Lithuania (LT)
Lithuania is the largest and most southerly of the three Baltic states, a semi-presidential EU republic celebrated for its remarkably preserved Baroque capital Vilnius (UNESCO World Heritage), dramatic coastal dunes at Neringa (also UNESCO), vibrant startup and fintech ecosystem (home of Revolut HQ, Vinted, Nord Security, and Hostinger), rapidly rising living standards, and a resilient population with deep cultural roots stretching back to one of the last pagan civilisations in Europe to adopt Christianity.
Capital: Vilnius
Region: Europe
Language: Lithuanian
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 47)
Emergency: 112
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Lithuania.
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Permanent Residency
Name
Permanent Residence Permit
Eligibility
Non-EU nationals who have legally resided in Lithuania for at least 5 continuous years on a temporary residence permit. EU citizens: EU Permanent Residence Card after 5 continuous years of residence. Some categories (e.g., long-term residents from an EU member state) may qualify sooner.
Duration
Permanent (indefinite). EU Permanent Residence Card issued for 5-year validity but can be renewed.
Requirements
- ✓5 continuous years of legal residence in Lithuania (non-EU) or 5 years with EU treaty rights (EU citizens)
- ✓Valid temporary residence permit throughout the 5-year period (non-EU)
- ✓Registered place of residence in Lithuania
- ✓Sufficient and stable income (at least Lithuanian minimum wage level)
- ✓Health insurance coverage (PSDF or private)
- ✓No serious criminal record
- ✓Basic knowledge of the Lithuanian Constitution (at least awareness level)
- ✓Basic Lithuanian language proficiency (A2 level for non-EU nationals)
- ✓Continuous residence: absences not exceeding 10 months in total over 5 years, and not more than 6 consecutive months
Apply at the Migration Department (migris.lt). Processing time: approximately 4 months. Application fee: €86. The permanent permit provides the right to work, reside, and access social services without restriction. Family members of permanent residents may apply for their own permits.
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Citizenship
Name
Lithuanian Citizenship by Naturalisation
Eligibility
Non-Lithuanian nationals who have permanently resided in Lithuania for at least 10 years (general rule) or 5 years (for stateless persons, refugees, and those with special contributions). Different rules apply for ethnic Lithuanians and their descendants.
Duration
Permanent citizenship
Requirements
- ✓10 continuous years of legal residence in Lithuania (reduced to 5 years for certain categories)
- ✓Permanent residence permit valid for at least 3 years before application
- ✓Lithuanian language proficiency: A2 level (CEFR) — the formal naturalisation requirement is A2, not B1
- ✓Knowledge of Lithuanian history and the Constitution (test required)
- ✓Stable and sufficient income (at least Lithuanian minimum wage)
- ✓No serious criminal record (no convictions punishable by over 1 year imprisonment)
- ✓Renunciation of previous citizenship in most cases (Lithuania generally does not allow dual citizenship for naturalised citizens)
- ✓Oath of allegiance to the Republic of Lithuania
- ✓Health insurance
The A2 Lithuanian language test is a requirement for most applicants; the Constitution and History knowledge test is conducted in Lithuanian. Apply at the Migration Department. Processing: 6–12 months. The President of Lithuania formally grants citizenship upon approval. 2026 reform: Lithuania expanded dual citizenship exceptions — citizens of EU, NATO or EEA member states may now retain their original citizenship when naturalising as Lithuanian, under reforms that took effect in 2026. For nationals outside EU/NATO/EEA, the general rule of renunciation still applies (with the exception of ethnic Lithuanians and their descendants).
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Citizenship by descent (for ethnic Lithuanians)
Eligibility
Persons who are ethnic Lithuanians or descendants of persons who were Lithuanian citizens before 1940 (the Soviet occupation). Descendants can claim Lithuanian citizenship without renouncing their other citizenship — this is the dual citizenship exception.
Duration / Outcome
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓Documentation proving Lithuanian ancestry (birth certificates, Soviet-era documents tracing lineage)
- ✓Proof of ethnic Lithuanian identity
- ✓Application through the Migration Department or Lithuanian consulate
This is the main route by which dual citizenship is permitted in Lithuania. Many descendants of Lithuanian emigrants (to the USA, Brazil, UK, Germany, etc.) have reclaimed Lithuanian citizenship under this provision. The process requires genealogical documentation and may take 6–18 months.
EU Permanent Residence Card (for EU citizens)
Eligibility
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have exercised free movement rights in Lithuania for 5 continuous years.
Duration / Outcome
5-year card (renewable indefinitely, permanent right)
Requirements
- ✓5 years of continuous residence in Lithuania with EU treaty rights
- ✓No serious criminal record
- ✓Registered residence in Lithuania
EU Permanent Residence is not the same as Lithuanian citizenship but provides practically equivalent rights to live and work indefinitely. EU citizens do not automatically need citizenship to exercise rights in Lithuania.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
✓
Dual citizenship is allowed — Lithuania expanded dual citizenship rights under early 2026 reforms. Citizens of EU, NATO or EEA member states who naturalise as Lithuanian citizens may now retain their original nationality — dual citizenship is permitted for this large group of applicants. Ethnic Lithuanians and descendants of pre-1940 Lithuanian citizens continue to be exempt from renunciation regardless of their current nationality. Nationals of countries outside the EU/NATO/EEA zone generally still must renounce their prior citizenship when naturalising. Important: the 2026 reform halved the time limit to provide evidence of dual citizenship entitlement from 6 months to 3 months — failure to submit evidence within 3 months triggers immediate citizenship revocation proceedings. Always confirm the current rules with the Migration Department (migris.lt) as the 2026 reforms represent a significant expansion from the previous near-blanket prohibition.
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