20 Jul Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent: A SA Guide

If you have a Lithuanian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, you might be eligible to apply for Lithuanian citizenship by descent. Restoring citizenship is a long-term goal for many individuals who are seeking a legal pathway to study, work, or reside in a country that forms part of the European Union (EU).

When you receive your Lithuanian passport, you will have full access to the entire EU, as you would be considered a national citizen. Lithuanian citizenship will grant you full social security, free education, freedom of movement and a base to live, work, buy property, and do business anywhere inside the EU.

Here is an SA guide with everything you need to know about restoring your Lithuanian citizenship:

Who is Eligible for Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent?

The eligibility criteria for Lithuanian citizenship by descent require you to be a descendant of a Lithuanian national (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) who left the country between 1918 and 1990.

Additionally, your ancestor needs to be naturalised in another country only after 1940 or not naturalised at all.

Your right to Lithuanian citizenship depends solely on the citizenship status held by your ancestors. It is, however, worth noting that if your ancestor voluntarily left for another country within the Soviet Union, you might only be eligible for single citizenship. This limitation is not applicable to descendants of deported individuals or those whose ancestors migrated to countries outside of the USSR.

How Does the Process Work?

Applying for and obtaining your Lithuanian citizenship can easily seem like a time-consuming and daunting task. At June Luna Immigration Attorneys, we will guide you through every step of the citizenship restoration process until you obtain your passport.

Step 1: Free Eligibility Assessment

Provide us with any details you have regarding your Lithuanian ancestors, and we will do a complimentary full eligibility assessment.

Step 2: Finding Proof of Citizenship

Our team will conduct a thorough search through multiple archives of different countries to find documentation proving your ancestor’s Lithuanian citizenship.

Step 3: Step-by-Step Instructions

We’ll guide you through the whole process and provide you with step-by-step instructions regarding all necessary documentation to obtain from your home country.

Step 4: Preparing Applications

We will then prepare your application and ensure that it fully meets all requirements.

Step 5: Translation Services

All documentation will be translated into Lithuanian, certified, and submitted with the application.

Step 6: Application

A dedicated lawyer will submit the application directly in Lithuania at the Migration Department under Home Affairs on your behalf.

Step 7: Following Up

Our team will regularly follow up on your case and ensure all required information is provided during the evaluation process.

Step 8: Lithuanian Citizenship

In about six to twelve months after the submission of your application, you will be able to start enjoying the plentiful benefits of EU citizenship.

CONTACT US at June Luna Immigration Attorneys, and our team of experienced professionals will assist you in obtaining a successful Lithuanian citizen application.

BENEFITS OF LITHUANIAN (EU) CITIZENSHIP

Once your Lithuanian citizenship has been restored, you gain all the benefits of being an EU national, with full and immediate access the moment you receive your Lithuanian passport:

• The possibility to live and work in any EU country (plus Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland).
• Visa-free travel to more than 182 countries – one of the most powerful passports in the world.
• Access to the EU healthcare system.
• The possibility to study in the EU with lower or no university tuition.
• The ability to pass citizenship on to your children.
• Business opportunities across the EU.
• The option to retire within the EU.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I keep my South African citizenship?
In most cases, yes. If you qualify for Lithuanian citizenship under the dual citizenship exceptions, you may be able to retain your South African citizenship. Every case is assessed individually based on your family’s history and the applicable Lithuanian citizenship laws. We will review your circumstances during the free eligibility assessment.

Can I apply if my grandparent has passed away?
Yes. Your ancestor does not need to be alive. We regularly work with historical records and Lithuanian archives to obtain the documents required to prove your ancestor’s Lithuanian citizenship and your eligibility.

How long does the whole process take?
On average, our clients receive Lithuanian citizenship in about 9–12 months from submission of the application – and recently we have even had applications approved in 6 months. It usually takes 1–3 months to prepare the application for submission (this mostly depends on how quickly you can obtain the necessary documents from your country of residence). The longest part of the process is with the Migration Department, where the application is evaluated. We follow up on your case constantly during processing to make sure any additional information requested by the authorities is submitted promptly, helping the process move forward as efficiently as possible.

How much does it cost?
Every case is unique, so our services are priced on application (POA). Contact us for a free, no-obligation eligibility assessment and we will provide a personalised quote based on your specific circumstances.

Can children be included in the application?
Yes, if they qualify based on the eligibility criteria. If you have a Lithuanian ancestor, so do your children. However, if your Lithuanian ancestor is a great-grandparent, then your children are too many generations removed and are not eligible. Note that any children born after you obtain Lithuanian citizenship become Lithuanian citizens by right of birth – which is why it is worth obtaining citizenship as early as possible, so you can pass it on to your children before they lose the possibility.

What if my surname has changed?
Surname changes are common and are usually not a problem. We can help establish the connection between family records through birth, marriage, and other official documents.

Can I apply while living outside South Africa?
Yes. You do not need to live in South Africa to apply. We assist clients worldwide and can guide you through the process regardless of your country of residence. Applications can generally be managed remotely, without the need to visit Lithuania.

Do I need to visit Lithuania?
It is not required. The application process can generally be handled remotely, and our legal team manages communication with the Lithuanian authorities on your behalf. Depending on your circumstances, you may prefer to attend an appointment at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate to present original documents (not strictly required), or to apply for your passport after your citizenship has been approved (the passport application is the only step you must do in person, and you can do it at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate, or in Lithuania if you prefer).

What information about my ancestors is required for an eligibility assessment?
To begin an assessment, it helps to have the following about your Lithuanian ancestor:

• Full name
• Date of birth (at least approximate)
• Place of birth or residence in Lithuania – the town or village
• The approximate date your ancestor left Lithuania

If you do not have all of the information above, or are unsure about its accuracy, do not worry – our expert will get back to you and discuss everything in detail personally. If you have any additional information or documents, please provide them as well, as this speeds up the search in the archives and increases the chances of success.

Are there any additional requirements, like knowledge of the Lithuanian language or residing in Lithuania?
No. There are no additional requirements once your Lithuanian citizenship has been restored. There is no language requirement (no tests or exams), and you do not need to reside in Lithuania for any period after your citizenship has been granted.

START YOUR LITHUANIAN CITIZENSHIP JOURNEY

When you work with June Luna Immigration Attorneys, you get:

• Free Eligibility Assessment
• No Obligation
• Initial Eligibility Review Within 24–48 Hours
• Personalised Eligibility Report
• Estimated Application Timeline
• Preliminary Document Assessment

Contact us today to start your free eligibility assessment and take the first step toward your Lithuanian (EU) citizenship.