Lithuanian Dual Citizenship: Do You Have to Give Up Your Current Passport?
For most qualifying descendants, the answer is no. Lithuanian law provides explicit exceptions that allow you to hold both your existing nationality and a Lithuanian EU passport simultaneously.
Check Your EligibilityCan I keep my current nationality when restoring Lithuanian citizenship? Yes, in most cases. The Lithuanian Law on Citizenship (Pilietybės įstatymas) provides specific "exempt cases" (dviguba pilietybė) for descendants of those who fled Soviet or Nazi occupation, faced persecution as minorities, or were deported. Under these exceptions, restoring Lithuanian citizenship grants you an EU passport without requiring you to renounce your existing nationality.
Last updated: May 2026 · Reviewed by our Lithuanian citizenship specialists.
Does Lithuania Allow Dual Citizenship?
Lithuania's Constitution generally requires citizens to hold only Lithuanian citizenship — a rule designed to reflect civic commitment to the state. However, the Law on Citizenship makes a fundamental distinction: this restriction should not penalize the descendants of those who were forced to leave their homeland.
For this reason, the law provides explicitly defined "exempt cases" — categories of people for whom dual nationality is permitted. These exceptions acknowledge the specific historical circumstances of Lithuanians and Lithuanian Jews who emigrated or were expelled during the 20th century.
Key principle: If your ancestor left Lithuania due to occupation, persecution, or deportation — rather than voluntary emigration — you most likely qualify for dual citizenship when restoring. The vast majority of descendants applying today fall within these exceptions.
The Three Legal Exceptions for Dual Lithuanian Citizenship
The Law on Citizenship recognizes three categories of qualifying emigrants and their descendants:
1. Descendants of Those Who Fled the Soviet or Nazi Occupation (1918–1990)
Ancestors who emigrated from Lithuania for political reasons — escaping Soviet collectivization, Nazi persecution, or the threat of deportation — qualify under this exception. This is the broadest category and covers the majority of the Lithuanian diaspora in the USA, South Africa, UK, Canada, and Australia. The departure must have occurred between 1918 (establishment of the Lithuanian Republic) and March 11, 1990 (restoration of independence).
2. Persecuted Minorities — Litvaks and Other National Minorities
Members of the Jewish community (Litvaks) and other national minorities who fled or were expelled during the interwar period or the Holocaust qualify under this exception. The 2016 amendment to the Law on Citizenship specifically reinforced and expanded this pathway, recognizing the particular history of Lithuania's Jewish community. Most descendants of Lithuanian Jews applying today qualify under this exception. See also: Litvak Citizenship Restoration.
3. Deportees and Displaced Persons (DPs)
Ancestors who were forcibly deported to Siberia, sent to Soviet labor camps, or became Displaced Persons (DPs) after World War II qualify under this exception. Documentation such as DP camp registration records, IRO files, Lithuanian state archive deportation records, or Arolsen Archives documents may support these applications.
When Is Dual Citizenship NOT Available?
These cases typically fall outside the dual citizenship exception categories:
Pre-1918 Economic Emigrants
Ancestors who left before the Republic of Lithuania was established in 1918 did not hold Lithuanian citizenship, as the state did not yet exist. Descendants in this situation may face a different eligibility assessment.
Post-1990 Voluntary Emigrants
Those who chose to leave Lithuania after independence was restored on March 11, 1990 fall outside the exception categories. If they later acquire Lithuanian citizenship, they are generally required to renounce any other nationality.
Non-Lithuanian Citizenship 1918–1940
If the ancestor held Polish, German, Soviet Russian, or other non-Lithuanian citizenship during the interwar period — rather than Lithuanian citizenship — the restoration right may not apply.
What About Your Home Country's Laws?
Lithuanian law grants qualifying descendants the right to hold dual citizenship from Lithuania's side. However, individual countries have their own policies regarding their citizens acquiring a foreign nationality.
Our recommendation: Verify your home country's stance on dual citizenship before beginning the restoration process. In most countries where our clients reside — including the United States, Israel, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia — dual citizenship is generally permitted. However, individual circumstances and recent legal changes may affect your situation. If you have any concerns, consult a legal professional in your country of residence.
This page provides general information about Lithuanian citizenship law only. It does not constitute legal advice about the laws of any other country.
Common Questions About Lithuanian Dual Citizenship
Does restoring Lithuanian citizenship require giving up my current passport?
For most qualifying descendants, no. The Law on Citizenship provides explicit exceptions for those whose ancestors fled occupation, faced persecution, or were deported. Under these exceptions, you keep your existing passport alongside your Lithuanian EU passport.
Can I pass dual citizenship to my children?
Yes. Once you restore Lithuanian citizenship, it can be passed to your children by registration. Depending on your family circumstances, they may also be entitled to hold dual citizenship under the same legal framework.
My parent naturalized in another country before I was born — can I still apply?
In most cases, yes. The key factor is whether the original ancestor who left Lithuania qualifies under one of the three exempt categories — not whether intermediate generations naturalized abroad. You apply directly by proving the full generational chain back to the qualifying ancestor.
How do I know which exception category applies to my family?
This depends on the circumstances of your ancestor's departure and the records available. Our free eligibility assessment reviews your specific family history and identifies which legal pathway applies to your case.
Not Sure Which Category Applies?
Every family history is different. Our legal team reviews your specific ancestry to determine whether dual citizenship exceptions apply to your case — at no cost.
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