Frequently Asked Questions

Can great-grandchildren apply for restoration?
Yes. Lithuanian law allows descendants up to the third generation (children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) to restore citizenship, provided the direct line to the ancestor who held citizenship between 1918 and 1940 can be proven.

Can siblings apply together?
Absolutely. It is often more cost-effective for siblings to apply at the same time, as the core archival research and ancestral documentation will be identical for the whole family.

Is DNA evidence accepted to prove lineage?
No. The Migration Department of Lithuania only accepts official civil records (birth, marriage, and death certificates). DNA test results are not currently recognized as legal proof in citizenship cases.

Can I apply if my parent hasn't restored their citizenship?
Yes. You do not need to wait for your parents or grandparents to apply. You can apply directly by providing the necessary documents for every generation between you and the ancestor who held Lithuanian citizenship.

Is there a deadline to apply?
There is currently no official deadline for citizenship restoration. However, laws and Migration Department policies can change over time. We recommend starting the process while the current favorable amendments (especially regarding Litvaks and refugees) are in place.

What if my ancestor naturalized in another country?
This is a common scenario. In most cases, it does not disqualify you. If your ancestor left Lithuania between 1918 and 1990 and acquired another citizenship, you are still eligible for restoration with dual citizenship under the current exceptions.

What if my application is rejected?
If rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision in a Lithuanian court. In many cases, a rejection happens due to missing evidence or incorrect formatting, which is why we focus on making the application as complete as possible from the start.

Is there an interview or a history exam?
No. Restoration of citizenship is a document-based process. Unlike naturalization, there are no interviews, language tests, or exams regarding the Lithuanian constitution or history.

Do I need to send original documents?
You do not necessarily have to part with your original family heirlooms. For the Migration Department, we usually use notarized and certified copies (with Apostilles). We will guide you on exactly which documents need to be physically sent.

How can I track my application?
Yes. Once your application is submitted, it is assigned a tracking number in the Migration Department’s system. We monitor this for you and provide regular updates on any status changes or requests for additional information.

Can I apply online?
The process is partially digital through the MIGRIS system, but physical documents and certified translations must still be submitted. We handle all digital and physical filings for you.

Is there a "fast-track" option?
There is no official government "fast-track" fee to speed up the Migration Department's review. However, ensuring your application is 100% complete and error-free is the best way to avoid "Requests for Information" (RFIs) which can delay the process by several months.

How much does the entire process cost?
The total cost depends on the complexity of archival research and the number of documents. We provide a transparent, flat-fee structure after our initial assessment, so there are no surprises.