An authorised electronic money institution license in Lithuania is one of the most appealing choices for entrepreneurs who want to set up payment infrastructure inside the EU. Recently, the country has developed a solid legal framework for e-money institutions and digital payment, which has been a reason to attract founders from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Especially for those working on digital wallets, payment gateways, remittance platforms, or prepaid solutions, the acquisition of a permit is largely thought to be the most effective method to access the European market. The national legislation is clear, the supervisory system is well-organized, and the business community is already familiar with the criteria of fintech organizations.
Overview of AEMI in Lithuania for sale
| Supervisory Body | Lietuvos bankas |
| Authorization Form | AEMI |
| Starting Capital | EUR 350,000 |
| Activity Scope | Digital wallet solutions, card programs, transfers, IBAN accounts, acquiring, stored-value products |
| Client Fund Separation | Mandatory separation of client assets from business assets through separate safeguarding arrangements |
| Review Period | Depends on file quality, business structure, and replies during assessment |
| Management Team | Directors and AML officers must have relevant background; local presence in Lithuania may strengthen the file |
Requirements for AEMI license in Lithuania
Firstly, the applicant must establish a Lithuanian legal entity (typically a UAB) to get AEMI license in Lithuania for sale.
Besides fulfilling formal requirements like a registered business, the company needs to prove that it has a fully equipped office, a competent team, and a logical model for the business.
The main regulator does not limit itself to checking documents only but goes to the extent of understanding the practical organization of the institution.
Generally, the main components are:
- defined business strategy and target market;
- procedures to manage internal risks;
- network for safe-keeping clients’ assets;
- clear ownership structure;
- source of capital;
- experienced directors and senior officers;
- technical infrastructure well-protected;
- transaction monitoring systems.
Local regulatory bodies emphasize more on business continuity, cyber resilience, and the capability of the institution to maintain transaction flow at a stable level.
Why do entrepreneurs choose to obtain AEMI license in Lithuania?
By introducing good market conditions and a well-developed fintech sector, the country is still an appealing place for those wanting to get or buy authorised e-money institution in Lithuania.
One of the main benefits is passporting. It allows one to provide services across the EEA after obtaining the official permission in the country, subject to the applicable notification procedures.
Furthermore, the local fintech scene is well-established. By now, the country has developed a professional environment consisting of highly skilled lawyers, auditors, and tech providers focusing specifically on the payment sector.
Other key advantages comprise:
- participating in SEPA infrastructure;
- structured supervision by the Bank of Lithuania;
- developed banking and fintech ecosystem;
- quick company creation procedure;
- modern remote onboarding;
- legal stability.
Steps to get a permit
The process is well-defined and starts with planning the business model. A key local feature is the possibility of engaging in pre-filing meetings with the Bank of Lithuania, where founders can discuss their project and get practical feedback before the submission.
The typical process comprises:
- Incorporation of a local UAB in the register;
- Preparing internal policies, client onboarding rules, risk control procedures, and asset segregation mechanisms;
- Pre-filing meeting, which is an optional step but highly recommended for the review of the business model with the regulatory body;
- Submission of a full set of documents for official review;
- Examination of ownership structure, background of management, business model, and technical systems;
- Getting approval after which the entity is allowed to start operations and can expand within the EEA.
Besides, in case you don’t want to go through the complicated procedures of getting authorization, it is possible to buy a company with AEMI license in Lithuania.
Taxation of AEMI organizations
The country’s tax system remains favorable for fintech organizations.
According to law, local companies are required to pay profit tax. In some cases, transactions-based activities may be VAT exempt, depending on the type of the enterprise.
From the tax point of view, the country is a good option as the main focus of it is the real economic presence. From 2026, the authorities will investigate the location of the management, the physical office, and the place of actual decision-making.
Major tax issues are:
- corporate profit taxation;
- VAT treatment of payment operations;
- payroll-related contributions;
- dividend taxation;
- transfer pricing for group structures.
The country also has a wide network of double-tax treaties, which can be useful in the restructuring of cross-border founders’ groups.
How much does the authorised e-money license in Lithuania cost?
The amount one will need for getting this status is mainly decided by the project’s complexity and the volume of activities being planned.
However, the actual price depends on some other factors.
Initial funding areas are:
- application fees to the government;
- company establishment expenditures;
- help of lawyers;
- drafting internal documentation;
- office setup;
- technology integration;
- audit preparation;
- accounting support;
- local staffing.
International expansion or complicated transaction flows usually mean that the project will require more preparation and the budget will be higher.
The major part of the spending goes into creating the internal infrastructure correctly from the very beginning.
Our advantages
Eternity Law International has a profound knowledge of the local market and assists fintech founders in setting up and launching AEMI projects.
Our team is skilled in guiding clients step-by-step, from the initial review of the business model to the final approval and operational launch.
We offer:
- comprehensive legal structuring;
- drafting licensing documentation;
- corporate incorporation;
- business model assessment;
- designing AML methodology;
- helping with the structuring of management, etc.
Our practical experience allows clients to avoid unnecessary delays, identify weak points early, and build stronger institutional structures.
You can also take a look at our current offerings in the following areas: “Cryptocurrency licensing and digital asset operations”, “Shelf companies”, “Banks available for acquisition”, and “Licenses available for purchase”.
FAQ
Can a Lithuanian AEMI operate in other EU states?
After authorization, the organization may expand across the EEA by completing regulator notification procedures, without requiring full relicensing in each target state.
Is physical presence in the country mandatory?
Mostly, yes. The Bank of Lithuania only issues permits to entities which they are ensured have real presence (business premises, control of the administration, etc.).
Is it possible to buy AEMI license in Lithuania?
Yes, but only through the acquisition of a company that already holds this status. A ready-made AEMI license in Lithuania itself is tied to the legal entity and cannot be sold separately. In such cases, the Bank of Lithuania reviews the change of ownership and may assess the new shareholders and management before the transaction is completed.
Why should one choose Lithuania to get AEMI authorization?
The country boasts a well-developed fintech environment, a transparent legal framework, direct access to SEPA infrastructure, and a solid reputation in the payment sector across Europe.