Dual Citizenship In Lithuania

I'm a USA citizen, my grandfather was born in Estonia, and my grandmother was born in Lithuania. My family was considering going back to our roots of Europe, and obtain a passport from either Estonia, or Lithuania.

It seems that both countries don't allow dual citizenship, or from what I've read there may be some consideration for dual citizenship into Lithuania.

If anyone knows a way in which an American can still keep their USA passport and obtain a Lithuania passport I'd appreciate it if you could let me know.

I really had my heart on going back to my roots in Europe, but these were my descendants, who later moved to America, where our newer generation comes from, and I don't want to give up my USA citizenship, but I do want to come and live in Europe.

Any help possible would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS.

It is really hard for a foreigner to obtain Lithuanian citizenship. I think, people from Lithuan ambassy could help you more.

http://www.ltembassyus.org/

It is possible to get Lithuanian citizenship and still retain United States citizenship. However, you will need a certified Lithuanian birth certificate of a parent or grandparent. The Lithuanian Embassy will help and you will need a translator to complete their forms.

I stand corrected on my last comment. I discovered that the Lithuanian Supreme Court ruled that after November 13, 2006, one must give up their citizenship their former country to obtain Lithuanian citizenship. However, it may be possible to obtain a Lithuanian "green card" a.k.a right to restore Lithuanian citizenship. I have one. This document provides all the rights of a Lithuanian citizen except the right to vote. Again, you will need to complete forms I described in my prior comment

Would you please to give web link re-green card

Do you know if you can work in the EU with "green card" citizenship?

Thanks

Andrea wrote:

Do you know if you can work in the EU with "green card" citizenship?
Thanks

That's a very interesting question because the Lithuanian Embassy told me I could work in Lithuania. By extension, one would expect to be able to work in the EU; but, only the Lithuanian Embassy could answer that question accurately.

Ayste wrote:

Would you please to give web link re-green card

To find out about the Lithuanian green card(zalas kortalas) call the Lithuanian Embassy.

Scott wrote:

I'm a USA citizen, my grandfather was born in Estonia, and my grandmother was born in Lithuania. My family was considering going back to our roots of Europe, and obtain a passport from either Estonia, or Lithuania.
It seems that both countries don't allow dual citizenship, or from what I've read there may be some consideration for dual citizenship into Lithuania.
If anyone knows a way in which an American can still keep their USA passport and obtain a Lithuania passport I'd appreciate it if you could let me know.
I really had my heart on going back to my roots in Europe, but these were my descendants, who later moved to America, where our newer generation comes from, and I don't want to give up my USA citizenship, but I do want to come and live in Europe.
Any help possible would be greatly appreciated.
THANKS.

Unfortunately, the law for obtaining Lithuanian citizenship was changed in November of 2006 as a result of a ruling by the Lithuanian Supreme Court. Until that time it was very easy for the children and grandchildren of people who were citizens of Lithuania to obtain citizenship. Since November 16th, you can only get Lithuanian citizenship if you renounce any other country's citizenship. My opinion: Another stupid act by the Lithuanian government! The more Lithuanian citizens there are across the world, the better it would be for "musu tevyne."

I am an australian citizen whose father was born in Lithuania. I have obtained a letter from the Lithuanian consulate confirming his birth, but have been told by the Australian consulate that I probably won't be eligible for Lithuanian citizenship because they don't allow dual citizenship. i plan on going to Lithuania in August. Can anyone advise me about who I could approach while in Lithuania about my citizenship eligibility? Or, does anyone know if the Lithuanian constitution is to be changed to allow dual ciizenship? Thanking you

You are really best to apply via the Lithuanian consultate. there are in fact very few people in the Lithuanian Immigration Department who speak Enlgish outside of the Diplomatic Service.

Your father would have to have been born there during the period 1919-1940. As other people have said, Lithuania does not currently allow dual nationality so you would have to public declare and renounce your Austrialian citizenship. The new nationality law was due to go before the Lithuania Parliament on May 24th, it will probably severely narrow the scope of those who can have dual nationality. Again, the people in Australia should be able to fill you in.

Bruce, United Kindom

Thanks for your advice Bruce, I'll follow up the details as you suggested.

I acquired Lithuanian citizenship in 2004 via descent but I also retain my South African citizenship. I currently live in the UK (complicated, I know) Will the new ruling effect me or does it only apply to future potential citizens? Anyone know?

Hi Raphael as far as I understand it as long as you already have your Lithuanian Citizenship you are okay. I'm in the process of applying for mine. How long did it take you?

Hi Ruth,

Well, it took me about 6 months but that was back in 2003 and my understanding is that things have changed quite a bit since then. eg: if you're South African you have apply via Israel. But that is all administration. What concerns me now is
a) do existing citizens who hold another passport (such as myself) have to give up my non-Lithuanian citizenship?
b) do new applicants (such my nephews & nieces) or yourself have to give up their existing citizenship?
is: does anyone know what the current legal situation is?...and please, no guessing :)...do we have any guys who actually know Lithauanian law out there?

Ruth wrote:

Hi Raphael as far as I understand it as long as you already have your Lithuanian Citizenship you are okay. I'm in the process of applying for mine. How long did it take you?

Raphael, check out the following link. It states implicitly that only those applying for Lithuanian citizenship after Nov 2006 will not be able to have dual citizenship. http://www.ltembassyus.org/index.php...

Does anyone on the blod no any good lithuanian immigration lawyers?

Hi Ruth,

I guess it is implied that it only applies to future applications. But I'm stil curious to know- for the sake of my nephews and nieces who want to apply: What exactly does it mean to give up your current citizenship? Do you have to go and live in Lithuania or can you remain living where you are and just make a "declaration"? How exactly would anyone know that one holds two passports?

Hi Raphael, this is the process as explained to me by a lawyer in Lithuania.

In order to get Lithuanian Citizenship there is now three stages.

1st stage: You apply for the right to restore Lithuanian Citizenship.Once granted..

2nd Stage: you apply to renounce your Citizenship of the existing country stating your reason for doing so and showing your right to Lithuanian Citizenship.(When you apply in South Africa you have to hand in your passport and Id document and apply to the Home Office in writing and get the minister to sign and approve of this. You then get a letter from the South African authorities stating you have denounced your South African citizenship.
If your niece and nephew were born in South Africa they have the right to permanent residency in South Africa or whichever country they were born in. You need to check with country how to go about attaining permanent residency.

3rd and Final step. You apply with letter to Lithuanian authorities who can then go ahead and issue you your Lithuanian citizenship and passport.

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for that information. I'm assuming that you're South African as well... good luck with your application and mazaltov on getting this far in the process!

Hi Ruth,
Just another quick question: Do you have contact details for the lawyer? or a link?
Thanks in advance,
Raphael