What Is a Certificate for the Right to Reinstate Lithuanian Citizenship?

A certificate certifying a right for reinstatement the citizenship of Lithuania is a document certifying the facts usable as a base for reinstatement of citizenship of Lithuania and provides a right for reinstatement of the citizenship of Lithuania to the person. This certificate facilitates the process of reinstatement of citizenship of Lithuania and is issued for an unlimited period, so its bearer may apply for reinstatement of citizenship of Lithuania and use the document at any time.

Who Is Eligible for the Certificate?

A certificate certifying a right for reinstatement the citizenship of Lithuania may be issued to a person that is entitled to apply for reinstatement the citizenship of Lithuania according to legal norms of Lithuania and shall be a base for such reinstatement. For reinstatement of the citizenship of Lithuania, may apply persons:

• who were citizens of Lithuania before 15 June 1940; or
• descendents of such persons, i.e. to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of persons who were citizens of Lithuania prior to 15 June 1940.

Documents Required to Prove Lithuanian Citizenship Before 1940

To prove Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, one or more of the following documents must be submitted:

1. Lithuanian passports issued before 15 June 1940;
2. Documents certifying military service of the person in Lithuanian army or civil service in Lithuania;
3. Certificates of Birth or other documents where the citizenship is specified;
4. Any certificates issued in Lithuania before 15 June 1940 or certificates issued on the base of documents issued before 15 June 1940.

If the above-listed documents are absent, documents on education, employment or living in Lithuania issued before 15 June 1940 shall be provided.

How to Apply for the Certificate?

Before applying for the certificate, applicants must:

• Gather the necessary documents.
• Request missing records from Lithuanian archives or other institutions.
• Translate any non-Lithuanian documents into Lithuanian.
• Notarize copies of documents.
• Legalize or Apostille documents issued in foreign countries (unless exempted by Lithuanian law or EU regulations).

Where to Submit the Application?

The application and required documents may be submitted to:

• a diplomatic mission or a consular institution in a foreign state
• the Migration Department in Lithuania

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants must provide:

1. The application;
2. A valid passport;
3. The documents certifying that the person was a citizen of Lithuania before 15 June 1940; or
4. The documents certifying that the person is a descendant of a person who was a citizen of Lithuania before 15 June 1940;
5. The documents certifying the family relationships;
6. A document evidencing the change of name or surname where such personal data have been changed;
7. 2 photos of the person (40 x 60 mm).

Legalization and Translation of Documents: What You Need to Know

Documents issued in foreign countries must be:

• Translated into Lithuanian
• Legally certified (Apostille or legalization)
• Properly notarized copies submitted

Do I have to submit documents in person?

The person submits the application to issue the Certificate for the Right to Reinstate Lithuanian Citizenship in person. The application is not accepted through a representative. However, parents, as representatives, may submit the application on behalf of their minor child.

Processing Time

The Migration Department shall pass a decision on issue a certificate certifying a right of the person for reinstatement the citizenship of Lithuania within 6 months from the date of reception of the documents by the Migration Department.

Certificate Collection

Once issued, the applicant may take the certificate certifying a right of the person for reinstatement the citizenship of Lithuania at:

• the diplomatic mission or the consular institution of the foreign state
• the Migration Department in Lithuania.

Benefits of Having a Certificate for the Right to Reinstate Lithuanian Citizenship

• No expiration date – it remains valid indefinitely
• Easier and faster citizenship or residence permit application
• Official recognition of Lithuanian ancestry
• A Basis for the Issuance of a Free Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

Can I get free legal advice on Certificate for the Right to Reinstate Lithuanian Citizenship?

Yes, to learn more about Certificate for the Right to Reinstate Lithuanian Citizenship, the process of preparing and submitting documents to competent state institutions, or to order legal assistance, please contact us:

• Email: info@migration.lt 

• Phone: +37068563053

If you have any questions regarding Lithuanian citizenship or should you require more information or help, please contact us by e-mail: info@migration.lt or phone: + 370 6 1861886. We will gladly help you.