A land plot cadastral survey (sklypo kadastriniai matavimai, colloquially called a "geodetic survey") establishes the exact boundaries, area and land types of a plot in the national LKS-94 coordinate system. In Lithuania you need one when you sell a plot in a city or in a garden society (sodų bendrija), divide or merge plots, change the land use purpose, or when the plot was surveyed only provisionally. The survey is carried out by a land surveyor, and the result is a plot cadastral data file (kadastro duomenų byla), checked and registered by the State Enterprise Centre of Registers (VĮ Registrų centras).
Why do plots in Lithuania need a cadastral survey?
Some plots were surveyed only provisionally or in an old coordinate system, so their boundaries and area on the ground may differ from the documents. A cadastral survey fixes the boundaries precisely and records them in the Real Property Register (Nekilnojamojo turto registras). Without it you will not get a building permit, and in cities and garden societies a plot usually cannot be sold.
In official English documents of the Centre of Registers, a plot is called a "land parcel".
What does a plot cadastral survey establish?
The survey records where exactly your plot is, how large it is and what is on it.
- The coordinates of the boundary turning points in the LKS-94 system.
- The exact plot area and the areas of land types (built-up land, roads, water, forest, etc.).
- Servitudes (easements) and special land use conditions (specialiosios žemės naudojimo sąlygos).
- The plot plan drawing, which becomes part of the cadastral file.
The boundaries are agreed with the owners of adjacent plots or their authorised representatives.
When do you need a plot cadastral survey?
Most often before a sale, a division or construction. Typical cases:
- You are selling a plot in a city or in a garden society. In rural areas outside garden societies, a plot can usually be sold without a survey.
- The plot was surveyed provisionally. The area and boundaries of such a plot on the ground may differ from the documents.
- The survey was done in an old coordinate system. LKS-94 is now in force.
- You are dividing, partitioning or merging plots, or changing a boundary with a neighbour.
- You are changing the land use purpose, for example from agricultural land to a residential plot (namų valda).
- The land types have changed: you have built a house, demolished a building, dug a pond or built a road.
- You are preparing to build. Without a cadastral survey you will not get a building permit.
- You are dealing with an inheritance or dividing joint property with co-owners.
How does a plot cadastral survey work?
It takes seven steps from your enquiry to registration. We notify the neighbours and submit the file to the Centre of Registers.
- Enquiry. You send us the address or unique number (unikalus numeris) of the plot and the ownership document.
- Data collection. We check the data of your plot and the adjacent plots in the register.
- Notifying neighbours. We notify the owners of adjacent plots about the boundary marking at least 10 calendar days in advance.
- On-site survey. The land surveyor measures the plot, shows you the boundaries and, if you wish, installs boundary markers (riboženkliai). A boundary demarcation statement (ribų paženklinimo–parodymo aktas) is drawn up.
- Cadastral file. We prepare the plot plan and the file.
- Check. The Centre of Registers checks the file within 5 business days (Order No. D1-96 of the Minister of Environment). Since 1 July 2025, land plot files have been checked by the Centre of Registers instead of the National Land Service (Nacionalinė žemės tarnyba, NŽT).
- Registration. The data are registered by the Centre of Registers, usually within 5–10 business days.
How long does a plot survey take?
Usually about 5 weeks from order to completion. It takes longer if neighbours do not attend the boundary marking.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Notifying neighbours before the boundary marking | at least 10 calendar days |
| File check by the Centre of Registers | within 5 business days |
| Registration by the Centre of Registers | 5–10 business days |
| Whole process from order | usually about 5 weeks; longer if neighbours do not attend the boundary marking, as they are given 30 days to submit comments |
If you are in a hurry because of a sale, tell us straight away and we will plan the work around your date.
How much does a plot cadastral survey cost?
A survey of a plot up to 2 ha costs €450–785 (forestry land €725), VAT included. Larger plots are priced per hectare.
| Plot area | Other-purpose or agricultural land | Forestry land |
|---|---|---|
| up to 2 ha | €450–785 | €725 |
| 2–3 ha | from €240/ha | from €365/ha |
| 3–5 ha | from €240/ha | by agreement |
| 5–10 ha | from €220/ha | by agreement |
| over 10 ha | by agreement | by agreement |
These prices apply when the plot was previously surveyed provisionally or in a local coordinate system. If the plot has already been surveyed in the LKS system and the survey only needs updating — from €180. Prices include VAT.
The price depends on:
- the plot area and the number of boundary turning points;
- land types and buildings (how many structures need to be measured);
- the number of adjacent plots (how many neighbours must be notified);
- location and access;
- urgency;
- whether boundary markers need to be installed.
Full price list: Prices.
What documents will you need?
Proof of ownership is enough to start; other documents help if you have them.
- An ownership document or an extract from the Real Property Register (Registrų centro išrašas).
- The plot plan (provisional or old), if you have it.
- If you are not the owner — a power of attorney (įgaliojimas).
- For an inheritance — the certificate of inheritance (paveldėjimo teisės liudijimas).
Lost your plot plan? You can get a copy from the Centre of Registers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell a plot without a cadastral survey?
In most cases yes, if the plot is not in a city and not in a garden society. In cities and garden societies a survey is usually required before a sale.
What is the difference between a geodetic and a cadastral plot survey?
They are the same. In Lithuania, precise (cadastral) surveys are colloquially called "geodetic".
What should I do if my plot was surveyed only provisionally?
Order a cadastral survey. It will establish the exact boundaries and area, which on the ground may differ from the provisional plan.
Do the neighbours have to take part?
Neighbours are notified at least 10 calendar days in advance. They may attend the boundary marking and submit comments.
Do I need to be present during the survey?
Your presence is not required, but the owner or a person authorised by the owner must give the surveyor access to the plot. The plot owners sign the boundary demarcation statement and the plan themselves — with a simple signature, which can also be done later.
Do I have to install boundary markers?
Since 1 July 2026, the owner decides. A refusal is recorded in the boundary demarcation statement. Markers are worth installing if the plot borders state land or you plan to build. This follows the amendments to the Law on the Real Property Cadastre (Nekilnojamojo turto kadastro įstatymas) adopted by the Seimas in March 2026.
What happens if the area turns out smaller after the survey?
The exact measured area is entered in the register — it may be slightly smaller or larger than the provisional one. The boundaries on the ground do not change; only the area is calculated more precisely.
How long does a plot cadastral survey take?
The Centre of Registers checks the file within 5 business days, and registration takes 5–10 business days. We confirm the overall timeline when you place the order.
How much does a plot survey cost?
A cadastral survey of a plot up to 2 ha costs €450–785 including VAT (forestry land €725). For larger plots the price is calculated per hectare — from €220–240 per hectare. We give an exact price once we have seen the plot data.
Can surveys be done in winter?
Yes, we carry out cadastral surveys all year round. In winter, snow or frozen ground sometimes means postponing only certain tasks — for example describing manholes, measuring paths and paving, or marking with stakes.
How can I find out whether my plot has already been surveyed?
Log in to the Self Service of the Centre of Registers (Registrų centro savitarna) and view the plot data. Or send us the unique number and we will check.
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Order a plot survey
Call +370 603 45 805 (Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00) or email info@geomanai.lt with the unique number or address of the plot. We aim to reply within 1–2 business days. Contact
Related services
- All cadastral surveys
- Topographic survey
- Plot division
- Checking plot boundaries (in Lithuanian)
- Restoring boundary markers (in Lithuanian)
- Merging plots (in Lithuanian)
- Servitudes (in Lithuanian)
Responsible for content:Julius Giedraitis — Director of UAB GEOMANAI, land surveyor and geodetic surveyor (qualification certificates No. 2M-M-1788, 1GKV-807) · Updated:11 November 2026