The construction process does not end with the physical completion of the building – a legal construction completion procedure is also required. This applies even in cases where no permit was required for construction. The completion of simple structures is regulated by law and is necessary for the structure to be considered legal, registered, and able to be used without violations.
A simple structure is a structure of lower risk and technical importance, which is often subject to simplified requirements, but the completion procedure must still be carried out properly if the structure is to be registered or used legally. This is important not only from a legal point of view, but also if you want to sell, mortgage or inherit such a building in the future.
When is completion of construction necessary?
Although a simplified building permit system often applies to simple structures, this does not mean that their completion is not regulated. On the contrary, according to the legislation in force, every structure must be completed in accordance with the procedure laid down in the legislation, even if no permit was required for its construction.
The construction of a simple structure must be completed in the following cases:
- If a building permit was issued for the construction, a declaration of completion is mandatory;
- If the construction was carried out without a permit but was permitted by law, completion is also necessary in order to register the building in the Real Estate Register;
- If the building is located in an area subject to special requirements, completion documentation is required;
If the builder plans to transfer, mortgage, or otherwise use the building on the basis of legal relations, the status of the building must be fully formalized.According to the provisions of Article 24 of the Construction Law, the completion of a building is the final legal stage of the construction process.
Ignoring this may mean that the building will not be considered legal, even if it is technically complete.
“Perhaps the most common mistake is to assume that if no permit was required, completion is also not mandatory. This is not true,” says Vytautas Mačiulis, a lawyer at the Construction Inspection Authority.
What documents must be submitted?
The completion of a building, even if it is a simple structure, requires clear documentation confirming that the construction was carried out legally and that the building itself meets the essential requirements.
Declaration of completion
The main document is the declaration of completion of construction. It is submitted electronically via the INFOSTATYBA system, signed by the builder and, in certain cases, the construction supervisor. It confirms that the construction work has been carried out in accordance with all legal requirements.
If no permit was required for the construction but the building is to be registered, the declaration shall state that the construction was carried out in accordance with the simplified procedure laid down in the legislation.
Cadastral data file
The declaration must be accompanied by a cadastral survey file drawn up on the basis of the actual location of the building. It is prepared by a surveyor registered with the National Land Service.
It contains:
- A drawing of the building’s outline,
- General dimensions,
- Data on the usable area and volume,
- Information on engineering systems (if applicable).
Photographic evidence or site plan
In some cases, you may be asked to provide photographs or a plot plan showing the building. This is particularly relevant if the building is located in a garden community or an unurbanized area where it is not always clear whether the building has actually been constructed.
Submission via INFOSTATYBA or the Register Center’s self-service portal
All documents must be submitted via state systems:
- If the construction was carried out with a permit – via INFOSTATYBA;
- If the construction was carried out without a permit, you can use the self-service portal of the Center of Registers, submitting cadastral data and filling in the appropriate form for registration.
Step-by-step procedure
Completion of construction is a formal process that confirms that the building has been constructed legally and can be used for its intended purpose. Even if a simple building has been constructed without a permit, its registration and completion formalities remain an important step.
The first step is to prepare the documents
First, all the necessary documents are collected: the completion declaration is completed and signed, and the cadastral data file is prepared. If necessary, photographs or a site plan are attached. It is recommended to carefully check the documents for inaccuracies, as this may delay the entire process.
Step two – submission via the electronic system
The documents are then submitted via INFOSTATYBA or the self-service portal of the Center of Registers. The INFOSTATYBA system is used if a building permit has been issued. If the building was constructed without a permit, the documents can be submitted via the self-service portal of the Center of Registers – this is usually done when registering a building.
Step three – assessment by the authorities
Once the documents have been submitted, the responsible authorities (usually the VTPSI or the Register Center) review the information. If there are any questions or missing documents, you will be asked to provide additional information. An assessment is made as to whether the building complies with legal requirements and whether the declaration has been completed correctly.
Step four – registration
Once everything is in order, the building is registered in the Real Estate Register. This is the final stage of legalization. The registration is confirmed by an extract indicating the unique number of the building, its purpose, and other important data.
Common problems and how to avoid them
Although the completion of a simple building seems like a formal step, in practice there are many difficulties. Most of them arise from inaccuracies in the documents or from incorrect assumptions about when the procedure is actually required.
Incomplete or incorrectly submitted declaration
One of the most common problems is an incorrectly completed completion declaration. Important data is often missing, the declaration is not signed with an electronic signature, or the document is submitted in the wrong format. In such cases, the procedure is suspended until the correct information is provided.
Discrepancies in cadastral data
The data in the cadastral survey file often does not match the actual situation: for example, the dimensions, height, or even the location of the building on the plot may be incorrect. This can have serious legal consequences, including refusal to register the building.
Confusion between the need for a building permit and completion
The mistaken belief that if a building permit is not required, then completion of construction is also not necessary is one of the most common reasons why buildings remain unregistered. The law clearly states that a building can only be legalized through the proper completion process, regardless of whether a permit was issued.
Insufficient familiarity with INFOSTATYBA or the RC self-service system
Some builders do not know how to use INFOSTATYBA or the Register Center’s self-service system. This leads to technical errors when submitting documents, such as uploading the wrong documents or failing to submit additional attachments. In such cases, it is better to consult specialists or take advantage of the consultation services provided by municipalities or institutions.
Need help?
If you are not sure whether your construction process meets all the requirements and you have questions about the completion of the building, the stav.lt team is ready to help you at every stage. From preparing documents and using the INFOSTATYBA system to analyzing cadastral data or consulting on the declaration of completion of construction, our experts will help you avoid mistakes and save time.