Applying for Lithuanian citizenship by descent can be a rewarding journey — one that connects you to your heritage and opens the doors of the European Union. But the process is not always straightforward. Over the years, we’ve seen many applicants face delays, rejections, or unnecessary stress due to avoidable mistakes.
Here are some of the most common pitfalls — and how to avoid them:
1. Inadequate or Incorrect Documentation
One of the most frequent issues is submitting documents that are incomplete, unofficial, or not accepted under Lithuanian law. You must prove that your ancestor was a Lithuanian citizen before June 15, 1940, and show your direct descent through certified civil records. Even one missing or unofficial birth certificate can halt the process.
2. Mistranslations or Improper Legalization
All foreign documents must be translated into Lithuanian and legalized or apostilled, depending on the country of origin. Poor translations or failure to follow the correct legalization process are common reasons for application rejections.
3. Unverified Ancestral Citizenship
Having Lithuanian roots doesn’t automatically mean your ancestor held official Lithuanian citizenship. This distinction is crucial. Many applicants submit emigration records or historical references that aren’t considered valid proof of citizenship by the Migration Department.
4. Confusion About Dual vs. Single Citizenship Eligibility
Eligibility for dual or single Lithuanian citizenship depends largely on where and when your ancestor emigrated. Misunderstanding these rules can result in applying for the wrong status, or assuming you’re eligible for dual citizenship when you’re not.
5. Underestimating the Process
Many people assume that restoring citizenship is a quick administrative task. In reality, the process involves detailed legal review, document validation, and can take 14 to 16 months or longer, depending on your case. Incomplete submissions often cause delays that could have been avoided with professional oversight.
At LithuanianPassport.com, we’ve guided thousands of applicants through this process — from straightforward cases to complex family histories spanning multiple countries. We verify eligibility before you commit, locate missing records, and manage your application from start to finish.
Avoiding these common mistakes not only saves time, but it also brings you closer to holding your Lithuanian passport with confidence.
Considering applying? Contact our team for a free eligibility review, and let’s get your application on the right track.
