Certificate confirming the Lithuanian descent and its issuance procedure

Since 1 January 1 2013, Migration Department of Lithuania issues certificates confirming the Lithuanian descent which replace the previously issued certificates confirming retention of the right to the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania.

Lithuanian Descent Certificate: Your First Step Toward Citizenship

A person of the Lithuanian descent has the right to submit an application for a certificate confirming his/her descent, which enables him/her to obtain citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania in the future. 

To learn more about the requirements and procedures for obtaining Certificate of Lithuanian Descent, we invite you to visit our Certificate of Lithuanian Descent section. 

Eligibility for the Lithuanian Descent Certificate

This certificate is issued to a person whose parents or grandparents or one of the parents or grandparents is or was Lithuanian.

Applying for a Lithuanian Descent Certificate: Required Documents & Process

The person, along with the application, must submit documents evidencing such facts, documents certifying a kinship relationship. In addition, the person must declare that he/she considers himself/herself a Lithuanian by a written statement. Copies of the documents must be approved by a notary. The documents issued by foreign bodies must be legalized or confirmed by a note (Apostille), unless international treaties of the Republic of Lithuania and legislative acts of the European Union provide otherwise, and translated into Lithuanian language.

Where to Submit Your Application?

A person shall submit the documents for issue a certificate of Lithuanian descent to:

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

Do I have to submit documents in person?

The person submits the application to issue the certificate confirming the Lithuanian descent in person. The application is not accepted through a representative. However, parents, as representatives, may submit the application on behalf of their minor child.

Where to Collect the Lithuanian Descent Certificate?

The Lithuanian Descent Certificate is issued by the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. Depending on where you submitted your application, you can collect the certificate at the following locations:

• at the Lithuanian diplomatic mission or consular office
• at the Migration Department

Validity of the Certificate of Lithuanian Descent

This certificate has no expiry date – it shall be issued for an unlimited period of time.

Processing Time for a Certificate of Lithuanian Descent

The application to issue the certificate confirming the Lithuanian descent is considered within a maximum period of 6 months from the date of submission of the application in the Migration Department, and in case of replacing the certificate – not later than within 1 month.

Benefits of Having a Certificate of Lithuanian Descent

• 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

The Role of the Certificate in Lithuanian Citizenship Acquisition

This certificate facilitates the acquisition of citizenship under the simplified procedure, as it is not anymore required to prove the kinship relationship with the person who held Lithuanian origin.

Lithuanian Descent Certificate and Lithuanian Citizenship: What You Need to Know

In order to obtain the citizenship under the simplified procedure on the basis of this certificate, a general procedure for renouncing a foreign state citizenship is applied. Individuals must renounce their foreign state citizenship. A person who has been granted the Lithuanian citizenship must swear an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Lithuania.

Can I get free legal advice on Certificate of Lithuanian Descent?

Yes, to learn more about Certificate of Lithuanian Descent, 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

MIGRATION LAW CENTER 

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.