Nationality of Lithuania: all obtaining pathways
Lithuania requires ten years of residence with a permanent permit for ordinary naturalization; marriage to a Lithuanian citizen reduces the period to seven years. Former citizens and their descendants have a restoration procedure with no residence requirement, and descent is transmitted automatically by filiation.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Legal permanent residence in Lithuania for at least 10 years
- Minimum age of 18
- Command of the Lithuanian language at a sufficient level
- Knowledge of the Lithuanian Constitution
- Lawful source of income
- No serious criminal record
- Citizenship exam (Constitution, history, national anthem)
- Obligation to renounce the previous nationality (except for refugees and stateless persons)
Documentation
- Lithuanian citizenship application
- Passport and permanent residence permit
- Criminal record certificates from Lithuania and the country of origin
- Lithuanian proficiency certificate
- Constitution and history exam certificate
- Proof of lawful income
- Legalized birth and marriage certificates
- Declaration renouncing the previous nationality
2Naturalization through marriage
Naturalization through marriage
Requirements
- Having LIVED WITH THE LITHUANIAN SPOUSE in Lithuania for at least 7 YEARS
- Permanent residence + Lithuanian language + Constitution examination
- Being stateless or renouncing the current citizenship (no dual)
- WIDOW/ER of the Lithuanian spouse: 1 year of cohabitation + 5 years’ residence in Lithuania suffices
- Remaining general requirements (means, no grave crimes, oath)
- Application via MIGRIS; Citizenship Affairs Commission decides within 9 months
Documentation
- Lithuanian citizenship application
- Marriage certificate (at least 7 years)
- Permanent residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Lithuanian proficiency certificate
- Constitution exam certificate
- Birth certificate
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Lithuanian citizen at the time of birth
- The child acquires Lithuanian citizenship automatically regardless of place of birth
- Those born abroad must be registered at the Lithuanian consulate
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the child
- Birth certificate of the Lithuanian father/mother
- Lithuanian passport of the father/mother
- Consular registration application (if born abroad)
4Restoration of Lithuanian citizenship
Restoration of Lithuanian citizenship
Requirements
- People who were Lithuanian citizens before 15 June 1940 and their descendants
- Residence in Lithuania is not required
- Dual nationality is allowed (except for those who acquired another citizenship by naturalization after independence)
- No exam of language or Constitution is demanded
Documentation
- Citizenship restoration application
- Birth certificate of the applicant or of the ancestor who was a Lithuanian citizen before 1940
- Historical documentation proving the previous Lithuanian citizenship
- Current passport
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Lithuania
How many years of residence does Lithuania require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Lithuania (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years (with permanent residency). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Lithuania allow dual nationality?
Obligation to renounce the previous nationality (except for refugees and stateless persons)
Can the nationality of Lithuania be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage pathway (7 years living together in Lithuania with the spouse (official portal; Citizenship Law XI-4280)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Lithuania require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Lithuanian citizenship application; Passport and permanent residence permit; Criminal record certificates from Lithuania and the country of origin; Lithuanian proficiency certificate; Constitution and history exam certificate; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Lithuania?
Lithuania provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage, Citizenship by descent, Restoration of Lithuanian citizenship.
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