Procedure and duration

Submitting the application to the Migration Department requires finding the records proving that one of the applicant’s ancestors had Lithuanian citizenship and confirming the ancestor’s departure from Lithuania. Under Lithuanian law, only certain documents / records can prove person’s Lithuanian citizenship and other necessary circumstances, such as person’s departure from Lithuania. The search is carried out in 15 Lithuanian archives, as well as German archives, if necessary. Without professional help, such a search could take months and still not produce the required results. Our professionals have a vast experience that allows us to locate relevant records accurately and quickly. Once the supporting records are found in the archives, we will inform you what additional documents from your side will be necessary for the application.

DURATION: 3 – 7 WEEKS

After the required documents have been collected and validated, we will arrange translations of the documents, prepare the application and submit it to the Migration Department on your behalf. Under Lithuanian law, applications are submitted to the Migration Department during a meeting with Migration Officers, who usually take a very formal approach and ask to clarify even the smallest discrepancies. We will use our extensive experience to act in your best interest and will be ready to represent you properly in explaining all the details of your application.

DURATION: 4 – 6 WEEKS

During this phase, the Migration Department examines the submitted application and verifies the authenticity of the submitted documents and facts. This stage is the longest and is often a test of patience. Although the law stipulates that this phase can last up to 6 months, the Migration Department not always comply with these deadlines. Therefore, this phase normally takes about 5 – 8 months. Throughout this phase we will make sure that your application is not forgotten. Being in close contact with the Migration Department we constantly remind officers of pending applications, answer any questions they may have, and provide additional documentation or clarifications if needed.

DURATION: 5 – 8 MONTHS

TOTAL DURATION: overall the procedure normally takes approximately 7-10 months, in some complicated cases – longer.

In very rare cases where the Migration Department has additional doubts or the supporting documents are found insufficient, the Migration Department requires certain facts to be established by court. We will be happy to assist you at this stage as well. We will inform you of the potential need of the court proceedings immediately after we analyse the supporting documents. If you decide to continue the process we will prepare the lawsuit and ensure that your interests are properly represented in court by completing all the formalities and keeping you up to date until the final decision on your citizenship is reached.

DURATION: 3 – 5 MONTHS

* In 90% of cases, this stage does not occur whereas citizenship is already being restored in Step 3.