Are you interested in Lithuania’s citizenship routes in 2026? You may read this article, which includes updated information for 2026, and note that our Lithuanian immigration lawyers can guide you.
| Short facts | |
|---|---|
| Main citizenship route | Through naturalization, after 10 years of residency in Lithuania |
| Legislation | Citizenship Law in Lithuania |
| Authority in charge | Lithuanian Migration department, part of the Ministry of Interior |
| Requirements | – proof of residency, – birth & marriage certificates, – proof of income, – police clearance, etc. |
| Residency conditions | Having permanent residency in Lithuania and living in the country for at least 6 months per year |
| Special cases | Automatic citizenship is offered to persons who were obliged to leave the country due to a particular social context. |
| Language requirements | Imposed. Tests & interviews are compulsory. |
| Verification of criminal records | By the immigration authorities when the citizenship application starts. |
| Citizenship by marriage in Lithuania | Application is done after 7 years of living in Lithuania |
| Citizenship by birth in Lithuania | If the applicant has Lithuanian parents |
| Stateless persons in Lithuania | Can apply for citizenship after living in Lithuania for at least 5 years under “stateless person” status. |
| Citizenship by descent in Lithuania | If the candidates present proof of existing parents, grandparents or great-grand parents of Lithuanian origins. |
| Citizenship by investments in Lithuania | Not a direct route. Naturalization is the main path for getting Lithuanian citizenship. |
| Starting a business in Lithuania | A proper option to get residency and then citizenship. |
| Working with our lawyers in Lithuania | For tailored and comprehensive legal advice in a citizenship application case. Affordable costs are provided to our foreign customers interested in immigration-related services. |
Table of Contents
What is the legislation for citizenship in Lithuania?
Lithuanian Nationality Law.
What are the main paths to citizenship in Lithuania in 2026?
- Naturalization,
- Marriage,
- Birth,
- Descent,
- Exceptional merit,
- Restoration.
What are the most common citizenship routes in Lithuania?
Naturalization and descent.
Is there a minimum residency required before applying for Lithuanian citizenship?
Yes, 10 years of residency in Lithuania.
Please talk to us about the Lithuanian citizenship application in 2026, and also check this infographic:
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for citizenship in Lithuania by naturalization?
- present proof of permanent residency in Lithuania,
- prepare birth/marriage certificates,
- have a clear criminal record and health insurance,
- present source of income in Lithuania,
- show knowledge of the Lithuanian language and culture, etc.
NOTE: All documents must be translated into Lithuanian and notarized, except for the residence permit issued in the country.
Is citizenship by ancestry available in Lithuania?
Yes.
How do I obtain Lithuanian citizenship by birth?
If you present proof that at least one parent is Lithuanian.
How do I obtain citizenship by marriage in Lithuania in 2026?
Foreigners who marry Lithuanian citizens who have already lived in Lithuania for 7 years can apply for citizenship by naturalization. These are the required documents:
- criminal record,
- valid passport,
- marriage certificate,
- the permanent residence permit in Lithuania,
- a document attesting to basic knowledge of the Lithuanian language,
- other standard forms, etc.
Below is a video presentation we have prepared with information on this topic:
Is dual citizenship allowed in Lithuania?
No, but specific exemptions apply for:
- people acquiring citizenship at birth through multiple nationalities,
- exceptional cases mentioned by the legislation in Lithuania,
- those who lived in Lithuania between 1918 and 1940, etc.
Are there any recommendations before applying for citizenship in Lithuania?
- starting in 2026, the Lithuanian Migration Department has been examining citizenship applications from Russian citizens who frequently traveled to/from Russia and/or Belarus. Many of the residency permits of such citizens have been revoked.
- the “digital oath” pilot program in Lithuania has been launched, allowing applicants from overseas to take the oath of citizenship online.
- in Lithuania, citizenship by descent can be obtained within 9 months, while the naturalization process can take up to 12 months.
Is citizenship by investment available in Lithuania?
No, there is no direct citizenship route through investments in Lithuania.
Can children obtain Lithuanian citizenship through their parents?
Yes, automatically. However, special conditions might apply to children born outside Lithuania to Lithuanian parents.
Do I receive the Lithuanian passport after obtaining citizenship? How powerful is this document?
Yes, your passport is ready after naturalization in Lithuania. This document allows visa-free entry to more than 180 countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and the Schengen Area.
Have you decided to apply for citizenship in Lithuania? Do not hesitate to collaborate with our lawyers to determine the steps to follow in this endeavor. We invite you to contact our law firm in Lithuania to find out more about Lithuanian citizenship and the formalities for 2026.