CITIZENSHIP OF LITHUANIA
Today, the Republic of Lithuania is a member of the European Union, a member of NATO, and since 2015 the country has joined the euro zone. The population is about 2.7 million people, the official language is Lithuanian, nevertheless a significant part of local residents speak Russian. Obtaining Lithuanian citizenship is a good opportunity to immigrate to Europe and build a promising future.
Lithuania is washed by the Baltic Sea and borders Latvia, Russia, Belarus and Poland. In recent years, the Lithuanian economy has been developing quite dynamically, with GDP showing stable growth. Moreover, both large industrial enterprises and companies of the agricultural sector operate in the country. Also in the formation of the budget not the last place is occupied by the resort industry. Further, let's talk about how to get citizenship of Lithuania and what conditions are provided for foreigners.
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How to obtain Lithuanian citizenship
Obtaining a Lithuanian passport is not the fastest procedure compared to other European countries. For example, the naturalization process requires permanent residence in Lithuania for at least 10 years. However, there are options to significantly reduce this period. In general, there have been many amendments to the local law "On Citizenship" in recent years. Let us highlight the current ways of obtaining Lithuanian citizenship in 2024.
Options and requirements for Lithuanian citizenship registration
Lithuanian citizenship by naturalization. The main conditions.
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Permanent residence in Lithuania for at least 10 years.
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Passing an examination for proficiency in the Lithuanian language and knowledge of the basic provisions of the Constitution of the country. This point does not apply to persons over 65 years of age or in case of serious mental illness.
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Availability of a legal source of income.
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Willingness to renounce citizenship of another country.
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A Lithuanian passport is not granted to aliens who have committed serious crimes or acts threatening the security of Lithuania.
The decision to issue Lithuanian citizenship is made by a decree of the president of the country, and the passport itself is awarded after taking a solemn oath of allegiance to the Republic of Lithuania. The application process may take more than 6 months.
Documents for obtaining Lithuanian citizenship by naturalization
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Application for Lithuanian citizenship.
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A foreign passport or other document confirming the identity of the alien.
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Official confirmation that the candidate is legally staying on the Lithuanian territory and has been residing in Lithuania for the last 10 years.
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Certificate of absence of a criminal record for serious crimes from the country of previous residence.
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A document proving the existence of legal income, e.g. registration of own business or a certificate of employment in Lithuania.
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A document proving that the applicant has passed the examination on the knowledge of the state language and the basics of the Lithuanian Constitution.
The period of permanent residence in Lithuania to obtain citizenship by naturalization in case of marriage to a Lithuanian passport holder is reduced to 7 years.
Lithuanian citizenship by birth
Any child, regardless of the place of birth, provided the parents are Lithuanians, automatically acquires Lithuanian citizenship. This rule also applies to adoption. Children born on Lithuanian territory are also entitled to a Lithuanian passport if the citizenship of the parents has not been established, but who permanently reside in Lithuania. A child found on the territory of Lithuania, if nothing is known about the parents, is also entitled to Lithuanian citizenship.
In addition to the above options, a Lithuanian passport may be issued to a foreigner for special merits, such as outstanding athletes or scientists, as well as under the restoration procedure, i.e. to persons or their descendants who had Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940.
Benefits of Lithuanian citizenship
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Unimpeded movement within the territory of Schengen countries and many other developed countries of the world.
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Simplified employment in Europe and free conduct of business in Lithuania.
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Access to study in one of the prestigious European or Lithuanian universities.
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Quality medicine and high social standards.
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If certain conditions are met, dual citizenship is allowed in Lithuania.
Dual citizenship in Lithuania
Lithuanian citizens may hold a passport of another state only in special cases. For example, this applies to refugees, Lithuanians married to a foreigner, as well as persons or their descendants who left Lithuania before March 11, 1990.
