Top FAQs About Restoring Lithuanian Citizenship for Descendants

Restoring Lithuanian citizenship by descent is an exciting opportunity for those of Lithuanian ancestry. However, many people have questions about the process, eligibility, and benefits. This article answers the most common questions descendants have about obtaining their Lithuanian passport and reconnecting with their roots.

1. Who Can Restore Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent?

2. What Are the Benefits of Lithuanian Citizenship?

3. What Documents Are Needed for the Application?

4. How Long Does the Process Take?

5. Can I Keep My Current Citizenship?

6. What Happens If I Don’t Have All the Documents?

7. How Much Does the Process Cost?

8. Where Do I Submit My Application?

9. What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

10. How Can IN JURE Law Firm Help Me?

 

1. Who Can Restore Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent?

You qualify for Lithuanian citizenship by descent if:

– One of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents was a Lithuanian citizen before June 15, 1940.
– Your ancestor left Lithuania no earlier than 1918, as Lithuania did not yet regain independence before this date. If your ancestor left before 1918, they would not have held Lithuanian citizenship.
– Your ancestor left Lithuania before March 11, 1990.
– Your ancestor did not move to a former Soviet Union country after June 15, 1940.

 

2. What Are the Benefits of Lithuanian Citizenship?

Becoming a Lithuanian citizen gives you:

– EU Access: You can live, work, and study in the European Union.
– Travel Freedom: You can visit over 180 countries without a visa.
– Cultural Reconnection: Discover and embrace your Lithuanian roots.
– Dual Citizenship: Keep your current citizenship while gaining a Lithuanian passport.

 

3. What Documents Are Needed for the Application?

The main documents we require from you are:

– A valid passport.
– Your birth certificate.
– (If applicable) A marriage certificate, but only if there have been surname changes, which is common in female ancestral lines.

– Your ancestor’s death certificate.

If you do not have ancestral documents proving their birth or emigration, don’t worry—we handle obtaining these for you. Even if you have no additional documents, we can still assist in the process and work with Lithuanian archives to gather all necessary records.

 

4. How Long Does the Process Take?

The process of restoring Lithuanian citizenship typically takes 14 to 16 months, but it consists of several stages, and the timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances:

1. Initial Assessment and Research (6–8 weeks):
During this stage, we evaluate your eligibility and conduct archival research to confirm your Lithuanian ancestry. While we work on this, you gather the necessary documents on your end. In some cases, obtaining certain documents can take six months or longer, depending on their availability.
2. Document Preparation and Application (4–8 weeks):
Once all documents are collected, we handle the legalization, translations, and preparation of your application.
3. Application Review by the Migration Department (up to 12 months):
The Migration Department processes the application. While the standard review period is 12 months, some cases may take longer or, occasionally, less time.

By working with experts, you can streamline the process and minimize delays, as we handle the most time-consuming steps, such as obtaining ancestral records and preparing the application.

 

5. Can I Keep My Current Citizenship?

Yes. Lithuania allows dual citizenship for descendants. This means you can keep your current citizenship and also get a Lithuanian passport.

 

6. What Happens If I Don’t Have All the Documents?

Missing documents is a common issue when applying for Lithuanian citizenship. Our team at IN JURE Law Firm provides a comprehensive service to guide you through the entire process. This includes locating necessary records through Lithuanian archives, organizing and preparing documents, legalizing them, and submitting your application. With our expertise, you can trust us to handle every step of the process efficiently.

 

7. How Much Does the Process Cost?

At IN JURE Law Firm, we operate on a 100% success fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees. If the process is unsuccessful—for example, if archival evidence cannot be found or the Migration Department rejects the application—you owe us nothing.

The only costs you are responsible for include:

– Obtaining documents issued in your home country.
– Legalizing these documents and sending them to us.
– Getting passport in local Embassy.

Contact IN JURE Law Firm for more details and to discuss your individual case risk-free.

 

8. Where Do I Submit My Application?

While you can submit your application to the Lithuanian Migration Department or a Lithuanian embassy or consulate, doing so on your own can be complicated and time-consuming. Each step, from document preparation to legal requirements, must be handled with precision to avoid delays or rejections.

By choosing IN JURE Law Firm, you can trust us to manage the entire process on your behalf. We ensure that all requirements are met, documents are translated and correctly prepared, and deadlines are adhered to, saving you time, effort, and unnecessary stress.

 

9. What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

Some common mistakes include:

– Sending incomplete or wrong documents.
– Misunderstanding eligibility rules.
– Not translating or authenticating your records.

Experts at IN JURE Law Firm can ensure your application is accurate and complete.

 

10. How Can IN JURE Law Firm Help Me?

IN JURE Law Firm makes restoring Lithuanian citizenship easy. 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.

With over 15 years of experience, we provide comprehensive and professional support to make your journey toward Lithuanian citizenship as smooth as possible.

 

Ready to Restore Your Lithuanian Citizenship?

Restoring Lithuanian citizenship is your chance to reconnect with your heritage, enjoy the benefits of EU membership, and obtain a Lithuanian passport. Let IN JURE Law Firm help you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free consultation and begin your journey to becoming a Lithuanian citizen!

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