Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship If You Get Another One?

Many Lithuanians who moved abroad after March 11, 1990 are now considering obtaining citizenship in another country – for example, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Australia. Naturally, the question arises: can you keep Lithuanian citizenship if you get another one? Is dual citizenship in Lithuania allowed?

The issue of Dual citizenship is especially important for those who wish to freely travel and work within the European Union, maintain a strong connection with Lithuania, and at the same time enjoy the rights and responsibilities in another country.

Lithuanian citizenship grants the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, access healthcare services, and pursue education opportunities. Therefore, it is understandable that Lithuanians living abroad wish to retain their Lithuanian citizenship.

When Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship After Getting Another One?

According to the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, dual citizenship is allowed only in specific cases. You can retain Lithuanian citizenship after acquiring another citizenship if:

• You, your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of Lithuania before June 15, 1940, and

• You or your ancestors left Lithuania before March 11, 1990 (between February 16, 1918 and March 11, 1990); or

• You or your ancestors were exiled from occupied Lithuania before March 11, 1990 (between June 15, 1940 and March 11, 1990).

In these cases, Lithuanian citizenship may be retained even after naturalization in another country.

Lithuanian Dual Citizenship: When Is It Allowed?

If you are wondering how to retain Lithuanian citizenship after getting another one, it’s important to know that, in general, dual citizenship in Lithuania is not permitted.

However, the exceptions listed above allow you to keep Lithuanian citizenship together with another – for example, that of the United Kingdom or the United States.

This is particularly relevant for Lithuanians who live abroad and want to obtain another citizenship without losing their Lithuanian identity.

Each case is assessed individually, as the right to retain Lithuanian citizenship depends on personal and historical circumstances.

Main conditions for dual citizenship:

• Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940

• Departure from Lithuania before March 11, 1990 (February 16, 1918 – March 11, 1990), or

• Deportation (exile) from occupied Lithuania before March 11, 1990 (June 15, 1940 – March 11, 1990)

Documents Required to Retain Lithuanian Citizenship

Depending on your circumstances, the process of keeping Lithuanian citizenship after getting another one can be complex. It is crucial to gather all necessary documents proving your right to dual citizenship. To ensure you understand Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship If You Get Another One?, make sure all supporting documents are collected and verified.

In order to prove the right to Dual citizenship, you must provide documents confirming:

• Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940

• Deportation or departure before March 11, 1990

• Family relationship with the person who held Lithuanian citizenship

• Any name changes (if applicable)

• Other records related to your or your family’s history

If you do not have these documents, they can often be found in Lithuanian archives.

We can assist you with this process – contact us at info@migration.lt for help.

Step-by-Step: How to Keep Lithuanian Citizenship After Naturalization

Following these steps will help you understand Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship If You Get Another One? in practice.

1. Collect all documents proving your right to dual citizenship.

2. Contact Lithuanian archives if any documents are missing.

3. Submit an application to the Migration Department for confirmation and a conclusion that dual citizenship is possible in your case.

4. Obtain the citizenship of another country.

5. Inform the Migration Department about acquiring another citizenship to ensure the retention of Lithuanian citizenship.

Practical Tips on Keeping Lithuanian Citizenship

Here are some practical recommendations that can help you retain Lithuanian citizenship after acquiring another one and avoid unnecessary delays:

• Start gathering documents early – archive searches can take several months.

• Collect as much information about your relatives as possible (names, birth dates, places).

• Prepare official translations and notarized copies in advance.

• Follow the official document submission procedure carefully.

FAQ: Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship If You Get Another One?

• Can all Lithuanians have dual citizenship?

Many people ask, Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship If You Get Another One? even if they have no ancestors who were deported.

No, dual citizenship is allowed only in exceptional cases – for deportees, their descendants, and those who left Lithuania before March 11, 1990.

• What if I don’t have my grandparents’ or great-grandparents’ documents?

You can request a document search in Lithuanian archives by providing available information such as name, surname, birth date, or place of residence.

We can help you with this – contact us at info@migration.lt

• Where should I apply to retain Lithuanian citizenship?

Submit your application to the Migration Department, including all necessary documents.

• Do I need to renounce my other citizenship to keep Lithuanian citizenship?

No, if you qualify for one of the exceptions in Lithuanian law, you can hold both citizenships simultaneously.

• How long does the process take?

The timeframe depends on how quickly you can collect all required documents. Generally, the process takes from a few months to one year.

• Can I get a free legal consultation about retaining Lithuanian citizenship?

Yes. If you wish to learn more about dual citizenship in Lithuania, retaining Lithuanian citizenship, or need help with document preparation and submission, contact us for a free consultation.

We provide full support — document searches in archives, translations, notarization, preparation of applications for the Migration Department, and legal representation.

We can also review your documents before official submission.

Contact us for a free consultation:

📧 Email: info@migration.lt

📞 Phone: +370 685 63053

Conclusion: Keeping Your Lithuanian Citizenship and Staying Connected to Lithuania

The issue of dual citizenship in Lithuania often raises many questions among Lithuanians living abroad. The key is to understand how to keep Lithuanian citizenship if you get another one and prepare all required documents in advance.

By submitting your application to the Migration Department, you can maintain your connection to Lithuania even after obtaining another citizenship.

Retaining Lithuanian citizenship offers real benefits — the freedom to live, work, and travel in the EU, the right to own property in Lithuania, and the opportunity to preserve your Lithuanian identity and cultural roots. If you are considering citizenship in another country, it is crucial to know Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship If You Get Another One? to protect your rights and connections to Lithuania.

If you are considering naturalizing elsewhere, make sure to know Can You Keep Lithuanian Citizenship If You Get Another One? — this will help you preserve your rights and Lithuanian heritage.