Real estate company “Realco” sales director Marijonas Chmieliauskas says that previously buying a home took longer – documents had to be signed in person, and visits had to be coordinated around work or family matters. Now, more and more Lithuanians are taking advantage of the possibility to handle everything remotely.
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According to the Chamber of Notaries, in 2022, 10.3 thousand notary services were provided remotely, and by 2025 – already 17.3 thousand. Although their number is increasing, this figure could be much higher. Ramūnas Trečiokas, a notary at the 26th Notary Office in Vilnius, explains what services can be obtained remotely, how to do it, and what a significant part of the population still does not know.
Buying a home – from any corner of the world
According to R. Trečiokas, the introduction of remote services was mainly driven by the pandemic. At that time, Lithuanian citizens stuck abroad could not handle urgent matters, thus experiencing losses and inconveniences. This was a clear signal that the system needed to be changed.
“Now, on some days, even two-thirds of notary work is done remotely. Only two actions cannot be performed remotely – making a will and issuing a certificate confirming that a person is alive and in a certain place. Everything else – buying, selling, mortgage – go ahead,” lists the notary.
According to him, the remote service saves the client’s time significantly – there is no need to go to the office, look for a parking spot, sign all document copies, bind them, and stamp them. Each electronic document is signed with a single PIN code entry. However, this does not significantly shorten the notary’s work itself, as most of the time is spent on preparation.
“Remote notary services can be used with a qualified e-signature and a Lithuanian personal code. For Lithuanians living abroad, the e-signature itself often becomes an obstacle. A qualified “Smart-ID” account can be created biometrically – by scanning a document with a phone and taking a selfie – only if “Smart-ID” was previously used and access to the previously specified phone number or email is available. A mobile signature must be ordered in advance at a Lithuanian telecom operator’s salon. Still, with a qualified e-signature, it is possible to buy a home in Lithuania from any corner of the world,” notes R. Trečiokas.
According to the “Realco” sales director, remote notary services are important in the real estate market not only because of the time saved. They allow smoother completion of transactions from anywhere in the world, and planned signing no longer needs to be postponed just because someone cannot come. This is especially relevant for developers whose projects attract not only local residents but also people planning to return to Lithuania or invest here.
A faster way to the notary
R. Trečiokas notes that age somewhat influences the choice of remote services: older people trust technology less, so younger residents use it more. However, people of various ages choose both methods. Regions also do not stand out – the demand for these services is evident even in smaller towns.
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According to the notary, before choosing a remote or live meeting, one should first clarify exactly what service is needed. For example, when applying for inheritance or donation, it often turns out that a completely different solution is required. Quality consultation is necessary for this.
“Consultation with a notary is often free – if a person asks a question, most notaries kindly help to orient. However, serious matters require preparation: if it is necessary to analyze documents or spend hours on it, the notary may send a preliminary invoice. Consultation and other work fees are regulated in detail,” explains the specialist.
According to the notary, to receive the service remotely, one first contacts the chosen notary by phone or email. Then, through the Electronic Government Gateway, one must log in to “Enotaras.lt,” provide contacts, and agree to the rules – this is done once and for all. Communication, document sending, and meeting links happen in the system, while email is used only for notifications without any links. The meeting takes place with video, during which the identity of persons is confirmed.
R. Trečiokas emphasizes that few know about one important advantage of remote services – much greater accessibility of notaries. If the notary a person usually contacts is busy in the coming days, the order can be submitted through “Enotaras.lt” – it is accepted and must be executed by a notary from any Lithuanian city who can do it the fastest. This way, notary attention can be obtained quickly and guaranteed, even if there is no choice in one’s own city.
“Home search often starts online, so it is natural that people want to complete the last step – the notarial transaction – remotely. We notice that remote services truly meet residents’ needs: for example, additional property – a storage room or a parking space – buyers almost 100% acquire remotely in our practice,” says M. Chmieliauskas.
According to the “Realco” representative, this confirms that concluding a transaction without leaving home is convenient and necessary. Over time, this may become as common a choice as opening a bank account by phone or contactless payment, which once also seemed unusual but today have become everyday for many.
