Buying a car in Lithuania when you do not read Lithuanian

The listings are in Lithuanian, the seller wants to meet in a car park, and the history report you can read does not cover the years that matter. This is the part of the market where foreign buyers lose money.

What you need before you can register anything

You can buy and register a car in Lithuania once you have a residence permit and declared residency — the asmens kodas. Without it you can buy, but you cannot put the car in your own name here.

Every transfer needs an SDK code from Regitra. A car coming from another EU country needs re-registration with that code plus a technical inspection. A car from outside the EU has to clear customs first.

Why the market is worth using

Lithuanian used car prices typically run 15–20% below Germany or the Netherlands for the same car. That gap is real, and it is the reason to buy here rather than import — but it exists partly because the market is harder to read from outside.

Where foreign buyers get caught

Undeclared repairs. A history report tells you what was reported, not what was repaired badly and never declared.
Mileage that does not match the service record — common, and hard to spot if you cannot read the stamps.
Cars imported from the US and resold locally without the salvage history being made obvious.
Private sellers who will not meet a stranger who cannot inspect the car properly.

Bringing a car with you instead of buying one here? See moving to the EU with your car.

What we do

You describe the car. We search, shortlist, inspect it physically, negotiate in Lithuanian, and handle the paperwork and registration. Everything with you happens in English. Our fee is 5% of the vehicle price, minimum €1,500.

If you have already found something yourself, you do not need the full service. A remote evaluation is €50 including the carVertical history report, and a physical inspection is from €250. No obligation to buy through us afterwards.

We are not paid by the seller. That is the whole difference, and it is why we will tell you when a car is not worth buying — including when the honest answer is that you should keep looking.

Common questions

Can I buy before my residence permit comes through?

You can buy, but you cannot register it in your own name in Lithuania until you have declared residency and an asmens kodas. Tell us your timeline and we will work backwards from it.

Do you help with the Regitra appointment?

Yes. SDK code, technical inspection and registration are part of the service, and we go with you or handle it on your behalf.

I only want someone to check one car. Is that enough work for you?

Yes, and it is a service in its own right. Plenty of people use us once for an inspection and never buy through us. That is fine.

Tell us what you are looking for