Losing Lithuanian citizenship is a significant legal process regulated by national laws. It occurs under specific circumstances that affect an individual’s rights and obligations. Understanding these grounds and procedures is essential for Lithuanian citizens and those considering changes to their citizenship status. This guide outlines the key reasons and formal steps involved in losing Lithuanian citizenship.
Legal norms of Lithuania provide the possible cases of losing the citizenship of Lithuania by a person.
According to Article 24 of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, a person shall lose Lithuanian citizenship:
Upon renouncing Lithuanian citizenship;
Upon acquiring the citizenship of another state, except in cases provided for in this Law;
On the grounds established by international treaties to which the Republic of Lithuania is a party;
If a citizen of Lithuania is in the service of another state without authorisation of the Government of Lithuania;
On acquiring Lithuanian citizenship by presenting forged documents or by any other fraudulent means;
When circumstances specified in Article 22 of this Law are discovered, by reason of which citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania could not have been granted, reinstated or restored;
When it transpires that a decision on granting the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania was passed in violation of legal norms;
Where a citizen of Lithuania who is a citizen of another state at the same time pursuant to subparagraphs 1, 6 and 7 of Article 7 of this Law has not, upon reaching 21 years of age, renounced citizenship of another state (states).
If a person acquires the citizenship of another state, he (she) shall lose the citizenship of Lithuania from the date of acquisition of the citizenship of the said state.
Notification Obligation Upon Acquiring Foreign Citizenship (Within 2 Months)
If a person acquires the citizenship of another state, he or she must inform the Migration Department in writing within 2 months from the date of acquisition. The notification must be submitted through the electronic system Migris. Subsequently, the original documents should be delivered to the:
This process can also be carried out through a legal representative. If assistance is needed, the person is encouraged to seek professional help.
Topic | Requirement / Information |
---|---|
Notification deadline | Within 2 months from the acquisition of foreign citizenship |
To whom to submit the notification | Migration Department |
Method of submission | Through the electronic system Migris |
Submission of original documents | Originals must be delivered to the Migration Department office or to a Lithuanian diplomatic mission or consular institution abroad |
Representation | Notification can be submitted via a lawyer or authorized representative |
Assistance |
It is recommended to seek help if needed |
The notice on the acquisition of the citizenship of the said state shall be provided in Lithuanian. If the documents enclosed to the notice 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.
A person shall enclose the following documents to the notice on the acquisition of the citizenship of another state:
A copy of the passport of a citizen of Lithuania;
Documents certifying the acquisition of the citizenship of another state;
Documents certifying an eligibility of the person to being simultaneously a citizen of Lithuania and a citizen of another state (only in a case of existence of circumstances that entitle the person to have a Dual citizenship according to legal norms of Lithuania.
Legal norms of Lithuania specify the circumstances under which a Lithuanian citizen may hold Dual citizenship, being simultaneously a citizen of Lithuania and a foreign state:
If a person had acquired the citizenship of Lithuania at birth;
If a person was deported from Lithuania or is a descendant of a deportee;
If a person left Lithuania prior to 11 March 1990 or is a descendant of such a person;
In case of child adoption;
If a person had acquired the citizenship of another state automatically on registering a marriage with a citizen of another state.
The Migration Department shall examine the submitted documents on acquisition of the citizenship of another state by a person and transfer them to the Minister of Interior no later than within 3 months from the date of their submission.
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.