Renouncing the Citizenship of Lithuania is a formal legal process available to Lithuanian citizens who no longer wish to retain their Lithuanian nationality. Whether due to long-term residence abroad, acquiring another citizenship, or personal reasons, individuals may apply to voluntarily give up their Lithuanian citizenship. However, the process is strictly regulated and subject to specific conditions to avoid statelessness or legal conflicts. This article outlines who can renounce their citizenship, when it is not allowed, and how to complete the procedure correctly.

Renouncing Lithuanian Citizenship: Legal Possibility to Voluntarily Give Up Citizenship

Renouncing Lithuanian citizenship is one of the ways a person may lose Lithuanian citizenship.

Every citizen of Lithuania has the legal right to renounce Lithuanian citizenship, and this right may only be restricted in specific cases established by law.

When Renouncing Lithuanian Citizenship Is Not Allowed

The cases when renouncing the citizenship of Lithuania is impossible:

1. The person becomes stateless after renouncing the citizenship of Lithuania;

2. The person is suspected or accused of a commitment of a criminal act or the relevant judgment came into force and should be enforced.

Required Documents for Renouncing Lithuanian Citizenship

For renouncing the citizenship of Lithuania, a person shall submit the following documents to competent state institutions:

1. The application for renouncing the citizenship of Lithuania completed in Lithuanian;

2. A Lithuanian passport;

3. A passport of a foreign state (if any);

4. A document certifying that the person is a citizen of a foreign state or will be granted a citizenship of the foreign state after renouncing the citizenship of Lithuania.  

Translation, Notarization, and Legalization of Documents

If the documents are executed in a language other than Lithuanian, they shall be translated into Lithuanian. Copies of the documents shall be notarized. Documents issued by institutions of foreign states shall be certified by Apostille or legalized, unless otherwise is provided by international treaties of Lithuania or legal norms of the European Union.

Where to Submit the Application for Renunciation

The application for Renunciation of Lithuanian citizenship and other required documents must be submitted through the electronic system Migris. Subsequently, the original documents should be delivered to:

• the Migration Department’s office or 
• a diplomatic mission or consular institution of Lithuaniaabroad.

This process can also be carried out through a legal representative. If assistance is needed, the person is encouraged to seek professional help.

Processing Time for Renunciation of Lithuanian Citizenship

The Migration Department shall examine the submitted documents on renouncing the citizenship of Lithuania by a person and transfer them to the Minister of Interior no later than within 3 months from the date of their submission.

Need Help with Lithuanian Citizenship Matters?

If you have any questions regarding Lithuanian citizenship or should you require more information or help, please contact us by e-mail: info@migration.lt or phone: +370 6 1861886. We will gladly help you.