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Lithuania Banking License

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Lithuania Banking License: Bank of Lithuania Authorisation Including the Specialised Bank Framework for Fintech and Neobank Operations

The Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos Bankas) regulates banks and financial institutions under the Law on Banks of the Republic of Lithuania. Lithuania is a European Union member state and eurozone member, offering full EU passporting rights under the Capital Requirements Directive. Lithuania has distinguished itself as one of the most active fintech licensing destinations in the European Union, having issued over 100 electronic money institution and payment institution licences and emerging as the preferred EU regulatory gateway for many US, Asian, and emerging market financial groups seeking EU market access.

A key feature of Lithuania's banking framework is the Specialised Bank licence, introduced specifically to enable fintech companies and neobanks to carry on deposit-taking and lending activities with lower minimum capital requirements than a full credit institution. This category has made Lithuania a leading destination for digital banking launches targeting the EU market.

Specialised Bank Licence

EUR 1 million minimum paid-up capital. Covers the same core banking activities as a full credit institution within defined business limits. Designed for fintech companies and digital neobanks seeking a lower-barrier EU banking authorisation.

Full Credit Institution Licence

EUR 5 million minimum paid-up capital. Authorises the full range of banking activities including unrestricted deposit-taking, lending, foreign exchange, and payments across all EU member states via passporting.

Fit and Proper Assessment

All directors and shareholders holding 10% or more are assessed by the Bank of Lithuania for professional competence, integrity, and financial soundness. The Bank of Lithuania is known for its constructive and accessible supervisory approach.

Physical Presence

A registered office in Lithuania with locally resident management is required. The Bank of Lithuania expects genuine operational substance, particularly for specialised bank applicants with digital business models.

AML/CFT and IT Systems

A comprehensive AML/CFT programme and detailed IT and cybersecurity documentation are required at application stage. The Bank of Lithuania places particular emphasis on technology governance for digital banking applicants.

Corporate Tax

Lithuania's corporate income tax rate is 15% on taxable profits. A reduced rate of 5% applies to small companies meeting defined turnover and employee thresholds. There is no additional dividend withholding tax for qualifying EU parent structures.

Neptune Fiduciaries: Lithuania Banking Licence Support

Neptune Fiduciaries supports Lithuania banking and specialised bank licence applications, including Bank of Lithuania pre-engagement, business plan and IT governance documentation, AML/CFT programme design, and director vetting for both full credit institution and specialised bank categories.

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Contact Neptune Fiduciaries at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com or visit our Contact Us page.

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