Since January 1, 2017, Lithuanian civil registry offices no longer issue civil status certificates. Instead, extracts certifying civil status record entries, as prescribed by the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania, are issued. These extracts can be requested:

• Immediately after a civil status act is registered (e.g., after a child’s birth);
• At any later time through a Civil Registry Office, consular office, or the State Enterprise Center of Registers.

Civil Registry Office Archives: Whose Records Are Stored?

The archives of the Civil Registry Office store birth records for individuals born after 1940.

Who Can Access Civil Registry Office Archives?

• Individuals aged 16 and older can request their own extract.
• For younger individuals, their parents or legal guardians can apply.

Do You Need to Submit an Application?

Yes, to obtain an extract, you must submit an application including the following details:

• Person’s first name(s);
• Person’s last name(s);
• Date of birth or at least the year of birth;
• Place of birth.

Obtaining Birth Certificate Extracts for Relatives

If you need a birth certificate extract for relatives such as parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, spouse, or others, it can only be issued with the consent of the individual or in the event of their death. In such cases, the following additional documents are required:

• The individual’s consent or their death certificate;
• Documents proving the family relationship (e.g., birth certificate(s), marriage certificate).

Records of Individuals Born Before 1940

The search for birth records of individuals born before 1940 is conducted at the Lithuanian State Historical Archives, located at Mindaugo g. 8, Vilnius. These archives hold the metric books of all religious communities and churches.

While the archives contain records dating back to the 16th century, not all documents have survived. The Catholic Church has the most comprehensive collection of preserved records, while records from Orthodox, Old Believers, Lutheran, Reformed Evangelical, Muslim, and Karaite communities are less extensive.

If you are submitting a request to search for birth records of individuals born before 1940, you must provide the following information:

• First name(s);
• Last name(s);
• Date of birth or at least the year of birth;
• Place of birth;
• Father’s first and last name;
• Mother’s maiden name (first and last name before marriage);
• Religious community or denomination (if known).

How Long Does the Search Take at the Lithuanian State Historical Archives?

You can choose how quickly the search will be conducted:

• Standard processing takes approximately one month;
• Faster processing takes about 10 business days;
• The fastest option completes in approximately 5 business days.

Is a Birth Certificate Search in Lithuanian Archives Important for Acquiring Lithuanian Citizenship?

Yes, a birth certificate is a crucial document for both restoring and acquiring Lithuanian citizenship, as it serves as direct evidence of kinship ties. To learn more about the requirements and procedures for obtaining Lithuanian citizenship, we invite you to visit our Lithuanian Citizenship section.

Can My or My Ancestors’ Birth Certificate Be Ordered in Lithuania and Sent to My Address?

Yes, on the basis of legal representation, the Migration Law Center lawyers can order your or your ancestors’ birth certificate. If needed, the document can also be sent to your specified address. Additionally, the document can be translated, certified with an Apostille or legalized, if required.

For more information about the birth certificate search process or to request legal assistance with obtaining a birth certificate, please contact us:

• Email: info@migration.lt
• Phone: +37068563053

MIGRATION LAW CENTER