Both Lithuanian residents and those living abroad must handle their Lithuanian citizenship by descent applications with specific authorities. Check out the brief guide below on which Lithuanian consulates to contact depending on your residency status. We also outline the relevant jurisdictions within the U.S. for the four diplomatic missions that process citizenship applications for people of Lithuanian ancestry.
Consulate for Lithuanian Residents
If you reside in Lithuania when you complete your application for Lithuanian citizenship by ancestry, you’ll deal with Lithuania’s Migration Department. This department operates under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania.
They’ll process all applications for descendants, including those whose Grandparents or parents were exiled during the Soviet Union era. The application process follows strict legal requirements and involves submitting verified documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and proof of Heritage.
All documentation must meet security standards and be translated into the Lithuanian language if issued abroad.
Lithuanian Consulates in the United States
When applying for Lithuanian citizenship through ancestry abroad, you’ll need to handle the process via competent authorities. These authorities are responsible for forwarding applications to the Migration Department so they can be reviewed according to the citizenship law.
In the United States, the Department of State oversees the Bureau of Consular Affairs. The relevant U.S. diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) are located in Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. For individuals not living in those cities, each location can be contacted via email, phone, or fax for Documentation and verifying assistance.
Washington, D.C. Lithuanian Embassy
If you live in D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, or South Carolina, you’ll deal with the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, D.C.
Chicago Lithuanian Consulate
Residents of North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Iowa, Arkansas, Alabama, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, and Wisconsin can direct applications through the Consulate General of Lithuania in Chicago, IL.
New York Lithuanian Consulate
The Consulate General of Lithuania in New York City has a jurisdiction including Florida, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Georgia, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
Los Angeles Lithuanian Consulate
The jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Lithuania in Los Angeles includes Oregon, California, Arizona, Washington, Utah, Alaska, Nevada, and Hawaii.
How to Apply via Consulate
When you’re ready to apply abroad for citizenship by descent in Lithuania, you can meet with someone at the consulate in your jurisdiction. Most consular offices have limited opening hours – weekdays only – and require applicants to schedule appointments to be seen. Some have even more limited phone consultation hours.
Contact your relevant Lithuanian consulate office by phone or email to determine when and how you can schedule a meeting. Processing and waiting times may vary, but once your documents pass review, your citizenship can be confirmed.
Find Out Your Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent Eligibility
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