Dual Citizen Club
Countries/Lithuania/Citizenship by Descent

Lithuania Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide 2025

Claim Lithuania citizenship through your Lithuania ancestors going back up to 3 generations. Get EU citizenship with access to 27 European countries.

85%
Success Rate
4-6 months
Typical Process Time
€300-1,000
Total Cost

What is Lithuania Citizenship by Descent?

Lithuania citizenship by descent allows individuals with Lithuania heritage to claim citizenship through their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. This pathway recognizes the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), allowing those with Lithuania ancestry to reclaim their heritage and gain EU citizenship.

Key Benefits of Lithuania Citizenship

  • EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any of 27 EU countries
  • Strong Passport: Visa-free travel to 183 destinations
  • No Residency Requirement: Can obtain without living in Lithuania
  • 3-Generation Eligibility: Up to 3 generations back

Lithuania Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown

$700
Minimum (DIY)
$700 - $1,300
Typical Range
$3,300
Maximum (Full Service)

Detailed Cost Breakdown:

Government Application Fee
Required

Official Lithuania nationality application fee

Standard fee for citizenship by descent applications

$300 - $0
Document Collection
Required

Birth, marriage, and death certificates from various registries

Lithuania civil registry documents and international certificates

$100 - $400
Document Translations
Required

Certified translations of non-Lithuanian documents

All foreign documents must be translated by certified translators

$150 - $500
Apostille Authentication
Required

Apostille stamps for international document authentication

Required for all foreign documents

$50 - $200
Lithuanian Language Test
Required

B1 level proficiency test

B1 level required for citizenship

$100 - $200
Legal Consultation
Optional

Immigration lawyer assistance with application

Recommended for complex cases

$500 - $2,000

Important Cost Considerations:

  • Lithuania allows up to 3 generations for citizenship by descent
  • Processing times typically 4-6 months
  • Must demonstrate B1 level Lithuanian proficiency
  • Dual citizenship generally not allowed - check exceptions
  • All foreign documents need apostille and certified translation
  • Success rate approximately 85% for complete applications

💡 Money-Saving Tips:

  • Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
  • Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
  • Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
  • Research your family tree yourself before hiring genealogists
Check Your Eligibility Now

Lithuania Citizenship by Descent Requirements

You Qualify If:

  • You have a Lithuania parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent
  • Your Lithuania ancestor retained their citizenship
  • You can prove the family lineage with official documents
  • You can demonstrate B1 level Lithuanian proficiency
  • You have no serious criminal convictions

You Don't Qualify If:

  • Your Lithuania ancestor formally renounced their citizenship
  • You cannot obtain the required official documentation
  • Your Lithuania ancestor is more than 3 generations back
  • You have serious criminal convictions

Lithuania Citizenship by Descent Process: Step-by-Step

1

Verify Lithuania Ancestry

Confirm you have Lithuania parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who retained citizenship

Time: 2-4 weeks
Cost: €0
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: Lithuania allows up to 3 generations for citizenship by descent

2

Collect Required Documents

Gather all birth, marriage, and death certificates proving Lithuania lineage

Time: 2-6 months
Cost: €300
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: Documents must be apostilled and translated

3

Lithuanian Language Test

Take B1 Lithuanian language test

Time: 1-3 months
Cost: €150
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: B1 level required

4

Submit Citizenship Application

Apply at Lithuania consulate or in Vilnius

Time: 1-2 weeks
Cost: €250
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: Can apply at consulate abroad or directly in country

5

Application Review and Processing

Lithuania authorities review application and verify documents

Time: 4-6 months
Cost: €0
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: Processing times vary based on complexity and current demand

6

Receive Citizenship Certificate

Receive official Lithuania nationality certificate

Time: 2-4 weeks
Cost: €0
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: Certificate proves citizenship and allows passport application

7

Apply for Lithuania Passport

Use citizenship certificate to obtain passport

Time: 4-6 weeks
Cost: €100
3 documents needed

💡 Tip: Provides full EU travel and residence rights

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I trace Lithuania ancestry for citizenship?

Lithuania allows citizenship by descent for up to 3 generations: parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Do I need to speak Lithuanian to get Lithuania citizenship by descent?

Yes, you need to demonstrate B1 level Lithuanian proficiency. This requirement shows your connection to the Lithuania community.

How much does Lithuania citizenship by descent cost?

Total costs typically range from €300-1,000, including application fees, document costs, translations, and apostilles.

How long does the Lithuania citizenship process take?

The process typically takes 4-6 months from application submission to citizenship approval. Processing times vary based on case complexity and current demand.

Can I keep my original citizenship when becoming Lithuanian?

Lithuania generally does not allow dual citizenship, so you may need to renounce your original nationality. There are some exceptions (such as for those who left Lithuania due to Soviet occupation), so consult with a specialist.