businesses who need someone to act on their behalf locally. It is widely used for real estate transactions, company matters, banking, immigration paperwork, inheritance, and litigation support.

In 2025, cross-border mobility and remote management are normal. But Lithuanian institutions (notaries, banks, Registries, courts, and municipalities) require the right form of authority. A poorly prepared Power of Attorney can be rejected, delay a deal, or expose you to avoidable risk.

This guide explains how a Power of Attorney in Lithuania works, when it is required, and how to prepare it correctly for use in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.

Legal Background in Lithuania (Power of Attorney in Lithuania)

Under Lithuanian law, a power of attorney is a written authorization given by one person (the principal) to another person (the agent/representative) to act in the principal’s name within defined limits.

Lithuania follows a formal approach to representation. The key legal points are:

• Form matters. Some authorizations can be signed privately, while others must be notarized.
• Scope must be clear. Lithuanian practice expects specific powers, especially for real estate and company actions.
• Third parties assess validity. Even if you trust your agent, institutions may refuse the document if the form or wording is insufficient.

Common use cases recognized in Lithuanian practice

• Buying, selling, gifting, or mortgaging real estate
• Representation in company and shareholder matters
• Handling selected banking procedures
• Managing migration and civil registry filings
• Filing documents with registries, municipalities, and tax authorities
• Acting in inheritance matters before a notary
• Legal representation in litigation and disputes

When notarization is typically required

Notarization is commonly required for:

• Real estate transactions
• Notarial acts and registry filings
• Sensitive legal or financial authorizations

If the action itself requires a notary, the power of attorney usually must be notarized.

Step-by-Step Legal Process (Power of Attorney in Lithuania)

1. Define the purpose and scope
   Clearly identify what the agent is allowed to do.

2. Choose a reliable agent
   The representative should be available in Lithuania and familiar with formal procedures.

3. Determine the correct legal form
   Decide whether a simple written form or notarized power of attorney is required.

4. Draft the document properly
   Include:

   • Full identification of both parties
   • Exact powers and limitations
   • Duration or expiry
   • Substitution rights (if any)

5. Sign and notarize

   • In Lithuania: before a Lithuanian notary
   • Abroad: before a foreign notary or authority

6. Legalize for Lithuanian use

   • Apostille for Hague Convention countries
   • Consular legalization if required

7. Translate into Lithuanian
   Many institutions require a Lithuanian translation.

8. Use the POA with institutions
   Originals or notarized copies may be required.

9. Revoke when no longer needed
   Revocation should be documented and communicated.

Key Legal Requirements & Documents (Power of Attorney in Lithuania)

Required information

• Full details of principal and agent
• Clear representation clause
• Specific powers
• Validity period
• Signature and notarization (if required)

Supporting documents

• Passports or ID documents
• Company registration documents (for corporate POAs)
• Property details for real estate matters
• Apostille or legalization (if signed abroad)
• Certified Lithuanian translations

Practical considerations

• Real estate POAs should be transaction-specific
• Company POAs must align with corporate authority rules
• Banks may apply additional internal requirements

Common Legal Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a non-notarized POA when notarization is required
• Granting overly broad or vague authority
• Missing property identifiers in real estate POAs
• Forgetting apostille or legalization for foreign documents
• Failing to provide a Lithuanian translation
• Not formally revoking outdated powers of attorney

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Power of Attorney in Lithuania?

It is a legal document authorizing another person to act on your behalf in defined matters.

Does it need to be notarized?

Often yes, especially for real estate, notarial, and registry-related actions.

Can a foreign POA be used in Lithuania?

Yes, if it is properly notarized, legalized (apostille), and translated into Lithuanian.

How long is it valid?

Either for a fixed term or until formally revoked.

Can it be revoked?

Yes, revocation should be done formally and communicated to relevant parties.

Conclusion

A Power of Attorney in Lithuania is essential for foreigners and businesses managing legal matters remotely. Proper form, clear scope, correct notarization, and compliance with Lithuanian requirements ensure smooth acceptance by institutions in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. Preparing it correctly from the outset helps avoid delays, rejections, and legal risk.