Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement and Dual Citizenship Requirements

This article explains Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement and Dual Citizenship Requirements, including legal eligibility, dual citizenship conditions, and required documents.

Lithuanian citizenship reinstatement allows former citizens and their descendants to recover Lithuanian citizenship, in certain cases without renouncing their existing nationality. Under the Lithuanian Law on Citizenship, dual citizenship may be granted to persons who held Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, as well as to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, provided specific legal requirements are met.

This article explains Lithuanian citizenship reinstatement rules, dual citizenship conditions, legal eligibility criteria, and required documents.

What Is Lithuanian Citizenship and Reinstatement?

Lithuanian citizenship is a permanent legal relationship between a person and the Republic of Lithuania, based on mutual rights and obligations.

A person may acquire Lithuanian citizenship in accordance with the law through:

• Birth (if one or both parents are Lithuanian citizens),

• Naturalization (after at least 10 years of permanent residence in Lithuania),

• Marriage,

• Exceptional granting of citizenship,

• Restoration or reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship.

Lithuanian citizenship reinstatement may be carried out either with renunciation of existing citizenship or, in specific cases, without renouncing another nationality (dual citizenship).

Understanding Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement and Dual Citizenship Requirements is essential for former citizens and their descendants seeking to recover Lithuanian citizenship.

Reinstatement of Lithuanian Citizenship Under the Law

According to Article 9(1) of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania (December 2, 2010, No. XI-1196), Lithuanian citizenship may be reinstated for:

• Persons who held Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, and

• Their descendants.

In general, the law requires renunciation of existing citizenship. However, certain exceptions allow Lithuanian dual citizenship without renouncing current nationality.

The requirement to renounce another citizenship does not apply to persons who qualify for dual citizenship under Article 7 of the Lithuanian Citizenship Law.

Dual Citizenship in Lithuania: Legal Framework

Article 7(2), (3), and (4) of the Lithuanian Law on Citizenship provides situations where a person may be both a Lithuanian citizen and a citizen of another country.

Dual citizenship may apply if:

• A person was deported from occupied Lithuania before March 11, 1990;

• A person left Lithuania before March 11, 1990;

• The person is a descendant (child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of such individuals.

The law clearly states that descendants up to the third generation (great-grandchildren) of Lithuanian citizens who held citizenship before June 15, 1940 may reinstate Lithuanian citizenship.

Key Conditions for Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement Without Renouncing Existing Citizenship

To qualify for Lithuanian dual citizenship through reinstatement, one of the following conditions must apply:

1. The person held Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, or is a descendant of such a person.

2. The person was deported from occupied Lithuania before March 11, 1990 or is a descendant of such a person.

3. The person left Lithuania for permanent residence before March 11, 1990 or is a descendant of such a person.

Leaving Lithuania means departure for permanent residence abroad, where on March 11, 1990 the person’s permanent residence was no longer in Lithuania.

Current Practice Regarding Reasons for Departure

Previously, when assessing Lithuanian citizenship reinstatement applications, authorities considered the reasons for leaving Lithuania. According to a decision of the Administrative Court of Vilnius dated May 7, 2013, the motives for departure before March 11, 1990 had to be historical or political.

However, under current administrative practice, the motives for leaving Lithuania are no longer evaluated as a mandatory condition. Today, the key factor is the fact of departure for permanent residence before March 11, 1990, rather than the specific reasons for leaving.

Procedure for Reinstatement of Lithuanian Citizenship

On April 3, 2013, the Government of Lithuania adopted Resolution No. 280, which regulates:

• The preparation of documents,

• The application procedure,

• The decision-making process for Lithuanian citizenship reinstatement.

An application for reinstatement of Lithuanian citizenship must be addressed to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Lithuania and submitted through:

• The Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania, or

• A Lithuanian Consulate (if residing abroad).

All attached documents must be translated into Lithuanian and notarized. In certain cases, documents must be legalized or certified with an Apostille. A state fee or consular fee is required.

Applicants must follow the official procedures to meet Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement and Dual Citizenship Requirements, including document submission, translation, and notarization.

Documents Required for Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement

The application must include:

1. Proof of identity;

2. Documents confirming Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, or proof of descent;

3. Documents confirming change of name or surname (if applicable);

4. Confirmation that the applicant is not a citizen of another country, unless dual citizenship conditions apply under Article 7;

5. If the applicant holds another citizenship, documents proving eligibility for dual citizenship under Lithuanian law.

Legal Assistance with Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement

MIGRATION LAW CENTER provides professional guidance on Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement and Dual Citizenship Requirements to ensure a smooth application process.

If you have questions regarding Lithuanian citizenship, dual citizenship eligibility, or required documents, please contact us:

Email: info@migration.lt

Tel: +370 6 1861886

We will be glad to assist you.