How Long Does It Take to Reinstate Lithuanian Citizenship? 

Reinstating Lithuanian citizenship typically takes 14 to 16 months, measured from the start of document collection to the final decision issued by the Lithuanian Migration Department. 

The total duration depends on two main factors: 

• how quickly the required documents can be located, verified, and prepared, and 

• the government review period, which by law may take up to 12 months. 

This article explains the reinstatement timeline step by step, outlines what can affect processing time, and clarifies what applicants should realistically expect. 

Overview: Average Timeline for Lithuanian Citizenship Reinstatement

Stage 1: Document Collection (2–4 Months)

Document collection is often the most time-sensitive stage of the reinstatement process. Importantly, applicants do not need to already possess Lithuanian-issued documents such as birth or marriage certificates of their ancestors. 

IN IURE coordinates full archival research on behalf of clients, including searches in Lithuanian state archives and other relevant institutions. Where necessary, we also assist with identifying and obtaining records from foreign archives. 

Some clients already have key certificates and complete this stage within weeks. Others require extensive archival research, especially when records span multiple countries or historical periods. As a benchmark, Lithuanian archival research is typically completed within 8–10 weeks, though timelines vary depending on record availability. 

Stage 2: Document Preparation and Translation (Up to 1 Month)

Once all records are collected, they must be prepared in strict compliance with Lithuanian legal requirements. IN IURE provides precise, step-by-step instructions to clients on how foreign-issued documents must be legalized. 

This stage includes: 

• certified translation of documents into Lithuanian, 

• notarization, 

• Apostille certification where applicable. 

IN IURE prepares all bilingual legal documentation and ensures consistency across records. Even minor discrepancies in names, dates, or places can trigger additional review by the Migration Department; careful preparation at this stage helps prevent avoidable delays. 

Stage 3: Application Submission and Government Review (Up to 12 Months)

IN IURE submits the reinstatement application directly to the Lithuanian Migration Department and fully manages communication throughout the review period. 

Under Lithuanian law, the Migration Department may take up to 12 months to issue a decision. During this stage, the authority may request additional explanations or documentary evidence. 

If such requests arise, IN IURE coordinates the entire response process, including preparation of supplemental submissions and interaction with archives or institutions as needed. A lack of communication during this stage usually indicates that the application remains under review, not that there is a problem with the case. 

Stage 4: Decision, Passport, and Further Steps 

Once a positive decision is issued, a formal reinstatement decree is granted. IN IURE guides clients through the next procedural steps, including applying for a Lithuanian passport. 

If children were born abroad, their births can be registered in Lithuania at this stage, allowing their Lithuanian citizenship to be confirmed automatically where applicable. 

What Factors Can Affect the Timeline? 

Several factors influence how long the reinstatement process takes: 

Document availability 

Missing, damaged, or unclear archival records – particularly from foreign institutions – can slow down document collection. Cooperation and response times vary significantly by country. 

Accuracy of documentation 

Inconsistencies between documents, such as spelling variations or date discrepancies, may trigger additional review requests from the Migration Department. 

Government workload 

The Migration Department processes a high volume of citizenship cases each year. Processing times may fluctuate depending on internal workload and case complexity. 

Additional verification requests 

If additional information or clarification is requested, timely responses from the applicant or legal representative help keep the process moving forward. 

What Happens If the Application Is Challenged or Refused? 

If the Migration Department issues a negative decision, IN IURE conducts a legal assessment to determine whether the decision should be appealed. 

Where an appeal is justified, IN IURE provides full legal representation throughout the litigation process, including preparation of court submissions and representation before the competent authorities. This legal representation is included in the agreed success-fee structure, with no additional professional fees charged. 

Fees and What Is Included 

IN IURE works on a single, pre-agreed success-fee basis for citizenship reinstatement cases. 

The client is responsible only for: 

• obtaining foreign-issued documents, 

• legalization and Apostille of such documents, 

• courier delivery of documents to IN IURE in Vilnius, 

• passport application fees after reinstatement. 

All legal work performed by IN IURE – including archival research in Lithuania, legal analysis, application preparation, submission, communication with the Migration Department, coordination of additional evidence requests, and court representation where applicable – is included in the agreed success fee. 

Summary 

Reinstating Lithuanian citizenship is a structured legal process with clearly defined stages. With properly prepared documentation and coordinated legal support, most cases are completed within 14–16 months, from initial research to final approval. 

Understanding the timeline and knowing which steps are handled on your behalf allows applicants to proceed with clarity and confidence throughout the reinstatement process.