Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Ukmerge

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Ukmerge, Republic of Lithuania

There is no citizenship by investment program in the Republic of Lithuania. This applies nationwide, including Ukmerge. Lithuanian citizenship is granted through birth, naturalization, restoration for persons of Lithuanian origin or former citizens and in very rare cases for exceptional merits to the state. An investment in real estate or a business does not directly lead to Lithuanian citizenship. Be cautious of private offers that promise Lithuanian or European Union passports in exchange for money.

While there is no path to immediate citizenship through investment, Lithuania offers lawful residence options linked to business activity or professional work. With continuous lawful residence, integration, and meeting strict statutory criteria, some foreign nationals later qualify for permanent residence and then for naturalization. Each step has detailed requirements, documentation standards, and compliance obligations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Even without citizenship by investment, investors and entrepreneurs often need legal help to plan a legitimate route to live and work in Lithuania. Common reasons to consult a lawyer include:

- Assessing whether you or your family might qualify for citizenship by naturalization, restoration, or exceptional cases

- Designing a business or investment plan that can support a residence permit under Lithuanian migration rules

- Forming or acquiring a Lithuanian company, drafting corporate documents, and ensuring compliance with employment and tax laws

- Preparing residence permit applications and extensions, including evidence of lawful income, health insurance, and accommodation

- Handling language and civics exam preparation requirements for long-term residence or citizenship

- Verifying eligibility for Startup Visa, EU Blue Card, highly skilled worker routes, or family reunification

- Managing due diligence, source-of-funds documentation, and anti-money laundering compliance

- Addressing refusals, appeals, and administrative disputes with migration authorities

- Avoiding fraud by vetting third-party agents and offers that claim to arrange citizenship for a fee

Local Laws Overview

Citizenship and migration matters are governed by national law and administered through regional offices that serve Ukmerge. Key legal areas include:

- Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania - defines citizenship by birth, naturalization, restoration, and exceptional merits, as well as dual citizenship limits

- Law on the Legal Status of Aliens - sets conditions for visas, temporary residence permits, permanent residence, work authorization, family reunification, and integration requirements

- Corporate and investment framework - company formation is regulated by the Law on Companies and related regulations. Certain business activity and job creation can qualify a foreign national for a temporary residence permit under the legal activities category

- Language and civics requirements - naturalization generally requires passing Lithuanian language and the basics of the Constitution exams, with limited exemptions

- Dual citizenship rules - dual citizenship is restricted and permitted only in narrowly defined cases. Most naturalized adults must renounce their previous citizenship unless they fall within a statutory exception

- Permanent residence - usually available after a qualifying period of continuous lawful stay and integration. Time as a student may count only partially. Criminal records and serious administrative breaches can interrupt continuity

- Due diligence and compliance - anti-money laundering and sanctions screening apply to investments, company ownership, and banking. The Financial Crime Investigation Service supervises compliance together with other authorities

- Document formalities - foreign public documents typically require an apostille or legalization and certified translations into Lithuanian

Administrative processing for Ukmerge residents is handled by the Migration Department of Lithuania through regional divisions that cover Vilnius County. Local municipality services can assist with address declarations and some civil registry matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lithuania offer citizenship by investment?

No. Lithuania does not grant citizenship in exchange for investment. Any claim that you can buy a Lithuanian or EU passport is not legitimate.

Can I obtain a residence permit by investing in a business?

Possibly. Lithuania has a legal activities route for foreign shareholders, managers, or founders, and a Startup Visa for innovative ventures. Your company must meet specific capital, activity, governance, and employment criteria. Requirements are technical and change periodically, so legal advice is recommended.

How long does it take to become a Lithuanian citizen by naturalization?

Naturalization generally requires living in Lithuania for the last ten years, holding a permanent residence permit, passing Lithuanian language and Constitution exams, and meeting integrity and livelihood criteria. Timeframes vary by individual history and status.

Is dual citizenship allowed?

Dual citizenship is restricted. It is allowed only in specific cases set by law, such as citizenship by birth in certain circumstances or restoration for some categories. Most adults who naturalize must renounce their prior citizenship.

Will buying real estate help me get citizenship?

No. Purchasing property does not lead to citizenship. In limited cases it may support a residence permit if it is part of a genuine business plan and you meet all other statutory requirements.

Do I need to pass a language exam?

Yes for naturalization, except for narrow exemptions. Applicants usually must pass a Lithuanian language exam at a basic level and a test on the basics of the Constitution. Long-term or permanent residence can also have integration requirements.

Can my spouse or children be included?

Family members can usually apply for family reunification if you hold qualifying residence status and meet income and accommodation requirements. Children born to Lithuanian citizens can often acquire citizenship by birth. Each family member’s eligibility is assessed individually.

What type of business qualifies for a residence permit?

Authorities assess real, active businesses with appropriate capital, transparent accounting, tax compliance, and genuine job creation. Shell or dormant companies are not accepted. Minimum thresholds and employee counts are set by regulation and are strictly checked.

What happens if my application is refused?

You can typically appeal within set deadlines through administrative procedures or courts. A lawyer can review the refusal grounds, gather additional evidence, and represent you in the appeal.

How can I avoid scams?

Avoid anyone promising guaranteed citizenship or a fast EU passport through investment. Work only with licensed lawyers or reputable firms, request written service agreements, keep your original documents secure, and never submit false information. Verify requirements directly with Lithuanian authorities.

Additional Resources

- Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania - processes visas, residence permits, and citizenship applications

- Ministry of the Interior - oversees migration policy and the Migration Department

- Invest Lithuania and Ministry of Economy and Innovation - business setup guidance for investors and startups

- State Enterprise Centre of Registers - company registration and corporate records

- State Tax Inspectorate VMI - tax registration and compliance for individuals and companies

- Financial Crime Investigation Service - anti-money laundering compliance and reporting

- Ukmerge District Municipality Administration - local administrative matters such as address declaration and permits

- National examination institutions - organize Lithuanian language and Constitution tests required for naturalization

Next Steps

- Verify your goal - decide whether you are seeking residence, permanent residence, naturalization, or restoration of citizenship based on Lithuanian roots. There is no citizenship by investment route

- Check basic eligibility - review residence options that fit your profile, such as business activity, Startup Visa, EU Blue Card, work, study, or family reunification

- Consult a qualified lawyer in Lithuania - ask for an eligibility assessment, a step-by-step plan, and a document checklist. Request a written engagement agreement and clear fee structure

- Prepare documents - gather passports, civil status certificates, proof of funds and source of funds, business plans, corporate documents, accommodation proof, insurance, and police clearances. Arrange apostilles and certified Lithuanian translations

- Build a compliant business structure - if applying through investment or entrepreneurship, set up a real company, meet capital and employment thresholds, register for taxes, and maintain proper accounting

- Schedule applications and exams - file for the appropriate visa or residence permit, track deadlines for extensions, and plan for language and Constitution exams if applicable

- Maintain lawful stay and integration - keep continuous residence, pay taxes, hold valid insurance, and avoid violations that could disrupt your path to long-term residence or citizenship

- Stay alert to changes - migration rules can change. Have your lawyer review your strategy periodically and update filings as needed