Can I keep my current passport?
Yes, if your ancestor left or was exiled from Lithuania before March 11, 1990. Most families who emigrated to the US, UK, Canada or Australia meet this. Otherwise Lithuania generally asks you to give up your other citizenship.
My great-great-grandparent was Lithuanian. Does that count?
No. The right covers children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of people who held Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940.
My family left in the 1900s, before Lithuania was independent. Can I apply?
Usually not. Lithuanian citizenship only existed from 1918. Ancestors who had already left the Russian Empire, and never became Lithuanian citizens, don’t give you the right to restore it.
Do I need to speak Lithuanian?
The embassy doesn’t list a language requirement for restoring citizenship. Your documents do need official Lithuanian translations.
Will I have to do military service?
Lithuania brought back compulsory military service for young men in 2015. Ask the Migration Department or your consulate how it applies to citizens living abroad.
Who do I ask about my application?
The Migration Department, not the embassy: through MIGRIS, by phone on +370 5 271 7112, or by email to info@migracija.gov.lt.
Living there
A Lithuanian passport lets you live and work in any EU country, and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.