Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Citizenship by investment, often called CBI, is a pathway some countries offer for foreigners to obtain citizenship primarily by making a qualifying financial investment. The Republic of Lithuania does not offer citizenship by investment. There is no legal program in Lithuania that allows a person to acquire Lithuanian citizenship directly and primarily through an investment. All matters of citizenship are governed by national law, not municipal rules, so the same rules apply in Marijampolė as everywhere in Lithuania.

While Lithuania does not have CBI, it does offer lawful routes to live, work, and eventually naturalize as a citizen. Common pathways include temporary and permanent residence based on business activity or employment, family reunification, studies, and the Startup Visa scheme. After satisfying residence duration and integration requirements, some residents may become eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalization. Separate rules apply to those who qualify for citizenship by descent or for restoration of citizenship.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People exploring investment or business-based residence in Marijampolė often work with a lawyer to avoid costly mistakes and to ensure compliance with national rules. A lawyer can be helpful in situations such as:

- Assessing eligibility for citizenship by naturalization, by descent, or restoration of citizenship, especially when family records span multiple countries and require certified translations and legalization.

- Designing a compliant business or investment structure for a temporary residence permit, including meeting share capital, employment, and genuine activity requirements under the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens.

- Preparing and reviewing application documents, tracking deadlines, handling translations and apostilles, and using the national immigration information system for appointments and submissions.

- Addressing dual citizenship questions, renunciation requirements, and exceptions that may or may not apply to a specific case.

- Managing immigration risks and audits, such as proving real economic activity, source of funds, and tax compliance, which are frequently scrutinized.

- Appealing negative decisions or overcoming procedural issues, for example if an application is refused due to document defects, absence periods, or questions about integration.

Local Laws Overview

Citizenship rules and immigration procedures are national in Lithuania. Key laws and practices relevant to someone in Marijampolė include:

- Citizenship by investment does not exist. No investment alone can grant Lithuanian citizenship. Be cautious of any offers suggesting a shortcut to a Lithuanian or EU passport through investment.

- Citizenship by naturalization typically requires at least 10 years of lawful residence in Lithuania, holding a permanent residence permit at the time of application, passing the Lithuanian language and the basics of the Constitution exams, having a lawful source of income, a clean record, and usually renouncing previous citizenship unless a narrow statutory exception applies.

- Citizenship by descent or restoration may be available to individuals who can prove that they or their ancestors were Lithuanian citizens and meet specific criteria. This route is distinct from investment or residence routes and is documentation intensive.

- Dual citizenship is limited. Lithuania generally does not allow dual citizenship for naturalized persons, except in narrowly defined cases set by law. A lawyer can assess if an exception might apply in your particular situation.

- Residence by business or investment. Under the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, a third country national may qualify for a temporary residence permit through participation in a Lithuanian company, provided statutory conditions are met. A commonly applied framework has included requirements such as sufficient share capital and employing local staff, along with proof of genuine economic activity. Thresholds and details can change, so professional advice is important.

- Startup Visa. Innovative founders can apply for a residence permit under the Startup Visa scheme. This does not grant citizenship but can be a stepping stone toward long term residence if the business remains active and compliant.

- Employment based residence. Highly skilled professionals may qualify for an EU Blue Card or similar permits, which can also lead toward permanent residence and later, subject to all legal conditions, to naturalization.

- Real estate purchase. Buying property in Lithuania, including in Marijampolė, does not on its own grant residence, permanent residence, or citizenship.

- Municipal and regional practice. Applications are processed by the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior. In the Marijampolė region, you will typically submit applications through the Migration Department’s customer service unit serving the area. Appointments and filings are made through the national online system. Local municipality services can assist with address registration and business matters, but they do not change the national legal standards.

- Taxes and compliance. Becoming a resident may have tax consequences. Lithuanian tax residency generally depends on days present or center of vital interests. Businesses must comply with company law, tax filings, employment rules, and social insurance obligations. Noncompliance can jeopardize immigration status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lithuania offer citizenship by investment?

No. Lithuania does not have a citizenship by investment program. Citizenship cannot be obtained directly through a financial investment.

What are the legitimate routes to Lithuanian citizenship?

Common routes include naturalization after long term lawful residence, citizenship by descent or restoration for those who qualify through Lithuanian ancestry, and limited cases based on special merits. Marriage to a Lithuanian citizen does not grant citizenship automatically.

How long does it take to become a citizen through naturalization?

Naturalization typically requires at least 10 years of lawful residence in Lithuania, meeting integration and other statutory requirements, and holding a permanent residence permit at the time of application. Timelines vary by individual circumstances.

Can I buy real estate in Marijampolė and get citizenship or residence?

No. Property purchase does not automatically grant a residence permit, permanent residence, or citizenship. You must qualify under a specific legal basis.

Is there a residence permit based on investment in a company?

Yes, but it is not citizenship. A third country national may obtain a temporary residence permit through participation in a Lithuanian company if statutory conditions are met, such as adequate share capital, genuine activity, and employing local staff. Requirements can change, so obtain current legal advice.

What language and civics requirements apply?

Applicants for citizenship by naturalization must pass the Lithuanian language exam and the basics of the Constitution exam, unless an exemption applies under law. Certain permanent residence routes also require exams.

Will I have to give up my current citizenship?

Usually yes for naturalization, unless you fall under a narrow exception defined by Lithuanian law. A lawyer can assess whether any exception applies to you.

Can my spouse and children join me if I obtain a residence permit?

Family reunification is possible for a spouse and minor children if you meet income, accommodation, and other requirements. Their path to long term residence and potential naturalization depends on their own residence duration and compliance.

Where do I submit my applications in Marijampolė?

Applications are submitted to the Migration Department through the national online system, followed by an in person visit to the customer service unit that serves the Marijampolė region. You will need appointments and original documents.

What documents are typically required for business based residence?

Expect to provide a valid passport, proof of clean criminal record from your home country, evidence of health insurance, proof of accommodation, corporate documents, proof of shareholding or management role, proof of economic activity and employment of local staff where required, tax and social insurance registrations, and evidence of lawful source of funds. Official translations and legalization or apostilles are often required.

Additional Resources

- Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania for residence and citizenship procedures, appointments, and guidance.

- Ministry of the Interior for national migration policy and legal acts.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lithuanian embassies or consulates for visas and legalization or apostille of documents.

- National Agency for Education for information on the Lithuanian language and basics of the Constitution exams.

- State Tax Inspectorate for personal and corporate tax registration and compliance.

- Centre of Registers for company incorporation and corporate filings.

- Invest Lithuania and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation for business environment information and investor support.

- Marijampolė Municipality administration for address registration, local business support, and municipal services.

Next Steps

1. Confirm your goal. If your objective is citizenship, understand that Lithuania does not offer citizenship by investment. Identify the legitimate route that could apply to you, such as long term naturalization, descent or restoration, or special merits.

2. Consult a qualified lawyer. Engage an immigration and nationality lawyer familiar with Lithuanian law and procedures in the Marijampolė region. Ask for a feasibility assessment, a timeline, and a document checklist tailored to your situation.

3. Choose an immigration basis. If appropriate, consider business based or startup routes, or employment based permits, and ensure you can comply with genuine activity, staffing, and tax obligations.

4. Prepare documentation. Gather passports, civil status records, criminal record certificates, proof of funds and source of funds, health insurance, accommodation, and corporate documents. Arrange certified translations and apostilles as required.

5. Register and file. Create an account in the national immigration system, complete forms, pay fees, and book an appointment at the Migration Department unit serving Marijampolė. Keep copies of all submissions and receipts.

6. Maintain compliance. After obtaining a permit, meet all ongoing obligations such as business activity, tax filings, social insurance, and reporting changes. Keep absence periods within legal limits if you plan to pursue permanent residence and later naturalization.

7. Plan for exams and integration. If aiming for permanent residence or citizenship, prepare for the Lithuanian language and basics of the Constitution exams and monitor when you become eligible to apply.

8. Stay alert to scams. Be wary of anyone offering a Lithuanian or EU passport through investment. Verify all advice with official sources and licensed professionals.

This guide is for general information only. For personalized advice, consult a licensed lawyer who can assess your specific circumstances in Marijampolė and across the Republic of Lithuania.