visa-free countries
generations removed
months processing time
Lithuanian citizenship by descent offers individuals with Lithuanian ancestry the opportunity to reclaim their heritage and gain European Union citizenship. This process allows eligible applicants to trace their lineage back up to three generations, specifically to ancestors who were Lithuanian citizens before June 15, 1940, and left Lithuania between 1919 and 1990.
Read moreThe right to citizenship extends to descendants of parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who held Lithuanian citizenship, even if intermediate generations did not maintain it.
What are the eligibility requirements to obtain Lithuanian citizenship by descent?
You must have a Lithuanian ancestor who was a citizen of Lithuania before June 15, 1940.
The Lithuanian ancestor can be a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.
Your ancestor must have left Lithuania between 1919 and 1990.
Your ancestor must have been a citizen of Lithuania, not just ethnically Lithuanian.
Your ancestor should not have voluntarily renounced Lithuanian citizenship.
You must have been born before Lithuania restored its independence on March 11, 1990, or have at least one parent or grandparent who was a Lithuanian citizen.
You must be able to provide documents proving your ancestor’s Lithuanian citizenship and your direct descent from them.
Our global team, operating across 12 offices and offering services in 14 languages, can assist in finding the perfect investment migration solution.
Our global team, operating across 12 offices and offering services in 14 languages, can assist in finding the perfect investment migration solution.
During this stage, we will gather the genealogical records to support your claim for Lithuanian citizenship. This timeframe may vary depending on complexity and scarcity of records.
We will prepare your application to Lithuanian government specifications, including translating and legalizing all non-Lithuanian documents. This is to ensure that your non-Lithuanian documents will be recognized as legally binding and valid by the Lithuanian government.
This is the longest part of the process. The Migration Department will review your application in the order in which it was received. You may be asked to clarify your documents and/or provide additional information. This is a normal part of the process and does not mean your application was rejected.
During this stage, a decision is officially made on your citizenship application. If successful, you will receive a Lithuanian certificate of citizenship. You can now apply for a Lithuanian passport.
Yes, Lithuania allows dual citizenship, so most applicants can typically maintain your current citizenship while acquiring Lithuanian citizenship by descent. However, be sure to check with your home country to ensure they allow dual citizenship.
You can trace your ancestry back up to three generations, meaning you may qualify if you had a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Lithuanian citizen.
If you’re missing certain documents, you may be able to submit alternative evidence. The Migration Department sometimes accepts other forms of proof, such as church records, old passports, or military documents. It’s best to provide as much documentation as possible to support your case.
Typically, it takes 12-24 months to process your application for Lithuanian citizenship by descent.
No, knowledge of the Lithuanian language is not a requirement for obtaining citizenship by descent. However, learning the language can be beneficial for connecting with your heritage and navigating life in Lithuania if you choose to live there.
When it comes to citizenship by descent, nobody is better suited to assist you than Latitude. Each team member who handles your citizenship by descent file has gone through the process firsthand—we’ve been in your shoes, and we know exactly how to craft a successful application.
Our team operates in 12 worldwide offices, securing second citizenship in desirable locations and unlocking a brighter future.