Get Your Lithuania Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Descent : You may be eligible for Lithuanian citizenship if your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was a Lithuanian citizen before 1940 and left the country due to occupation, war, or persecution. In this case, dual citizenship is allowed.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners can apply after 10 years of legal residence, passing a Lithuanian language and constitutional exam, and renouncing prior citizenship (unless exempt).
- By Marriage: Being married to a Lithuanian citizen does not grant automatic citizenship, but may ease residency requirements for naturalization.
- Dual Citizenship Restrictions: Lithuania only allows dual citizenship in limited cases — mainly for those claiming it by descent from ancestors who left before 1990 under specific conditions. Most naturalized citizens must renounce their previous nationality.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your eligibility path: descent or naturalization.
- Apply through the Migration Department or a Lithuanian consulate abroad.
- Provide documentation proving ancestry or meet residency/naturalization requirements.
- Complete the Lithuanian language and civics exam (for naturalization).
- Renounce previous citizenship if required, and receive your citizenship certificate.
Benefits of Lithuanian Citizenship
- Live and work throughout the European Union
- Reclaim family heritage and pass citizenship to future generations
- Dual citizenship allowed in special descent-based cases
- Access to public healthcare, education, and social services
- Travel visa-free to over 180 countries
Frequently asked questions.
Does Lithuania allow dual citizenship?
Only in limited cases. Dual citizenship is permitted for those who reclaim it through descent under specific historical conditions. Most naturalization applicants must renounce their prior citizenship.
Can I get Lithuanian citizenship through my grandparents?
Yes. If your ancestor was a Lithuanian citizen before 1940 and left the country due to occupation or persecution, you may be eligible — and can retain your current citizenship.
Can I apply for citizenship through marriage?
No direct citizenship path exists through marriage alone. However, it may shorten the residence requirement for naturalization if you live in Lithuania with your spouse.
Does Lithuania recognize same-sex marriage for citizenship?
No. Lithuania does not legally recognize same-sex marriage, so same-sex partners are not eligible for marriage-based citizenship routes.
Will I owe taxes in both countries?
Lithuania taxes residents on worldwide income. Non-residents are only taxed on Lithuanian-source income. Tax treaties may help avoid double taxation. Speak with a tax advisor if you hold or plan to renounce another citizenship.