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The Services Directive

What is the Services Directive?

The Services Directive is a European piece of legislation that aims to make life easier for businesses providing or using services in the European Union. It requires all EU countries to lift unnecessary legal and administrative barriers that hinder businesses from setting up or offering their services in another EU country. The aim of Directive is to facilitate:

- the establishment of businesses;
- the cross-border provision of services, without setting up a permanent establishment;
- the protection of service recipients. Consumers may not be discriminated on grounds of residence or nationality.
- the administrative cooperation, by preventing unjustified barriers from arising.

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    What services are covered by the Services Directive?

      - Distribution services (including wholesale and retail trade);
      - Construction services and handicrafts;
      - Professional activities (e. g., architects, legal consultants, etc.);
      - With the trade related services (e. g. advertising, employment, etc.);
      - Information services (e. g., publishing, etc.);
      - Tourism and leisure activities (e. g., travel agencies, tour guides, etc.);
      - Lodging and food services (e. g., restaurants, hotels, etc.);
      - Education and training services (e.g. private universities, language schools);
      - Household support services (e. g., for cleaning, nanny, etc.);
      - Rent services;
      - Real estate services.

    What services are NOT covered by the Services Directive?

      - Financial services (taxes);
      - Electronic communications services;
      - Transport services;
      - Temporary employment services;
      - Private security services;
      - Gambling;
      - Audiovisual services;
      - Social services;
      - The services provided by the notaries and bailiffs;
      - Health services;

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The Law on Services

In 2009-12-28 the Law on Services of the Republic of Lithuania entered into force.