Citizenship of Lithuania

Lithuania (LR), with its rich history and cultural heritage, attracts the attention of international entrepreneurs, families and professionals. It offers unique advantages to migrants, including free access to the EU, high-quality medical and educational services, as well as participation in elections. In addition, the republic provides competitive tax rates, which significantly facilitates doing business in the international arena.

Everyone who aspires to become a part of the Republic of Latvia will need to go through a number of stages, starting with registration and ending with integration into society, understanding local laws. In most States, the procedure is often subject to restrictions until certain procedures are completed. In Lithuania, the relocant receives equal access to social services from the moment of submitting documents, which makes the process more democratic.

Ways to obtain citizenship

The programs are flexible and diverse, which makes the process of obtaining Lithuanian citizenship in 2024 accessible to many. All these conditions apply only to adults who do not have legal problems. If the state audit reveals violations of the law in the past, the applicant for citizenship will be refused.

By birth

Children whose parents have the appropriate passport automatically become Lithuanians, regardless of where they were born. Even if the guardian died before the birth of the child, the newborn can inherit the status.

Children found on the territory, according to the law, receive the appropriate status automatically. The only requirement is that there are no other options for acquiring a different legal status. An adopted child will become a citizen from the moment when this is confirmed by a court decision.

By naturalization

The relocant is obliged to legally live in the republic for 10 years before filing, have a permanent income, speak the language and know the provisions of the Constitution, which is confirmed by tests. The method implies the consistent acquisition of temporary and permanent resident status.

The first residence permit is issued on the basis of work, business, study or family reunification, with subsequent extension subject to the original conditions. A reasonable stay confirms successful naturalization and opens the way to a passport.

By marriage

Anyone who has entered into an official marriage with a Lithuanian must also undergo naturalization. In this case, standard requirements apply, including passing integration tests, permanent residency, etc.

At the same time, the procedure is somewhat simplified

You can apply after 7 years of stay instead of 10 years, as in the general procedure, and without having to confirm your income. Anyone who has lived with their spouse for at least a year, but has lost it, will be able to apply after 5 years of stay.

For special achievements

In accordance with article 20 of the law, residents who have made a significant contribution to the development of the economy and have increased international prestige through outstanding achievements in science, culture, sports or other fields can obtain a passport.

People from this category are exempt from the need to obtain a residence permit and permanent residence. However, knowledge of the state language remains a prerequisite. According to the legislation, the status is granted exclusively at the suggestion of government members and is not transferred to children, spouses or other family members.

Advantages of Lithuanian citizenship

LR has been attracting Slavs for many years, starting from the period of the Soviet Union. It is associated with stability and a high standard of living, provides many opportunities, including:

• free stay in 28 countries of the European Union; 
• opening accounts in European banks allows you to effectively store funds and issue loans at low rates;
• registration of a company on the European market on simplified terms and use of tax benefits; 
• the right to employment in EU and EFTA countries with high wages;
• study in European educational institutions; 
• visa-free travel for more than in 150 countries of the world, including Japan and the USA;
• access to a free healthcare system in Europe;
• people born to residents of the Republic of Latvia automatically gain access to all its benefits from birth.

Dual citizenship

It is not recognized in this republic. This term means that a person has 2 passports, legalized in both countries. In such a situation, the person is a bipatride.

Immigrants must officially renounce their former citizenship. Nevertheless, there are certain exceptions to this rule. These include:

• acquisition of status after marriage or marriage; 
• the child is adopted by a Lithuanian; 
• the applicant is a refugee; 
• the status is granted for merit. 

Persons who left the Republic of Latvia before March 11, 1990, as well as their descendants who returned to their homeland under the restoration program, are not required to give up their previous passport.

Holders of two passports are advised to use the document of the country they are leaving or entering, and when traveling internationally, choose it depending on the benefits provided.

Citizenship by Investment Program

It will not be possible to obtain status through investments. The legislation does not provide a way to purchase a Lithuanian passport for investments in the economy. Even when legalizing their stay, entrepreneurs will need to go through a standard process.

It is worth mentioning that through investments, you can get a residence permit, which is issued when you invest at least 26,000 € in a local company. The main requirements include:

• approved business plan; 
• creation of three jobs for permanent residents; 
• successful operation of the business; 
• payment of all taxes within six months.

Recent reforms of the citizenship program

On January 28, 2022, an updated version of the amendment to the law on citizenship began to take effect, providing clarified provisions. In particular, now persons whose ancestors were naturalized in foreign countries before 1940 will be able to apply for dual citizenship. This amendment makes it easier to restore rights to those who have previously faced obstacles.

Previously, the current rules required applicants to confirm the active actions of their ancestors to preserve their nationality before June 15, 1940. However, according to the new regulations, any person and his descendants have the right to restoration.

It is also worth considering that in 2023 the authorities decided to suspend the acceptance of applications from Belarus

The Seimas approved a package of restrictive measures. A temporary ban on the purchase of real estate was also introduced, in addition to those cases where there is a residence permit. In addition, the acceptance of applications for visas, including national ones, is suspended. The only exception is when the papers are submitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The issuance of a residence permit has also been stopped for Belarusians, with the exception of those who have a valid Schengen or national visa. The ban is temporary, and information on entry into the territory of the Republic of Latvia should be clarified with migration specialists.

Step-by-step process

This procedure consists of the following steps:

Foreigners need a type D visa to immigrate. This permit is issued for a period of up to 12 months to those who intend to study, work, engage in professional activities or stay on the territory for other reasons requiring a long stay. It is extended if the applicant has a valid reason, if the application for an extension is submitted before the expiration date.

For children under 14 years of age, automatic citizenship is provided for when it is issued by at least one of the parents. Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 must express their personal consent. Children undergo the procedure in parallel with their parents, but are exempt from the mandatory language test and taking the oath.

Collecting documents and submitting an application

The Commission analyzes the submitted materials and sends its opinion to the President for a final verdict. Verification of their authenticity is mandatory. Notification of the decision is sent to the applicants in writing through the issuance of a special decree.

After approval of the request, an oath should be taken no later than within the next six months. The ceremony takes place at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at a diplomatic mission or, in special cases, at a medical institution or at the applicant's home. In a solemn atmosphere, a person pronounces the appropriate text, putting his hand on the Constitution, after which he signs the sworn list.

List of documents

You will need to prepare and provide a set of documents that require translation into Lithuanian or English, followed by notarization or authentication in another way that complies with the law. Required package:

• completed application form;
• valid passport;
• residence permit;
• confirmation of continuous stay in the Republic of Latvia for at least 5-10 years;
• proof that there are financial means for living;
• certificates of passing citizenship exams;
• marriage certificate, if necessary;
• statement of readiness to renounce current citizenship;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• receipt for payment of state duties in the amount of 51 €.

Cost

It is necessary to take into account the additional costs of transferring and legalizing securities, the price of which varies from 10 to 15 € for each. As for the cost of issuing identity documents, it varies depending on the urgency of production. The price for an ID card ranges from 8 to 31 €.

It is important to keep in mind that these figures change periodically, so it is recommended to check the information on official resources beforehand.

All issues are dealt with in the diplomatic institutions of the country concerned. You can also use the services of intermediaries.

Consideration and decision

The terms of consideration vary. As a rule, the decision is made within a period of up to 6 months. In some cases, depending on the complexity of the case, it may be extended. For example, if an additional criminal background check is required. The official authorities dealing with these issues strive to make the procedure as transparent as possible.

The main institution responsible for the review is the Department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Applications are submitted online or in person at the offices. It is possible to receive consultations and clarifications at each stage. If the decision is negative, the applicant has the right to appeal. It is important to take into account that for this it is necessary to provide new evidence or eliminate the shortcomings indicated in the refusal.

Disadvantages of Lithuanian citizenship

There are disadvantages, including:

• the economic level is lower than in other Eurozone countries; 
• there is a slow decline in the use of the Russian language; 
• a rather long and complicated procedure requiring compliance with certain rules; 
• the need to renounce first citizenship; 
• the absence of a program based on investments in real estate or manufacturing.

Lithuanian citizenship is not just a status, but a deeply rooted connection with the history, culture and traditions of this country. It opens the door to a variety of opportunities – from education to employment in the countries of the European Union.