Legal Framework
Limitation periods in Lithuania are governed by Articles 1.124–1.139 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania. These provisions establish how limitation periods are calculated, suspended, interrupted, and the legal consequences of their expiration.
General Limitation Period
According to Article 1.125(1) of the Civil Code, the general limitation period is 10 years, unless otherwise specified by law.
Shorter Limitation Periods
Specific claims are subject to shorter limitation periods:
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A shortened limitation period of one month applies to claims arising from competition results;
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A shortened limitation period of three months applies to claims seeking to invalidate decisions of legal entity governing bodies;
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A shortened limitation period of six months applies to claims for recovery of penalties (fines, default interest);
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A shortened limitation period of six months applies to claims arising from parcel shipment services, if shipments were sent within Lithuania; a limitation period of one year applies if shipments were sent abroad;
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A shortened limitation period of one year applies to claims arising from insurance legal relationships;
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A shortened limitation period of two years applies to claims related to deficiencies in goods, services, or digital content (non-conforming quality);
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A shortened limitation period of three years applies to claims for damages, including those arising from defective products;
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A shortened limitation period of five years applies to claims for interest and other periodic payments.
Commencement of the Limitation Period
The limitation period begins when the claimant became aware or should have become aware of the violation of their right and of the liable person (Article 1.127(1)). In contract disputes, this is usually the date of breach; in tort, the date damage was discovered.
Suspension and Interruption
The limitation period may be suspended (e.g. due to force majeure, legal incapacity) or interrupted (e.g. by filing a claim, initiating negotiations). If suspended, the term resumes from where it left off. If interrupted, it starts anew (Articles 1.130–1.131).
Consequences of Expiry
The expiry of the limitation period does not extinguish the right itself but bars its judicial enforcement if the other party invokes it. Lithuanian courts do not apply limitation ex officio – the defendant must raise it as a defense.
Exceptions and Non-Expiring Rights
Some rights are not subject to limitation periods, including:
- Protection of moral or personal rights (e.g. defamation, name rights);
- Certain family law matters (e.g. paternity recognition);
- Claims by the State to protect the public interest (depending on legislation).
Courts may exceptionally accept claims after expiry for equity, though rarely.
Alteration of limitation periods
It is prohibited to alter limitation periods or their calculation methods by agreement between the parties.
