Unlock your heritage, secure EU citizenship, and open doors for generations to come

For millions of families worldwide, Lithuania is more than just a country on a map — it’s the land of their ancestors, the place where stories began before history forced migration. Whether through war, exile, or the pursuit of a better life abroad, countless Lithuanians left between 1918 and 1990, scattering descendants across the globe.

Today, Lithuania offers something extraordinary: the chance to reclaim citizenship by descent and with it, reconnect to your heritage while securing the rights and privileges of an EU passport. For many, it’s not just about a travel document — it’s about legacy, belonging, and building a bridge between past and future.

Lithuanian law recognizes that citizenship is tied not only to territory, but also to blood. This principle, known as jus sanguinis (“right of blood”), allows descendants to reclaim what was once theirs.

Core Eligibility

You may qualify if you can prove that:

• At least one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents was a citizen of Lithuania between 1918 and 1940 (the period before Soviet occupation).
• Your ancestor left Lithuania before March 11, 1990 (the date Lithuania restored independence).

Generational Reach

Unlike some countries that impose strict limits, Lithuania allows applications through parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents — meaning even third-generation descendants can reclaim citizenship if documentation exists.

Dual Citizenship Rules

Lithuania normally restricts dual citizenship, but special exceptions apply for descendants of those who left due to:

• War or occupation,
• Persecution or forced exile,
• Deportation during Soviet times.

If your family emigrated voluntarily to Soviet-controlled countries, dual citizenship may not be allowed. In most other exile-related cases, however, you can hold both Lithuanian and your current nationality.

1. Direct Descent
   • If one or both of your parents were Lithuanian citizens, you may already be eligible by birthright.
2. Grandparent or Great-Grandparent Citizenship
   • If your ancestor held Lithuanian citizenship between 1918 and 1940, you can apply with supporting documentation.
3. Exile and Forced Migration
   • Families displaced during WWII, deported under Soviet rule, or who emigrated due to persecution may qualify under the special exceptions.
4. Archival Reconstruction
   • If your family lacks direct proof, you may still qualify by working with Lithuanian archives to retrieve pre-1940 records.

As with any citizenship-by-descent application, documentation is everything. Lithuania’s Migration Department will require clear evidence of both lineage and citizenship.

Core Documents

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates: For you, your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, showing the chain of descent.
• Proof of Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940: passports, government-issued IDs, or military records.
• Proof of departure before March 11, 1990: refugee camp papers, foreign naturalization certificates, old foreign passports, or deportation records.

Supporting Evidence

• Church or parish records.
• School or employment certificates.
• Property ownership or tax documents.
• Court records or name-change certificates.

Formalities

• Translations: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Lithuanian.
• Apostilles: All non-Lithuanian documents (e.g., U.S. birth/marriage certificates) must be apostilled or legalized.
• Originals or notarized copies: Only certified originals or notarized copies are accepted.

Applying for Lithuanian citizenship by descent requires both preparation and patience. Here’s how the journey typically unfolds:

1. Gather Documentation
   • Collect your family’s vital records and identify missing documents. This often involves contacting archives in Lithuania or abroad.
2. Translate and Apostille
   • All foreign documents must be translated into Lithuanian and legalized with Apostille certification.
3. Submit Through MIGRIS
   • Applications are submitted via the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS).
4. Preliminary Review
   • The Migration Department will assess your uploaded documents. If approved, you’ll be instructed to appear at a consulate.
5. Consular Appointment
   • You must visit a Lithuanian Consulate to present the originals of your documents within four months of notification.
6. Migration Department Review
   • Officials verify eligibility and lineage. Processing can take between 6–12 months or longer for complex cases.
7. Approval & Government Decree
   • Upon approval, you receive a decree restoring your Lithuanian citizenship.
8. Passport Application
   • Once citizenship is confirmed, you can apply for a Lithuanian passport, either in-country or at a consulate abroad.

• Document collection & preparation: varies by family case (weeks to months).
• Application processing: typically 6–12 months.
• Complex archival cases: may extend to 18–24 months.

The earlier you begin, the better — since laws and requirements can evolve.

Becoming a Lithuanian citizen is more than acquiring a passport — it’s a gateway to opportunity.

• EU Citizenship: Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.
• Schengen Access: Visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries.
• Generational Legacy: Pass citizenship to your children and future generations.
• Cultural Reconnection: A chance to reclaim language, traditions, and heritage.
• Consular Protection: Support from Lithuanian embassies worldwide.
• Dual Citizenship: Allowed in most descent-based cases, so you don’t have to give up your current nationality.

The single greatest obstacle applicants face is not eligibility — it’s documentation. Missing records, improper translations, and uncertified documents can delay or even derail applications. That’s where Apostille-USA comes in.

We make the hardest step the easiest:

• Apostilles: Fast, professional certification of U.S. birth, marriage, and death certificates.
• Translations: Certified Lithuanian translations of all required records.
• Compliance: Ensuring every document meets strict Migration Department requirements.
• Speed: Standard turnaround in 10–15 business days.
• Transparency: Flat-rate pricing of $249 per document.

With Apostille-USA, you can move forward with confidence knowing your documents won’t hold you back from reclaiming your Lithuanian heritage.

Lithuanian citizenship by descent is more than a legal process — it’s an act of rediscovery. It restores a bond with your ancestors, opens doors across Europe, and secures a tangible legacy for generations to come.

While the requirements can be detailed, the path is clear: prove your lineage, prepare your documents, and submit your claim. The hardest part — ensuring your paperwork is properly legalized and translated — is where Apostille-USA takes over, letting you focus on the bigger picture: reconnecting with your roots.

Ready to reclaim your Lithuanian heritage? Start today with Apostille-USA and take the first step toward securing your future in Europe.

Your family’s future in Lithuania starts with the right paperwork. Apostille-USA is here to make sure nothing stands in your way.

👉 Order your apostille today:
🔗 https://apstl.us/ObG8kH

📅 Schedule a consultation:
🔗 https://apstl.us/MNnV

Lithuania is waiting. Let us help you take the first step home.