Русский
English
The authorities issue Lietuvos Respublikos piliečio pasas to citizens born on the territory of the Baltic country and immigrants for various reasons. It grants rights, obligations and freedoms approved at the legislative level. A passport opens up a range of opportunities for business development, study, and travel without borders. Thanks to the efforts of diplomats, it serves as a pass to 164 visa-free countries. In another 31 states, Lithuanians are granted electronic entry visas.
The identity document is made in a red-maroon cover with a coat of arms in the middle. Information is laser-engraved on the first pages in Lithuanian, French, and English. The photo page has a built-in RFID memory chip for reading personal data. Biometric passports for citizens aged 16+ are issued for a decade. Parents of children from 5 to 16 years old are required to extend the validity period every 5 years.
How to get a Lithuanian passport
The state in the north-east of Europe in 2024 is still considered attractive for relocation. According to statistics for January of this year, 88% of the 10 million population falls to immigrants from third countries. Civil status equalizes employees, businessmen and sole proprietors in basic rights and social benefits. They are issued to foreigners for various reasons, subject to compliance with legal requirements.
The heirs of the residents automatically become Lithuanians. Even if one parent had the status and he died, civil law is inherited.
The law also applies to children born in the Territory, including adopted ones.
Relocants can apply for a Lithuanian citizen's passport after a ten-year residence permit. During this time, candidates must live in the territory using residence permit and permanent residence cards, learn the language and the basic laws of the country.
People aged 65+ are exempt from taking the linguistic exam.
For residents of the post-Soviet space, this is an alternative way to become residents. Subject to confirmation of the roots, the authorities grant citizenship without renouncing the first one.
Ethnic Lithuanians who lost their passports before June 15, 1940 for various reasons have the right to obtain a passport of an EU country in a simplified mode. The law applies to people who were deported or forcibly left the Territory before June 1990, as well as their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Persons who have entered into unions with citizens of the country undergo naturalization in 7 years instead of 10. During this time, they manage to socialize, find a job and have children.
Those who have lived with residents in marriages for less than a year, remained single due to the death of their spouses, can request status after 5 years.
Expats who are ready to invest in the local economy receive priority right.
There is no sponsorship program in the country, but the legislation allows you to obtain permanent residences upon depositing funds into a business with the consent of the Ministry of Immigration.
They are less often assigned to persons for special merits.
The areas that have contributed to the increase of the country's international prestige are taken into account, for example, science, economics and others.
According to the legislative rules, future citizens are required to meet the eligibility criteria. Authorities require adult relocators:
- to live continuously in the territory for 10 years after permanent residence, with the exception of persons applying for the status of origin or repatriation;
- to comply with the visa policy of the country;
- not to have problems with the law in the past;
- to provide a health certificate.
The requirements for registration are determined by law. The process of submitting documents through the official MIGRIS website consists of sequential steps.
- Application submission. After registering the account, the applicant chooses the time to visit the Department of Immigration Department. Within 4 months, he must personally bring a folder with official papers for approval.
- Consideration of the case. The request for status is approved by the Citizenship Affairs Commission and sent to the head of state for signature. The candidate is notified in writing of a positive decision and invited to sign up for the passport presentation ceremony.
- Taking the oath. The applicant submits an application to MIGRIS for the oath, downloads an electronic folder with the original documents. Within 3 months, an invitation to the diplomatic mission for an oath is sent by mail. The applicant signs the sworn list and becomes a full member of the European society.
The Law on Citizenship
The Government's work with immigrants is guided by the Law of the Republic of Lithuania, approved in 2010. It lists the main provisions that give the right to apply for the status, as well as the procedure for registration. In 2022, the Seimas of the Republic adopted amendments to Articles XI-1196 concerning the restoration of lost rights, which was revised this year. In May, a referendum was held to expand the grounds for granting dual citizenship. The request was supported by 73.9% of the Seimas participants, but there were not enough votes.
Passport documents
The contents of the dossier depend on the reason for the move. The papers are translated into Lithuanian and notarized:
- passport and permanent residence card;
- address certificate;
- documents on marriage / divorce, change of surnames if necessary;
- proof of criminal record;
- metrics for children;
- diplomas/ certificates;
- application for renunciation of first citizenship;
- bank statement on regular financial income;
- medical insurance;
- linguistic certificate.
The authorities may also require documents to prove blood relationship with the ancestors, other certificates at their discretion. Minor children undergo the procedure together with their parents, but are not required to take language and law proficiency tests or take an oath.
How much does a Lithuanian passport cost?
You can find out which countries are allowed to enter without a visa and what tariffs are set for 2024 on the official website. The cost of state duties depends on the immigration basis and amounts to 53-71 €. To this amount, you need to add the costs of translations and legalization of documents from 10 € per page. The price of obtaining the status of investors is several times higher due to the need to contribute 20-30 million € to the business, depending on the region.
The cost of a passport is 44 €. In case of urgent registration in 5 days, the price increases to 57 €. The emergency issuance of a document in 24 hours costs 190 €. It is better to entrust the registration to a migration lawyer who knows the country's visa laws and requirements.
By submitting this form, you accept our privacy policy and agree that your personal information will be kept secure and not shared with third parties.