Lithuanian Citizenship
Reinstitution of Lithuanian citizenship (Citizenship by descent)
Citizenship through naturalization
Restoration of lost Lithuanian citizenship
1. Who is eligible to become a Lithuanian citizen through naturalization?
Individuals who have lived in Lithuania for more than 10 years, meet all the requirements, and do not hold citizenship of another country can acquire Lithuanian citizenship through naturalization.
2. What are the main requirements to acquire citizenship through naturalization?
The requirements include:
Permanent residence in Lithuania for over 10 years.
Passing an exam in Lithuanian language and the basics of the Lithuanian Constitution.
A legal source of income.
No convictions for serious crimes.
No citizenship of another country or a commitment to renounce it.
3. Do I have to renounce my citizenship of another country?
Yes, to acquire Lithuanian citizenship through naturalization, you must either renounce your other citizenship or submit a written declaration that you will do so after obtaining Lithuanian citizenship.
4. Are there any restrictions that could prevent me from acquiring Lithuanian citizenship?
An individual cannot acquire Lithuanian citizenship if they:
Have been convicted of international crimes or extremely serious crimes.
Do not have the right to obtain a permanent residence document in Lithuania.
1. Who is eligible to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship?
Individuals who were Lithuanian citizens before June 15, 1940, and their descendants, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, are eligible to apply for the reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship.
2. Does my place of residence affect my right to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship?
No, your place of residence does not affect your right to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship. The right is permanent, whether you live in Lithuania or abroad.
3. Is it mandatory to renounce my current citizenship?
Renouncing your current citizenship is not required for individuals who:
Were forcibly exiled from Lithuania before March 11, 1990.
Emigrated from Lithuania before March 11, 1990.
Are descendants of such individuals.
4. What documents are required to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship?
To reinstate Lithuanian citizenship, you must provide proof that you or your ancestors held Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940. This can include archive certificates, birth records, or other civil registry documents. We can assist you in locating the necessary documents.
1. Who can apply to restore lost Lithuanian citizenship?
Anyone who was a Lithuanian citizen and lost their citizenship can apply to restore it. This includes individuals who were citizens by birth, had their citizenship reinstated or granted through simplified procedures, or obtained citizenship through naturalization but later lost it.
2. What are the requirements for restoring citizenship?
The requirements vary depending on how the citizenship was originally acquired. Those who were born Lithuanian or were granted citizenship through simplified procedures must renounce their current citizenship, unless exceptions apply. These exceptions include being an exile from Lithuania before March 11, 1990, being a descendant of such individuals, or being born with dual citizenship. For naturalized individuals, the requirements include renouncing current citizenship and having lived lawfully in Lithuania for the last five years.
3. Are there restrictions on restoring citizenship?
A person will not be eligible to restore their Lithuanian citizenship if they have committed international crimes, crimes against Lithuania, or particularly serious intentional crimes under Lithuanian law.
4. Do I need to renounce my current citizenship?
In most cases, renouncing your current citizenship is required to restore Lithuanian citizenship. However, exceptions exist for individuals who were born as Lithuanian citizens, those exiled from Lithuania before March 11, 1990, their descendants, and other specific cases specified in Lithuanian law.
Certificates
Certificate of Lithuanian origin
Certificate attesting the right to reinstate citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania
1. Who is eligible to receive a Certificate of Lithuanian Descent?
A Certificate of Lithuanian Descent is issued to individuals of Lithuanian origin. This includes those who can prove that at least one of their parents or grandparents, or both, were of Lithuanian descent.
2. What is the purpose of the Certificate of Lithuanian Descent?
The certificate serves as proof of Lithuanian origin, making it easier for individuals to apply for Lithuanian citizenship through the simplified procedure or obtain a Permanent or Temporary Residence Permit. It significantly shortens the process of granting citizenship or residence permits.
3. How long is the Certificate of Lithuanian Descent valid?
The Certificate of Lithuanian Descent has no expiration date, so individuals can use it in the future to take advantage of the benefits it provides, such as applying for citizenship or a residence permit.
4. What documents are required to obtain the Certificate of Lithuanian Descent?
To obtain the certificate, individuals must provide documents proving their Lithuanian descent. These may include legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or passports that confirm the Lithuanian origin of their parents and/or grandparents. The process should begin by collecting these supporting documents.
1. Who is eligible to receive a Certificate certifying the right for reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship?
A Certificate certifying the right for reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship can be issued to individuals who are entitled to apply for the reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship. This includes people who were citizens of Lithuania before June 15, 1940, and their descendants, such as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
2. What is the purpose of the Certificate certifying the right for reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship?
The certificate serves as proof of eligibility for the reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship. It facilitates the process of reinstatement and allows the holder to apply for citizenship at any time. The certificate is valid indefinitely, providing ongoing access to the reinstatement process.
3. What documents are required to obtain the Certificate certifying the right for reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship?
To obtain the certificate, individuals must provide documents proving their ancestor’s Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940. This may include pre-1940 Lithuanian passports, military service records, birth certificates, or other official documents from that period. If such documents are not available, education, employment, or residence documents from before 1940 can also be used. All documents must be translated into Lithuanian and notarized if necessary. Foreign documents must be certified by Apostille or legalized.
4. What is the process to apply for the Certificate certifying the right for reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship?
Before applying for the certificate, applicants must gather the required documents. If any documents are missing, requests can be made to Lithuanian archives or other relevant institutions. Once all documents are collected and properly certified, individuals can submit their application for the certificate.
