Opening a bank account as a student in Lithuania

You can usually open a bank account in Lithuania as a student in two ways: instantly with a fintech app (Revolut, Wise, Paysera) using only your passport, or in person at a traditional bank once you have your residence permit.

Most students start with a fintech app for day one, then add a traditional bank account later if they need one.

The fast route: fintech apps

If you have just arrived and don't yet have a residence permit (and therefore no personal code), this is the realistic first step. Apps like Revolut, Wise and Paysera let you open an account online in minutes, often needing nothing more than a valid passport and a phone number — no personal code required.

• Revolut and Wise — quick app sign-up, free standard plans, good exchange rates, easy to split costs with flatmates.
• Paysera — opens fully online, usually within one business day, gives you a European IBAN, and you can later link your residence permit so it works with state services (paysera.com).

One thing to check: some Lithuanian landlords, the university, or Sodra/VMI prefer a Lithuanian IBAN (starting LT). Paysera and Revolut typically issue Lithuanian or EU IBANs that work fine for SEPA payments across the EU.

The traditional route: high-street banks

For a fuller relationship — cash deposits, a local branch, a long-term salary account if you work — a traditional bank is worth it. The main ones are Swedbank, SEB, Luminor, Šiaulių bankas, Citadele and Urbo.

Traditional banks generally ask you to visit a branch in person with:

• a valid passport or ID card;
• your residence permit (or a document proving your right to reside, if you are an EU citizen);
• a supporting document showing why you need the account — your study certificate or admission letter usually does the job.

A card is normally posted to you within about 5 business days (micenter.lt).

The catch is cost and gatekeeping. Opening a traditional bank account as a foreigner can cost up to about EUR 200, on top of any monthly account fee (micenter.lt). Banks also treat the personal code (asmens kodas) as the gatekeeper — not your visa, and not the foreigner registration certificate (URP). Without a personal code, traditional banks may charge extra, ask for notarised translations of foreign documents, or simply refuse non-residents, which is exactly why most students stay on a fintech until their permit and personal code arrive.

EU vs non-EU students

The path differs depending on where you're from:

Non-EU students sometimes face extra due-diligence questions (proof of funds, source of money). Bring your scholarship or financial documents to your branch appointment to avoid a second trip.

The personal code (asmens kodas) is the gatekeeper

Your asmens kodas is the 11-digit personal code that traditional banks use to identify you. This is the document that matters for a high-street account — not your visa, and not the registration certificate.

• It is not automatic with your visa. A national (D) visa on its own does not give you a personal code.
• The foreigner registration certificate (URP) does NOT let you open a bank account. The URP confirms you have registered your stay, but traditional banks will still ask for the personal code, so the URP alone is not enough.
• You normally receive the personal code together with your residence permit (TRP) — which can be weeks or months after you arrive.

Fintech apps don't need any of this, which is why the app-first approach is so common in the gap before your permit and personal code are issued.

Why a local account helps with paperwork

When you apply for or renew a residence permit, you must show proof of funds. The figure to demonstrate is set centrally (see ≈ €8,071unverified for the 12-month requirement and €576.50unverified for the monthly subsistence amount).

A statement from a Lithuanian or EU bank is accepted directly. A foreign-bank statement may need to be translated and notarised, which costs extra time and money (micenter.lt).

Quick checklist

1. Before arrival — open Revolut, Wise or Paysera (the realistic first step) for instant access; no personal code needed.
2. After your residence permit (TRP) is issued — you receive your personal code (asmens kodas). Note this does not come with the visa, and the URP alone won't open a bank account.
3. If you need a local salary or branch account — book a branch appointment with passport, permit, personal code and study certificate, and budget for an opening fee (up to ~EUR 200).
4. Always ask about the student/youth programme and check the fee tariff first.
5. Need help? The Migration Information Centre (renkuosilietuva.lt) offers free guidance — toll-free 0 800 22922.