Foreigners Purchasing Cars in Lithuania No Longer Need to Follow Extensive Procedures
The Ministry of Interior of Lithuania explains that previously, the foreigners purchasing the car as well as the seller had to apply to the Registry. Only after both parties completed all steps, the vehicle was deregistered and ready to be put in the name of the new buyer.
However, since this procedure caused inconveniences, the authorities decided to simplify the process, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
Only the seller is now obliged to apply to the Registry. The seller will have to submit a transfer declaration within five days from the conclusion of the transaction.
The Head of the Vehicle Registration Department, Migl? Marcevi?i?t?, said that the authorities noticed various situations arise from the rules that applied previously. He explained how foreigners often times forget to contact the Registry and leave the country with the car bought in Lithuania. Thus, it has been seen as necessary to simplify the rules.
“We noticed that various situations arise in practice. For example, a foreign resident forgets to contact the Registry and leaves the country with his car. In this case, the owner’s declaration code remains valid in the name of the resident of Lithuania. Taking this into account, the procedure is being simplified – from now on, foreign residents will no longer need to contact us,” the statement of Marcevi?i?t? reads.
Marcevi?i?t? noted that by simplifying the rules, the country has made sure that the procedure is not only simplified for foreigners but also for people working at the Registry. Only last year, around 29,000 people applied to different branches.
“We believe that this will not only be much easier for our customers, but at the same time, this solution will also contribute to reducing queues at the branches, since, as statistics show, about 29,000 people applied to our branches this year. Foreign residents in order to declare the purchased car,” Marcevi?i?t? added.
Previously, Lithuania eased employment conditions for foreigners too. The Lithuanian authorities announced earlier in July that the law regarding the legal status of foreigners officially entered into force on August 1.
Under the new law, the conditions for issuing a temporary residence permit for all foreign workers in Lithuania have been eased.
Additionally, it has been emphasised that since August 1, special conditions have been applied for issuing visas and residence permits for work purposes. Foreigners planning to enter Lithuania for work purposes can apply for a work visa only on a Lithuanian diplomatic mission.
