Applicants wishing to reinstate Lithuanian citizenship by ancestry will go through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS), managed by the Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania. If you live abroad, your application will be forwarded by Lithuanian embassies and consulates in your country of residence.
You’re required to make a promise to submit original documentation in person at the consular post when filling out the application through MIGRIS. They’ll first examine your electronic documentation, and if it’s deemed sufficient after review, they’ll message you about making a visit to provide tangible documentation within four months.
This guide outlines the documents required for your Lithuanian citizenship application and how to prepare them in the legal process. Keep reading to learn which forms and certificates are needed and how they must be prepared in the process.
What Documents Do I Need? Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent
Applicants seeking citizenship by ancestry must have proof of their heritage and proof of their ancestor’s citizenship in the Republic of Lithuania. You must be able to prove that your ancestor held Lithuanian citizenship before occupation began in 1940.
Proof of Lithuanian Ancestry
There are several ways to show proof of connection to your Lithuanian roots. You can use birth, death, and marriage certificates that show your descent from a Lithuanian ancestor. These records can often be found in Lithuanian archives or local registries.
If the applicant is an adopted child, additional proof of legal adoption must be provided to confirm lineage and citizenship eligibility.
Proof of Ancestor’s Lithuanian Citizenship
It’s important to note that the ancestor you’re tracing your lineage to must have been a citizen of Lithuania before occupation began on June 15, 1940.
You’ll have to show documented proof of this via the ancestor’s Lithuanian passport, birth certificate, military service record, or other documents demonstrating their citizenship under the citizenship law.
Necessary Personal Documents
Applicants must have a valid passport or other government-issued ID, as well as a criminal record clearance. Clearance must be certified by your country of residence at the time of application for security purposes.
For applicants living in Lithuania at the time of application, you’ll also need to provide documents showing proof of residency and immigration status.
Documents Proving Ancestor’s Emigration Status
For applicants seeking lineage citizenship through ancestors who were refugees, deported, or voluntarily fled Lithuania, special requirements apply. You must prove that the ancestor left the country before occupation ended on March 11, 1990. In this case, you must show documentation of their citizenship status prior to June 15, 1940, as well as documentation of the emigration.
Note on Foreign Documents
Note that foreign documents in the application proceeding, excluding passports, must be officially translated into the Lithuanian language, and all documents must be originals or notarized copies. These documents, aside from passports, must also bear Apostille or be legalized.
Questions regarding these documents can be directed to your nearest diplomatic post in your country of residence. Be patient, as waiting times may vary depending on the legal process and administrative workload.
Find Out if You Qualify for Lineage Citizenship
Are you looking to apply for Lithuanian citizenship through ancestry, or do you just want to see if you qualify? Take our test to start discovering your EU citizenship possibilities. In the meantime, stay tuned for our next blog post on opportunities for citizenship in the EU. We regularly post news and updates.