Why Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent
Lithuania offers citizenship restoration for descendants of Lithuanian citizens who left before 1990. This program is ideal for those with Lithuanian Jewish, ethnic Lithuanian, or other Lithuanian ancestry.
EU Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 EU member states.
Restoration of Rights: Reclaim citizenship that was lost due to Soviet occupation.
No Language Requirement: No Lithuanian language test for restoration cases.
Dual Citizenship: Permitted for those restoring citizenship by descent.
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for Lithuanian citizenship by descent if:
Pre-1940 Lithuanian Citizen Ancestor: Your ancestor was a Lithuanian citizen before the 1940 Soviet occupation and did not repatriate to Germany.
No Voluntary Naturalization: Your ancestor did not voluntarily naturalize in another country (forced emigration exceptions apply).
Direct Lineage: You can document the unbroken chain from your ancestor to yourself.
Note: Lithuania permits dual citizenship for descendants of pre-1940 citizens. No language requirement for citizenship restoration.
The Process
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
We verify your Lithuanian ancestry and determine if you qualify for citizenship restoration.
Step 2: Document Collection
We help gather Lithuanian archival records, family documents, and proof of your ancestor's citizenship.
Step 3: Application Preparation
Our team prepares your restoration application with all supporting documentation.
Step 4: Submission
We submit to the Migration Department and handle all follow-up.
Need help finding documents? Our genealogical research service helps locate vital records across countries and generations. Learn more →
Requirements
Birth Certificate: Your official birth certificate with apostille.
Ancestral Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation linking you to your qualifying ancestor.
Proof of Ancestor's Citizenship: Passport, ID, or official records proving your ancestor held citizenship.
Apostilles and Translations: All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into the official language.
What's Included
Eligibility verification
Lithuanian archival research
Document procurement assistance
Application preparation
Translation services coordination
Migration Department liaison
Full process support
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Eligibility assessment | 1-2 weeks |
| Archival research | 2-4 months |
| Application preparation | 2-4 weeks |
| Government processing | 6-12 months |
Total timeline typically 12-18 months.
Important Notes
Citizenship restoration applies to descendants of those who were citizens before Soviet occupation (June 15, 1940).
Lithuanian Jewish ancestry is a common pathway.
No language or residency requirements for restoration.
Government fees are additional.