Buying companies

Business acquisition is the process of acquiring an established company. This is usually a legal entity with no operating history, debts or liabilities, but it is also possible to acquire a company with VAT status, operating history, licences or other elements necessary for its operation, if required. This is considered as an alternative to traditional incorporation and is relevant for those who want to start a business as quickly and conveniently as possible. Company purchase is the process of acquiring an already established company. This is usually a legal entity with no operating history, debts or liabilities, but it is also possible to purchase a company with VAT status, operating history, licences or other specific attributes, if required.

Unlike company formation, this method allows you to become the owner of a legal entity immediately: there is no need to reserve a name, draw up incorporation documents, create share capital or initial contribution, or coordinate the registration of the registered office. The company is already fully registered, so on the day of purchase it is possible to start immediately the activities envisaged, from the provision of services to the sale of goods, depending on the type of activity chosen.

Corporate procurement is particularly relevant when time is of the essence – for example, when commercial contracts need to be signed quickly, tenders need to be submitted or financial commitments need to be met. It is also often the route of choice for foreign investors looking for a simpler way to gain a foothold in the Lithuanian market.

Buying a company is not only suitable for start-ups, but also for experienced entrepreneurs who want to avoid administrative burdens. It is an alternative for those who want a quick start and a clear legal framework from day one.

The main advantages of acquiring an established company

Buying companies is often chosen for its concrete and practical advantages. One of the biggest is the significant time savings. There is no need to wait for the incorporation documents to be approved, for a bank account to be opened or for the share capital to be formed. All these steps have already been taken, so buying a company allows you to start operating immediately.

When a company is acquired, the buyer immediately becomes a shareholder or a member, signs the manager’s appointment documents and can legally act on behalf of the company on the same day. This is particularly useful when you need to quickly register a VAT number, sign a contract or participate in a public procurement.

Another significant advantage is that there is no need to create additional share capital or contributions. LLCs are usually sold with an already formed share capital of €1000, whereas MBs are sold with a symbolic contribution of €1. In addition, the price of the services usually includes the following essential elements: all incorporation and sales documents, registration address, stamp, basic extracts from the Register of Legal Entities, the JANGIS form (required for opening a bank account), as well as the state fees paid. Depending on the needs of the client, companies may already have a current bank account.

As many of the companies being sold have no track record, they often have no debts or liabilities, making the purchase process clearer, safer and without the need for complex checks.

This approach is particularly favourable for both newcomers and experienced investors, who want a transparent start, clear documentation and quick market entry.

What do I need to know before buying a company?

Although buying a company often seems like a quicker and easier route than setting up, it is important to consider certain risks. Even if you are buying a new and dormant company, there are a number of checks that need to be carried out to ensure the transaction is secure.

Debts and liabilities. All official information on a company’s tax liabilities can be found on rekvizitai.lt. This platform automatically provides data from VMI, Sodra and other institutions, so no additional certificates are required.

Company history. If you are planning to acquire a company with a track record of performance, it is recommended that you review the financial statements, balance sheet, and current or past contracts to assess potential risks. This will help to assess the nature and transparency of the company’s operations.

Documentation and registration. Check that the company has valid articles of association, bylaws and a valid registration address. If you are planning to change the name or registered office of your company, it is worth assessing this in advance.

If you are not experienced in buying companies, it is advisable to seek professional advice to reduce the risks and ensure a smooth acquisition process.

How does the process of buying a company work?

Buying a company is a quick and straightforward process if done with an experienced service provider. In standard cases, all the basic steps can be completed within one working day and the real activity can start as soon as the changes to the data are registered with the Registry Centre.

1. Choice of company. A list of companies is provided to the buyer with the most important information: name, share capital, registered office address, VAT registration status, licenses (if applicable). Bank account information is usually not provided, as each new manager has to take over or open it himself.

2. Preparation of documents. Preparation of the contract for the transfer of members’ rights or shares, the manager’s appointment documents, the JAR forms and other necessary documents. All documents are signed in person, notarised (if necessary), or by proxy – electronic signature is not applicable here.

3. Registration with the Registry Centre.
Documents are submitted to the Register of Legal Entities. Changing data takes up to 1-3 working days. Only after the re-registration is completed, when a new legal entity statement (ESI) is created, can the new owner and manager officially start acting on behalf of the company.

4. Additional actions. Additional steps can be carried out immediately if needed, such as changing the registered office address, ordering a stamp, registering for VAT or helping you update your bank account details.

What documents are needed to buy a company?

Buying a company is not just a formal transaction, it is a legally important procedure that requires precise and clear documentation. Both the buyer and the service provider need to be properly prepared for a smooth process.

Documents to be provided by the buyer:

To acquire a company, a buyer (or several buyers) provides the following data:
■ A copy of your identity document (passport or ID card);
■ Address of permanent residence;
■ Contact details (phone number, email address);
■ If the company is being bought by a legal entity, the company’s founding documents, a power of attorney for the representative and a copy of the director’s passport.
■ Documents prepared by the service provider:
■ A reliable corporate procurement services company prepares all the necessary documentation:
■ Share or membership rights purchase agreement;
■ Decision on the appointment of a new manager;
■ Deed of transfer and acceptance of company documents;
■ Forms required for changes of shareholder and manager in the Register of Legal Entities (JAR).
■ If you wish to change your registered office address, a separate service is available for this procedure, which includes the preparation of additional documents and registration assistance.

Additional documents are also prepared if necessary:
■ For VAT code registration;
■ For ordering a stamp;
■ For changing your bank account;
■ For change of registration address.

Some of these steps, such as VAT registration or ordering a stamp, can be done remotely. In contrast, opening or taking over an account with a traditional bank usually requires a physical visit by the manager. Only certain electronic banks such as Paysera, Revolut or TeslaPay, where identification is done online, can offer this service remotely.

What is the difference between a new company and a company with a history?

When choosing to buy a company, it is important to understand the difference between a new company and one that has a history of operations. This helps you to assess which option better fits your business plans.

A new company is a recently registered limited liability company or limited liability partnership that has not yet carried out any activity. Such companies have no debts, liabilities, contracts or financial data and are therefore called “clean”. Once acquired, it is possible to start from scratch – with its own activities, structure and staff.

A company with a track record is an established company that may have clients, contracts, a financial track record and a reputation in the market. This can be useful if you want to enter the market quickly or to continue an existing business. For a smooth acquisition, it is important to assess the company’s financial situation, contracts, reputation and potential liabilities in advance.

While buying a company in both cases allows you to get started quickly, a company with a track record offers additional opportunities – but also requires more due diligence. It is recommended to use specialists to help analyse the documentation and ensure a transparent and secure transaction.

How much does it cost to buy a company?

The standard price for a small partnership with no history of activity, no debts, all incorporation documents, registration address and preparation for transfer starts from €300. Depending on additional services (VAT registration, change of registered office, etc.), the final amount may vary.

By contrast, companies with a track record, accounting data or special licences can cost considerably more. Such legal entities may be of interest to those who plan to continue an existing business or want to acquire a business with certain permits, partners or customer base. In this case, the price can go up to several thousand euros.

It is also important to be aware that in some situations there may be additional costs associated with tailoring the services to the buyer’s specific needs. For example, if the company is being acquired by a foreign national, translation of the articles of incorporation into Lithuanian, notarisation or preparation of powers of attorney may be required in order for the representative to file the documents with the Registry Centre. Such additional steps may add to the overall acquisition price. However, most professional service providers offer fixed service packages that clearly specify what is included in the price, allowing you to plan your budget in advance and avoid surprises.

Buying companies for foreigners

Buying a company in Lithuania is also very attractive for foreign nationals, both natural and legal persons. The main advantage of this service is the possibility to start a business in the country very quickly, without having to worry about complicated establishment procedures which often take longer for non-Lithuanian citizens.

It is important to know that natural persons wishing to acquire a company remotely must have a personal identification number issued in the Republic of Lithuania and a qualified electronic signature. Only in this case can the whole process be carried out without physical presence. If the buyer does not have such means, the process is organised through a power of attorney or with the help of a representative.

When a company is bought by a foreign legal entity (e.g. a company from another country), the purchase of companies requires additional documentation: articles of incorporation, relevant translations and, in some cases, official certificates on the directors, shareholders or nature of the business. All these issues are usually taken care of by the service provider, so it is important to choose a partner who has experience with international clients.

For foreign nationals, this service is often not only a tool for starting a business, but also an opportunity to help them establish themselves on the Lithuanian market, obtain a residence permit or invest. Therefore, the purchase of a company by a foreign national should not only be quick, but also as transparent as possible and in compliance with all Lithuanian laws – this is where professional mediation becomes a key factor for a successful start.

Additional services: what else is there to know?

In the case of many clients, the process involves not only the acquisition of the legal entity itself, but also a package of additional services that allow the business to start up without any technical hurdles. Reliable service providers offer much more than just the transfer documents – from the registered address to the accounting or VAT registration.

Firstly, a registration address is often provided, which is necessary for declaring a company’s registered office. If you do not have your own premises, this is very useful, especially when working from home or remotely. Such an address can be granted in perpetuity and can be included in the public data of the company.

You can also order a company stamp, a bank account opening service or advice on registering a VAT code at the time of purchase or shortly afterwards. These details allow you to start your business right away without wasting time on additional administrative steps.

Many clients also take advantage of the option to outsource their bookkeeping services, which is particularly important at the start of a business, when the entire accounting system needs to be organised correctly, from the preparation of documents to the filing of tax returns.

Finally, service providers often help with other specific issues, from document translation to long-term legal assistance. All of this makes buying a company not only quick, but also a strategically convenient way to start a business.

Why choose Baulera.lt for your company purchase?

Buying a company becomes extremely smooth and convenient when you work with experienced professionals. This is exactly what Baulera.lt provides – a team that not only knows the legal and administrative processes, but also understands what is really important for a start-up or expanding business.

Our clients value speed: the entire process of buying a company, from selection to signing the documents, can be completed in just one day. When you buy a company through Baulera.lt, you will not only receive all the necessary documents, but also a share capital, an account, a registration address and access to additional services.

Every company for sale is pre-screened – debt-free, liability-free, properly registered. We work all over Lithuania and help both natural and legal persons. We advise on all aspects of buying a company, offer flexible solutions for foreigners and ensure a smooth experience from the first contact to a successful business launch.

If you are looking for a reliable way to start your business without bureaucratic hurdles, contact Baulera.lt. We will help you start your business without stress – quickly, legally and reliably!