Lithuania is one of few countries that allows citizenship by descent. So it’s excellent for those who’d like to reconnect with their heritage.
It’s also a well-developed country, and in a somewhat politically safe part of the world. Plus, it’s an EU country. So it comes with an excellent passport, and access to almost all parts of Europe! A perfect place where to get second passport.
The process to becoming a Lithuanian citizen is straightforward. A series of documents are needed whose prices differ from one location to another.
For example, price tags for apostille stamps in Southern US states are cheaper than those from New York of California.
We’ll mention those documents in a checklist below. This should give you a structured run-through on what you need, and why.
As for costs, we’ll include the price ranges per document, which change based on your location.
Documents Required
Let’s start with location.
You’ll need to file the application at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate. You can also do so directly in Lithuania. Do note that the prices of the documents might change, based on where you petition (locally or abroad).
Also, to petition for citizenship by descent, you need a connecting family member in your lineage that proves your descent.
Normally, those will be parents. But, you can apply for Lithuanian citizenship through your grandparents and great-grandparents as well (latter seen as a 3rd degree relationship).
You’ll need documents representing all of your lineage’s major life events. The documents should go back all the way to the connecting family member.
Assuming you’re making a difficult petition (relying on your great-grandparents as your link), you’ll need the documents listed below:
Birth certificate. Prices differ depending on the authority. Cost are $8 to $35. If a certificate can’t be found, then baptismal records may suffice.
Marriage certificate. May cost $2 to $40, depending on the issuing authority.
Divorce decree (if needed). Price may change greatly here, depending on the authority.
Death certificate. Cost is $8 to $35, varying from one authority to another.
Translation of each certificate. An apostille stamp is needed for each translation. Also, make sure that the translation doesn’t come from a Lithuanian authority.
Apostille stamps cost anywhere from $1 to $40, depending on the authority.
Do note that extra documents might not be needed, depending on the consulate the applicant signs up at.
After submitting the documents, an applicant needs to pay a consular fee to get their Lithuanian passport. Passports cost $109, and they must be paid in cash, or by money order (personal checks and credit cards aren’t accepted).
An extra $20 are added for those who’d like their passport shipped home, and through the United States’ Express Priority mailing system. However, no extra charges are paid if a passport is picked up by the applicant from a consulate.
Additional Notes Related to Female Documents
If an applicant is trying to get Lithuanian citizenship through a female ancestor link, then a few extra documents might be needed.
This applies specifically if the female ancestor has changed her name, either for marriage or for professional reasons.
Applicants must show documents proving the name change. Also, if the applicant has changed their own name, they’ll need to provide proof of that.
Some female applicants decide not to get their names changed after marriage. In that case, Lithuania’s government will identify the applicant by their birth certificate’s name.
Additional Notes Regarding Translations
Applicants in the US may experience different prices for document translations, depending on the location of their embassy.
As a general rule, US applicants with US documents only (and some Lithuanian documents) do not require a certified translation. The petition’s fee already cover each translation’s certification.
However, some exceptions do exist.
For example, Washington DC’s Embassy charges separately for certification. Alternatively, Boston’s consulate requires documents that are certified prior to petitioning (where an apostille and a notarized accuracy certification is needed).
Also, if a US applicant is using non-American or non-English documents, then they’ll need to get translation certified.
Additional Notes
Applicants in Lithuania using non-Lithuanian paperwork need translations that are certified by a local court (assuming they weren’t already certified through the embassy where the document was provided).
This also applies to individuals legalizing with documents whose original language differs from the country they’re at. Certified translations are also needed in those situations.
For example, US applicants in France may need to get document translations that are certified by a Lithuanian consulate. The documents should be certified where they originated previously before being given to Paris’ consulate.
That is, if the documents originated in Germany, then certification is required from the consulate located there.
Final Tip: Ask a Nearby Consulate
Prices differ from one consulate to another. The paperwork and certification required also differ.
Be sure to make a visit to the nearest consulate, and take note of all the documents you need!
Does your grandfather, grandmother or any other relative left Lithuania during before or after WW2? Claim your Lithuanian citizenship now.
We offer a free and confidential eligibility assessment.
If you are eligible, we can provide you with a no-obligation quote.
We hope this article has provided you with a useful insight into the application process of claiming Lithuanian citizenship.
To find out more about citizenship in Lithuania, please contact us at anna@balticmigration.com.