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.
Start your Lithuanian citizenship eligibility assessment →
Lithuanian Citizenship by Country
Records, apostilles and typical challenges differ from country to country. Choose where your family lives:
Not sure what your ancestor's emigration year means for your case? See our timeline: Lithuanian history for citizenship applicants (1918–1990)
Other Types of Lithuanian Citizenship Cases
Besides citizenship by descent, we also handle the cases below. Click a topic to read more.
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.
Check if you are eligible to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship
Answer 4 short questions about your Lithuanian ancestor and get a personal assessment with the next steps for your case.
- About 1 minute
- Anonymous
- No sign-up
- Prepared by Lithuanian lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both current and Lithuanian citizenship?
Do I need to speak Lithuanian?
Why do people choose to reclaim Lithuanian citizenship?
- Access to EU residency, work, and education
- Reconnecting with cultural and family heritage
- Business and travel opportunities within the European Union
What documents are required to get Lithuanian citizenship by descent?
- 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