How do I apply for citizenship, and who helps with the application?
Naturalisation has conditions (years of lawful residence, language level, integration test, income, no serious record), a procedure (application at Migracijos departamentas (8 707 67 000), fee, interview, a decision within a legal deadline that is often exceeded), and consequences you should check first — whether you may keep your current nationality. Registrų centras / seniūnija — gyvenamosios vietos deklaravimas (8 5 268 8262) confirms your registration history, which is the proof of residence years. Valstybės garantuojamos teisinės pagalbos tarnyba (8 700 00 201) advises for free if the case is complicated (gaps, a refusal, a criminal record).
🗣️ What to say
"I have lived lawfully in Lithuania since [date] and hold [permit]. I would like to apply for naturalisation. Which conditions apply to my case, which documents do you need, what is the fee and the expected processing time?"
🪜 Step by step
- Check the conditionsYears, language level, test, income. Migracijos departamentas's site has a checklist; migrant-support organisations run free info sessions.
- Collect proofRegistration history from Registrų centras / seniūnija — gyvenamosios vietos deklaravimas, permits, language certificate, tax and income records, birth certificate with apostille and translation.
- Dual nationality?Check both countries' rules before applying; some require renunciation, some do not.
- Apply at Migracijos departamentasFee is due at filing. Ask for the legal decision deadline and note it.
- Refused: objectWithin the deadline, with reasons; Valstybės garantuojamos teisinės pagalbos tarnyba helps. Many refusals are about missing documents, not eligibility.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Do my children get citizenship too?
Usually included in the parent's application if minors and living with you; ask to add them explicitly.
I was abroad for a year in between
Long absences can break the residence count; check the rule for Lithuania before you apply, and explain the reason if allowed.
How long does it take?
From several months to a couple of years. The legal deadline gives you a lever (notice of default) if it is exceeded.
📎 Sources
- Migracijos departamentas →
- Registrų centras / seniūnija — gyvenamosios vietos deklaravimas →
- Valstybės garantuojamos teisinės pagalbos tarnyba →
- Seimo kontrolieriai →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “apply citizenship Lithuania”
- “naturalisation requirements Lithuania”
- “citizenship test language level”
- “dual nationality allowed Lithuania”
- “naturalisation refused appeal”
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