How to open a bank account in Lithuania as an American

Lithuania is a great expat destination, thanks in part to its modern outlook and drive to become a knowledge-based economy. If you’re thinking of moving to Lithuania as an expat, one of the first things you’ll need is a local bank account.

This guide tells you all you need to know about how to get set up with the Lithuanian bank account that’s right for you. Plus we’ll look at Wise, a non-bank alternative with a multi-currency digital account you can use to receive, hold, send, spend and exchange euros alongside USD and 40+ other currencies. More on that later.

Can you open a bank account as a non-resident of Lithuania?

There are no legal restrictions on offering financial products to non-residents, although each bank will decide which accounts it makes available.

Some banks in Lithuania do offer non-resident accounts, although there may be other conditions - such as proving you have some connection to the country. You may also pay an account opening fee and higher monthly charges compared to a resident.

Bear in mind you’ll also usually have to visit a branch in person to open a bank account if you’re not a resident of Lithuania or another EU member state.

Can you open a Lithuanian bank account online as a US citizen?

To complete the process of opening your bank account as a non-Lithuanian citizen, you must usually visit a bank in person, and take along your passport or other proof of ID. Most banks don't offer the option to complete the process online for foreigners, although it should be fairly simple once you get to the bank.

How to open a bank account in Lithuania

To open a Lithuanian bank account as a foreigner you'll usually need to visit your local branch to submit an application with supporting documents.

Although all the paperwork can be done on the spot, you might be asked to provide further supporting documents depending on your personal circumstances. It will then take a few days to have your bank card prepared.

If you’re going to a large branch, you might not need an appointment - you just take a ticket and stand in line when you arrive. However, in smaller branches, it’s definitely a good idea to call ahead to make sure someone is available to help you, especially if you don’t speak Lithuanian just yet.

Check the specific requirements of your chosen bank branch before you visit.

What documents are necessary for a foreigner to open a bank account?

Lithuanian banks don't ask for a huge pile of paperwork as a standard but reserve the right to ask for more complex documentary evidence if they think it’s needed. If you’re opening a simple account - even as a non-resident - you’re unlikely to need more than the following:

Passport or another proof of ID such as a national identity card Application form, and completed questionnaire to fulfill the ‘know your customer’ requirements Document demonstrating your connection to Lithuania - this could be a resident permit, work contract, or proof you have a business or family in Lithuania for example

If you’re opening an account in Lithuania as a US citizen, it’s good to know that there are a pretty broad range of documents you can use to demonstrate your connection to Lithuania, making this option accessible for many expats.

Check your chosen bank’s website for what’s acceptable - and for any other documents they may require.

Most popular Lithuanian banks for foreigners

Lithuania has a developed banking sector, with plenty of choice despite it being a fairly small country. Banks available include local subsidiaries of well known Northern European brands, and local brands operating all over the Baltic and Nordic region.

Let’s walk through some of the largest banks in Lithuania, with products suited to US citizens and expats:

Swedbank®

The Lithuanian arm of Swedish bank Swedbank¹ works in partnership with local Swedbank operations throughout the Baltic and Nordic region, meaning you have access to a wide network of branches and ATMs.

Helpful products they offer:
Wide variety of accounts for savings and everyday use Online banking in English Specialist corporate and business accounts available Credit and debit cards

SEB®

SEB² is a subsidiary of the Swedish bank of the same name and serves over a million customers in Lithuania There are also specific banking options for people looking to invest or find more specialized financial expertise.

Helpful products they offer:
Wide variety of accounts and loan products Free online banking in English Specialist business accounts available Credit and debit cards

Luminor®

Luminor³ is another large and popular bank in the Baltic region. Luminor was established with the experience of two of the leading Nordic banks Nordea and DNB and offers products aimed at personal and business customers.

Helpful products they offer:
Variety of accounts, including premium options and accounts for children Free online banking in English Credit and debit cards Apps for mobile payments

Citadele®

With a strong focus on retail and small business customers across the whole Baltic region, Citadele⁴ has many services and products for both private and business customers. Their website and internet banking can be accessed in English.

Helpful products they offer:
ATMs and branches across Lithuania, plus some in the broader Baltic region Free online banking in English Specialist business accounts are available A good variety of business services

Try Wise, an alternative to banks

Opening a Lithuanian bank account before you arrive in the country is possible - but usually means you need to visit the bank in person. That’s not convenient unless you’re planning a trip to Lithuania already - but there is an alternative.

If you want to open your EUR account from the US before departure, check out Wise instead. You’ll be able to manage your money across EUR, USD and 40+ other currencies easily, and get a Wise debit card for convenient spending in 150+ countries.

Send payments to 160+ countries, and access the mid-market exchange rate with low fees from 0.43%⁵ every time you need to switch from one currency to another. You’ll also get local bank details to have people send you USD, EUR and several other major global currencies conveniently, direct to your Wise account.

Wise isn’t a bank - but it’s a registered Money Service Business in the US and regulated wherever services are offered around the world. That means it’s safe to use, and could save you money too.

This way to easy
international payments

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Lithuanian bank account fees

When you choose which bank to use, you’ll need to know what fees will be applied to the transactions you make. Some of these charges will depend on your personal situation.

For example, Swedbank⁶ charges an administration fee for anyone who isn't an EU resident, upon opening an account. SEB² also levies a higher monthly fee for non-residents compared to resident account holders. However, the terms may vary if you’re already a resident of Lithuania or another EU country.

Even if this doesn’t apply to you, every bank will have charges for some services, such as withdrawing cash from an ATM or making international transfers. Even if these look pretty small, they can add up quickly.

ATM fees

As elsewhere in the world, many Lithuanian banks levy charges if you withdraw cash from an ATM which isn't in their network. These fees vary according to the bank - however, you can avoid them entirely by choosing a large banking network which offers many ATMs.

As many of the banks operating in Lithuania also have branches or subsidiaries in the region outside of Lithuania, you might find that you can benefit from reduced charges by using ATMs in your network while you travel, too.

One thing to watch out for if you’re using your Lithuanian card abroad, or you choose to use your home bank card in Lithuania, is excess charges applied due to dynamic currency conversion (DCC).

You can read more about DCC - and how to avoid it, here.

Other common Lithuanian bank fees

All banks offer a variety of different products - before you decide, you should read the small print about account fees. Some accounts levy a charge for holding a debit card against the account or insist on a minimum balance which you must maintain.

Which is best for you will depend very much on how you intend to use the account once it’s active.

Each account is different, but most banks have their fees and charges set out clearly, in English on their website, so you can make an informed choice and know what you might pay for banking in Lithuania on a day to day basis.

Fees for international transfers

As an expat, you might need to transfer money to your Lithuanian bank account from abroad - or vice versa. This is simple but can be costly - and often your home bank won't offer the best deal.

Banks usually add an administration fee, which might not be clearly advertised, and may also use exchange rates which include a fee added onto the mid-market rate.

You might find that you can get a cheaper international money transfer by using a specialist service like Wise. Unlike many banks, Wise uses only the mid-market rate for international transfers, with just a small, transparent fee. Find out more about the mid-market rate, to help you check and compare the fees for your payment.

---

You shouldn't have any problem getting set up in Lithuania with a local bank account. The admin is fairly limited, and the process is clearly set out. However, opening a Lithuanian bank account as a non-resident will probably mean paying an extra fee, and making a visit in person to a bank.

As an alternative, you could choose Wise to get your euro account set up conveniently with just your phone, so you can just get on with enjoying your new life in Lithuania, without worrying that you’re paying more than you have to.

---

Sources:

1. Swedbank Lithuania
2. SEB Lithuania
3. Luminor
4. Citadele
5. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing Only Pay for What You Use for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
6. Swedbank price list

Sources checked on 09.12.2023