LITHUANIAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
Do You Qualify for Dual Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent?
You likely qualify if:
Your ancestor was a Lithuanian citizen before 15 June 1940
Ancestor left Lithuania before 11 March 1990
You can prove your family line (even partially)
You may still qualify even if:
You don’t have original documents
Names were changed or misspelled
Records are missing from archives
You likely do NOT qualify if:
Your ancestor never held Lithuanian citizenship
Your ancestor held Lithuanian citizenship but lost it before 15 June 1940
How the Lithuanian Citizenship Restoration (Reinstitution) Process Works
1. Eligibility assessment
We evaluate your ancestry and determine whether you qualify under Lithuanian law.
2. Document collection
This is often the most complex step. We help locate archival records, reconstruct missing links, and resolve inconsistencies.
3. Application preparation & submission
We prepare your case and submit it to the Migration Department with all required supporting documents.
4. Decision
Authorities review your application. Typical timelines range from 10 to 12 months.
Most applications fail due to incomplete or inconsistent documentation — this is where professional guidance matters most.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Lithuanian citizenship by descent cases often depend on small but critical details such as missing documents, name changes, or gaps in historical records. Many applications are rejected not because the person is ineligible, but because the evidence is incomplete or incorrectly prepared.
We review your situation and identify your eligibility before you commit to a full application process, and if needed we assist in locating and reconstructing missing supporting documents.
Other Types of Lithuanian Citizenship Cases
Citizenship through Naturalization
Individuals who have lived in Lithuania for more than 10 years and meet legal requirements may apply for citizenship through naturalization. Applicants must usually pass a Lithuanian language and Constitution basics exam, have a legal source of income, and no serious criminal record. In most cases, they must also renounce their existing citizenship or formally commit to doing so. Certain restrictions apply, including serious criminal convictions or lack of eligibility for permanent residence in Lithuania.
Restoration of lost Lithuanian citizenship
Lithuanian citizenship may be restored by individuals who previously held it but lost it under various legal circumstances. This includes people who were citizens by birth, those who had citizenship granted or reinstated through simplified procedures, and certain naturalized citizens. Eligibility depends on the original basis of citizenship and current legal conditions. In most cases, applicants must renounce their existing citizenship, although exceptions apply, such as for individuals who were exiled from Lithuania before 11 March 1990, their descendants, or those who meet specific legal criteria allowing dual citizenship.
Certificate of Lithuanian origin
A Certificate of Lithuanian Origin is issued to individuals who can prove Lithuanian descent through at least one parent or grandparent. It serves as official confirmation of Lithuanian origin and can be used to support applications for citizenship under simplified procedures or for residence permits in Lithuania. The certificate has no expiration date and may be used in the future for immigration or citizenship processes. To obtain it, applicants must provide supporting documents such as birth, marriage, or other legal records confirming Lithuanian ancestry, and each case is assessed based on available evidence.
Certificate attesting the right to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship
A Certificate attesting the right to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship is issued to individuals who are eligible to restore Lithuanian citizenship, typically those who were citizens of Lithuania before 15 June 1940 and their descendants, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The certificate confirms eligibility for citizenship reinstatement and allows the holder to apply for citizenship at any time, as it does not expire. To obtain it, applicants must provide documents proving Lithuanian citizenship of their ancestor, such as pre-1940 passports, birth or military records, or other official documents; if such records are missing, alternative archival or historical evidence may be used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I have both current and Lithuanian citizenship?
A: Yes. Under the Law on Citizenship, Lithuania allows dual citizenship in specific cases. You may qualify if you are of Lithuanian descent and your ancestors—parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents—left Lithuania before 1990. Dual citizenship is also permitted for those who acquired Lithuanian citizenship and the citizenship of another country at birth.
Q: Do I need to speak Lithuanian?
A: No, you do not need to speak Lithuanian if you are applying for citizenship by descent. However, if you are applying through naturalization, you must pass a Lithuanian language exam.Q: Why People Choose to Reclaim Lithuanian Citizenship
A: Access to EU residency, work, and education | Reconnecting with cultural and family heritage | Business and travel opportunities within the European Union.
Q: What documents are required to get Lithuanian citizenship by descent?
A: To apply for Lithuanian citizenship by descent, you will typically need the following documents:Your birth certificate
Documents proving your direct descent from a Lithuanian ancestor
Records confirming your ancestor’s Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940
Documents proving your ancestor’s departure from Lithuania before 1990 (required for dual citizenship eligibility)
Certified translations of foreign documents into Lithuanian
Apostilles or legalizations, depending on the country of issue
Q: What if I don’t have documents proving my Lithuanian ancestry?
A: We offer professional ancestry research services to help locate official records.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Typically 10–12 months depending on document availability.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for Lithuanian citizenship by descent?
A: The total cost can vary depending on your specific case. In general, the cost ranges from approximately 800 to 1,800 EUR.
