How to win government contracts and tenders in Lithuania

Ian Makgill
Guides
08 Mar, 2025
03 Mins read

A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Government Contracts in Lithuania

Lithuania's public procurement framework provides significant opportunities for businesses seeking to enter its growing market. Governed by strong legal structures aligned with the European Union (EU) standards and international agreements, this guide outlines essential insights for navigating regulatory requirements, trade policies, registration procedures, and documentation obligations.

Regulatory Framework Governing Public Procurement

Public Procurement Office

The procurement system is regulated by Lithuania's Viešųjų pirkimų tarnyba (Public Procurement Office), currently led by Director Diana Vilytė. The office ensures transparent processes under national regulations, including Law No. 9643/2006 on Public Procurements and Law No. 125/2013 on Concessions. It monitors compliance, publishes standardized procurement documentation, and enforces sanctions for violations, which range from temporary exclusions to financial penalties.

Trade Policies Influencing Market Access

OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index

Lithuania, an OECD member since 2018, maintains a moderately open market reflected in the OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index. While generally accessible, specific limitations remain regarding foreign firms. Companies entering Lithuanian public procurements should understand relevant services and trade restrictions, keeping in mind regulatory alignments driven by EU directives and international trade agreements, including compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).

Registration Requirements for Bidding Entities

Business Registration with the State Tax Inspectorate (VMI)

Companies interested in bidding for Lithuanian government contracts must first undertake the following registration steps:

Submit registration form REG812 electronically through the "MY STI" portal or at VMI regional offices.
Obtain the Certificate of Registration (FR0469), establishing the business's taxpayer identification number.
Secure appropriate licenses if the commercial activity demands it (e.g., firearms manufacturing, specialized repair services).
Register for VAT purposes if annual turnover exceeds the €45,000 threshold.

Compliance with these protocols is required to avoid penalties, sanctions, or rejection of tenders.

Documentation and Compliance Obligations

European Single Procurement Document (ESPD)

To ensure compliance during public procurement processes, Lithuanian authorities require submission of the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD). The ESPD allows bidders to self-declare eligibility concerning exclusion criteria such as:

Past criminal convictions, especially relating to corruption, fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing within the past five years.
Involvement in professional misconduct as determined by competent courts or tribunals.
Conflicts of interest that might influence procurement outcomes.

Accurate and complete ESPD submission is imperative for a successful procurement application.

Ethical Compliance and Oversight (VTEK)

The Lithuanian Chief Official Ethics Commission (Vyriausioji tarnybinės etikos komisija, VTEK) monitors bidders for ethical compliance, conflicts of interest, and transparency. Firms participating in procurement processes should adhere strictly to these standards to prevent disqualification or sanctions.

Sector-Specific Opportunities: Defence and Security Procurement

Recently, Lithuania's government initiated strategic consolidation within the national defence sector, creating a state-owned defence holding structure. Defence procurement is primarily managed by Lithuania’s Defence Materiel Agency. Companies interested in the defence sector should closely monitor developments such as the planned consolidation, identifying opportunities for collaboration and tender participation.

Recent Developments Affecting Public Procurement

Lithuanian procurement practices are continually influenced by broader European Union directives. Recent EU policy shifts toward sustainability criteria, including non-price factors in procurement decisions such as environmental impact and innovation, may soon affect Lithuanian procurement procedures. Entities intending to compete must stay abreast of regulatory changes emphasizing sustainable and innovative practices incorporated into national legislation.

Key Takeaways for Businesses Entering the Lithuanian Procurement Market

Understand Lithuania's regulatory landscape through the Public Procurement Office.
Monitor trade policies and OECD guidelines affecting market entry and services trade.
Properly register and obtain relevant licenses and documentation through the State Tax Inspectorate (VMI).
Thoroughly understand European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) requirements and ethical standards monitored by VTEK.
Track sector-specific developments, especially in Lithuania's defence procurement strategies.
Stay informed on legislative and compliance updates linked to EU sustainability and innovation mandates.

Companies that effectively align with these regulatory frameworks, adhere to compliance responsibilities, and remain alert to strategic sector opportunities will greatly enhance their chances of successfully securing government contracts within Lithuania.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_procurement
[2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/9db1c5c8-9e82-467b-ab6a-905feeb4b6b0_en
[3] https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/soa-2024.pdf?emrc=d6f893
[4] https://acf.gov/gcs/leadership
[5] https://www.howtocrackanut.com
[6] https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=busadmin_honproj
[7] https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-services-trade-restrictiveness-index-country-notes_4c1d2b0d-en/lithuania_d4c40e4b-en.html
[8] https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2502678/can-lithuania-really-develop-a-viable-defence-industry
[9] https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/jobsproc/proc/pdf/2025-ojs040-00127485-en-ts.pdf
[10] https://ebvpd.eviesiejipirkimai.lt/espd-web/request/ca/exclusion
[11] https://www.achilles.com/industry-insights/procurement-act-23-faqs/
[12] https://www.delfi.lt/temos/gintautas-paluckas
[13] https://www.mazeikiai.lt
[14] https://vtek.lt
[15] https://pravovsim.org/en/inform-portal/question/business-opportunities-in-the-republic-of-lithuania
[16] https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2493739/lithuanian-government-plans-to-bring-military-cos-under-one-holding
[17] https://uae.mfa.lt/en/travel-and-residence/coming-to-lithuania/visas/59