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Lithuanian citizenship by descent
Benefits
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Travel to 189 countries/territories without a prior visa. To visit Australia, Canada and United States you are required an online registration (electronic authorization) only – no visa. Detailed lists of countries here.
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Live and work in all the EU and EFTA countries without a need to arrange any permits, a work visa or an employer’s invitation.
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Conduct business and open legal entities in a simplified way. Enjoy faster airport security on arrivals as you do not have to wait in a long queue for non-EU residents at the airports for your documents check. Most borders don’t even require seeing a boarder officer – you simply scan your passport at the biometric door and go through, saving you potentially hours on every trip.
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Access your financial instruments with the utmost safety and convenience. Lithuania is in the Euro area thus all Lithuanian banks are under the European Central Bank supervision. Deposits in all Lithuanian banks are insured by the Lithuanian Republic with 0% capital tax. All Lithuanian banks apply flexible and convenient ways of cooperation with their clients – one can open bank account in 15 minutes and enjoy the most modern online banking systems in the world.
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Study at any EU university under the same conditions as nationals. Fees for EU nationals are normally 50% cheaper than for non-EU students. Another area in which students with European passport benefit so much is in obtaining a student loan. Students loan are only available to a student who is an EU national, and there are a lot of exclusive grants, and scholarships opportunities that are only available to EU nationals too. Non-EU nationals who desire to be on scholarship are required to apply for funding anywhere else.
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Children born to the person with a double citizenship will automatically get Lithuanian citizenship as well, as well as their children and their children. So this is an investment for generations.
Procedure
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Stage one
Preparation for application
After initial eligibility assessment is done, we start the process with stage one, which involves preparation for application, i.e. collecting all the legal documents required to justify the application. The most important part of this stage is to collect evidence confirming that the applicant’s ancestor was actually a citizen of Lithuania (i.e. not only that she/he emigrated from Lithuania, but that she/he had citizen status). Here, we are meeting the legal requirement of “citizen” as it is determined by Lithuanian legislation and judicial practice.
Said evidences gathering isn’t limited to consulting Lithuanian or broader archives. In the majority of cases, it requires legal procedures such as court applications. Therefore, if you attempt to do this without professional assistance, stage one can take as long as several years or even encounter irremediable stumbling blocks, instead of the normal six to eight weeks if done with professional legal assistance.
Once all the evidence in place and client has got the necessary documents from the country of residence we are ready for the legal verification of the documents.
To resume, it usually takes 2 to 4 months to prepare the application. The actual time mostly depends on how fast you can get the necessary documents from your country of residence.
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Stage two
Examination of the application
Stage two involves examination of the application by the Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania. This is the longest and most patience-testing stage. The Migration Department is legally obliged to examine applications for reinstatement within 12 months from the date of submission.
IMPORTANT TO NOTICE: in early October 2024, a new regulation extended the Migration Department’s review period from 6 months to 12 months. This change has significantly lengthened the overall timeline for the procedure.
Once your application for Lithuanian citizenship by descent is approved, we will email you the official Government Decree and you will be able to order Lithuanian passport (done in person only) at the nearest Lithuanian Embassy or in Lithuania.
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Stage three
Collection of additional evidence
In cases where there is a lack of documents (evidence) submitted to the Migration Department, the third stage – the collection of additional documents (evidence) – occurs.
In case application is not approved and rejected, there will be NO PAYMENT. All expenses on Lithuanian side such as archive investigatory, application governmental fees, documents translations, are all covered by IN JURE Law Firm with no obligation to compensate.
Total duration: the procedure normally takes from 14 to 16 months, in some specific complicated cases – longer.
The average processing time for Lithuanian citizenship applications used to be 10-14 months. However, in early October 2024, a new regulation extended the Migration Department’s review period from 6 months to 12 months. This change has significantly lengthened the overall timeline for the procedure.
To learn about application process step-by-step including timelines and costs contact adv. Dainius Ambrazaitis directly WhatsApp +370 600 68454 or book a video consultation (free of charge) with him.
100% success fee
You don‘t risk anything in starting your ancestral citizenship reinstatement process with us at IN JURE as we work on 100% success fee, in other words, no result, no payment.
We work on the All Inclusive Success Fee basis, i.e. you pay only if and after your application is approved. Absolutely no upfront payment is required.
NOTE: In case the application is not approved and rejected, there will be NO PAYMENT. All expenses on Lithuanian side such as archival investigatory, application governmental fees, documents translations, are all covered by the IN JURE Law Firm with no obligation to compensate.
Eligibility for Lithuanian citizenship by descent
To be eligible for restoring Lithuanian citizenship by descent, certain criteria must be met. Firstly, you must have a direct lineage connection: at least one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents should have been a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania as it existed between 1918 and 1940. Additionally, your ancestor must have emigrated from Lithuania before the country restored its independence on March 11, 1990. Importantly, the emigration should have been to a country outside the former Soviet Union. However, if your ancestor did emigrate to a Soviet Union country, you might still be eligible for single or dual Lithuanian citizenship, depending on the specific time and circumstances of their departure.
You can check your eligibility for restoring Lithuanian citizenship by descent via a short test – go back to the top of the page and choose ELIGIBILITY.
What documents are needed for restoring Lithuanian citizenship by descent?
For restoring Lithuanian citizenship by descent, the following documents and information are typically required:
1. Description of Relationship with Lithuanian Ancestor: Detail your relationship with your Lithuanian ancestor (e.g., parent, grandparent, great-grandparent).
2. Ancestor’s Information: Full name in your country and in Lithuania, if known. Date of birth. Place of residence in Lithuania. Information about the ancestor’s parents and siblings, if known.
3. Family Members Interested in Citizenship Reinstatement: List of family members wishing to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship. Scanned copies of their passports. Postal addresses. Contact cell phone numbers.
Note: While having original Lithuanian documents is helpful, it is not necessary for the application process. The availability of such supporting documents might be beneficial but is not a requirement.
Will I lose my existing citizenship when restoring ancestral Lithuanian citizenship by descent?
When restoring ancestral Lithuanian citizenship by descent, you will not necessarily lose your existing citizenship. The Republic of Lithuania allows for dual citizenship under exceptional circumstances, and ancestral Lithuanian citizenship falls into this category. This means that individuals who are reinstating their Lithuanian citizenship based on their descent can retain their current citizenship status. This provision is particularly important for those who wish to reconnect with their Lithuanian heritage without having to renounce their citizenship in another country.
How Long Does it Take to Get Lithuanian Citizenship?
The process of obtaining Lithuanian citizenship typically begins with a 2 to 4-month period dedicated to preparing the application, which largely depends on how quickly you can obtain the necessary documents from your country of residence. Once the application is submitted, the Migration Department usually takes 12 months to process it. Therefore, the entire procedure generally spans from 14 to 16 months, though in certain more complex cases, it may take longer.
Legal Expertise
Navigating the process of obtaining Lithuanian citizenship can be complex, and while legal expertise isn’t strictly necessary, it can significantly enhance the likelihood of success. Our services are designed to streamline the entire application process, ensuring that all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted, which can help avoid potential pitfalls and delays. By leveraging our experience and knowledge, you can improve your chances of a successful outcome, making the journey to citizenship smoother and more efficient.
Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent for Jewish Descendants
Restoring Lithuanian citizenship by descent for Jewish can be a meaningful way to reconnect with the heritage. Jewish descendants of Lithuanian citizens have the opportunity to restore their Lithuanian citizenship if their ancestors left Lithuania before 1940, often due to persecution or migration. Eligibility is determined by proving ancestral ties through documents like birth certificates and immigration records.
The process can be complex due to missing or incomplete records, making legal assistance valuable for navigating the requirements. Restoring Lithuanian citizenship allows Jewish descendants to reconnect with their heritage and gain access to the benefits of European Union citizenship.
There are three main criteria to define your eligibility for reinstatement of your Lithuanian citizenship by descent on dual citizenship basis.
Here is a quick quiz for you to preliminary assess your eligibility.
For other options, please consult me as every situation is individual.
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1
Which generation descendant are you:
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When did your ancestor leave Lithuania:
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3
When did your ancestor was born:
Our Clients From Various Countries Recommend Us:
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United Kingdom
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South Africa
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USA
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Canada
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Mexico
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Argentina
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Israel
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Uruguay
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Singapore
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Spain
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Brazil
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Holland
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Portugal
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New Zealand
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Botswana
We at IN JURE Law Firm provide expert services for securing Lithuanian citizenship by descent, helping clients from across continents, including Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Oceania, and Asia. Our team ensures a seamless process by offering clear communication and step-by-step guidance, making the experience stress-free for our clients. We operate on a success-based fee structure, so you only pay when your citizenship is successfully reinstated. Our dedication and professionalism have earned us glowing recommendations from clients around the world.
Client reviews
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Despite having next to no evidence, In Jure provided expert advice and guidance throughout, and explained the specific requirements so we could obtain all the right proof easily.
Alex Langberg,
UK -
I obtained the reestablishment of my Lithuanian citizenship, together with that of my children, in approximately 8 months and without paying anything at all until its acquirement.
K. A. C. Palionis,
USA -
Their detailed knowledge of every aspect of the requirements as well as their professionalism in dealing with all matters was exceptional. They offer a reliable, competent and effective service.
Sheryl Cohen,
South Africa