Does Lithuania Allow Dual Citizenship in 2025?

For many descendants of Lithuanian emigrants, the question of dual citizenship is critical. Having the ability to hold both Lithuanian and another nationality offers greater flexibility in travel, work, and personal identity. But what are Lithuania’s rules on dual citizenship in 2025? Has the law changed? And who qualifies for an exception?

This article breaks down Lithuania’s dual citizenship laws, explains who can retain their original nationality, and provides insights into how to apply for Lithuanian citizenship by descent without complications.

What Is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship means being legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time. This allows individuals to:

• Hold two passports.
• Live and work in either country without restrictions.
• Access social benefits such as healthcare, education, and pensions in both nations.
• Pass citizenship on to children in some cases.

While many countries allow dual citizenship, others require applicants to renounce their previous nationality when acquiring a new one.

Lithuania’s Dual Citizenship Policy: The Legal Framework

Current Laws and Regulations

Since the adoption of its 1992 Constitution, Lithuania has maintained strict rules on dual citizenship, generally not allowing individuals to hold multiple nationalities.

However, Lithuanian citizenship laws have evolved, particularly regarding Lithuanian citizenship by descent, allowing some people to retain both their current nationality and Lithuanian citizenship.

Key Historical Changes

Lithuania’s stance on dual citizenship has been debated for years:

• Before 1990: Many Lithuanian emigrants left during the Soviet occupation and lost their citizenship.
• 2010s: Some reforms allowed people of Lithuanian descent to reclaim their citizenship without renouncing their existing nationality.
• 2020s: Discussions on broader dual citizenship rights continued, but constitutional restrictions remained in place.

So, what is the situation in 2025? Let’s take a closer look.

Recent Dual Citizenship Policy Updates

As of 2025, Lithuania still does not allow dual citizenship for most new applicants. However, there are key exceptions:

• Lithuanian citizens by descent (those proving their Lithuanian ancestry) can retain dual citizenship.
• Exiles and deportees and their descendants may hold dual citizenship, as they were forced to leave Lithuania against their will.
• People born with dual citizenship (e.g., a child born to a Lithuanian citizen and a foreign parent) can keep both nationalities.

However, if you acquire Lithuanian citizenship through naturalization (i.e., not by descent), you are typically required to renounce your previous nationality.

Who Must Renounce Their Previous Citizenship?

If you are applying for Lithuanian citizenship through naturalization (for example, by living in Lithuania for a certain number of years), you must give up your current nationality. This rule does not apply to those who qualify for citizenship by descent.

Why Dual Citizenship Matters for Lithuanian Descendants

If you qualify for Lithuanian citizenship by descent, you don’t need to give up your current nationality. This comes with several benefits:

1. Freedom to Live and Work in the European Union

Lithuanian citizenship grants you full EU rights, meaning you can:

• Live in any of the 27 EU countries without restrictions.
• Work in major European cities without needing a work visa.
• Access EU healthcare, education, and social benefits.

2. Easier Travel Worldwide

Holding a Lithuanian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, and Canada. This makes traveling much easier compared to some non-EU passports.

3. Stronger Connection to Your Heritage

Restoring Lithuanian citizenship allows you to reconnect with your cultural roots, explore your family’s history, and even visit the places your ancestors once lived.

4. Business and Property Opportunities

As a Lithuanian citizen, you can:

• Own property in Lithuania without restrictions.
• Start a business in Lithuania and benefit from EU trade advantages.
• Gain access to EU funding and grants available to European citizens.

Challenges and Considerations for Dual Citizens

While dual citizenship offers many benefits, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Different Citizenship Laws in Other Countries – Some countries (like China or Japan) do not allow dual citizenship at all, so applicants from these countries may need to renounce their original nationality.
• Legal and Tax Responsibilities – Holding two citizenships means understanding tax and legal obligations in both countries. Some nations require their citizens to file taxes regardless of where they live.
• Application Process Can Be Complex – Gathering documents, proving Lithuanian ancestry, and submitting the right paperwork can take time.

This is where expert legal assistance comes in.

How IN JURE Law Firm Can Help

Navigating Lithuanian citizenship by descent and understanding dual citizenship rules can be complicated. IN JURE Law Firm specializes in helping Lithuanian descendants apply for citizenship and retain their current nationality.

Here’s how we help:

Eligibility Check: We confirm if you qualify through a free of charge consultation.

Document Retrieval: We find and translate any missing records.

Application Support: We guide you through the process and handle legal paperwork.

We operate on a 100% success fee policy, meaning you only pay for our services if your application is successful. With over 15 years of experience, we provide comprehensive and professional support to make your journey toward Lithuanian citizenship as smooth as possible. 

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re of Lithuanian descent and want to reclaim your Lithuanian passport while keeping your current nationality, now is the time to act.

Check your eligibility – Do you qualify for dual citizenship under Lithuanian law? We can help with that.
Gather necessary documents – Birth certificates, proof of ancestry, and migration records are essential.
Consult with experts – Working with professionals like IN JURE Law Firm can save you time and effort.

Contact IN JURE Law Firm today for a free consultation and start your journey toward dual citizenship!

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