Major projects will be allowed to start without a construction permit

The Seimas has approved the Ministry of Economy and Innovation’s initiative to create an “investment highway”: starting November 1, all major investment projects will be allowed to begin construction without a permit, Verslo žinios reports.

“We have set an ambitious goal – to attract €10 billion in investments by 2030, thus ensuring economic growth and contributing more to defense funding,” said Minister of Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas in a press release.

According to him, until now, investment projects were stalled due to lengthy processes involving spatial planning, land formation, or permit coordination, with permit acquisition sometimes taking up to three years.

The minister believes the new changes will at least halve the duration of these processes.

The amendments specify that buildings intended for large-scale projects and operations within free economic zones (FEZs) will be allowed to be constructed without a permit and without notifying authorities of the start of construction. Such buildings will also be allowed in cities and towns.

It has been decided that investors will benefit from a corporate tax incentive for 20 years from the moment project indicators are met.

In addition, major investors will be assigned project managers from the agency “Invest Lithuania,” who will coordinate their projects.

According to the changes, plots designated for investments will have to be transferred from municipalities to the National Land Service (NŽT).

More information is available on the website of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation.