Restoring Lithuanian citizenship is a significant procedure for descendants of Lithuanian emigrants residing globally. Those eligible for restoration often seek dual Lithuanian citizenship, while some may need to renounce their existing citizenship.
Despite the usually non-litigious nature of this process, self-attempted applications frequently result in refusals after years of effort. The De Civitate Group, with a success rate exceeding 99%, stands as a key player in streamlining this intricate process.
Alongside Lithuanian citizenship restoration, the firm handles Latvian citizenship restoration and facilitates residency for investments in Lithuania and Latvia, both EU member states. With over a decade of experience since its establishment in 2013, De Civitate has assisted more than 500 clients from 27 countries.
Understanding Lithuanian Citizenship Restoration
Lithuania, situated in North-East Europe, is a Baltic state and holds membership in NATO and the European Union. Its historical roots trace back to the 13th century when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania emerged as one of Europe’s largest states, spanning over 1 million sq. km. The Middle Ages saw the state engaged in perpetual warfare, expanding its territories. In the 14th century, Lithuania allied with Poland, enduring until the 18th century. At the end of the 18th century, after unsuccessful wars with neighboring Sweden and Russia, the state collapsed and was taken over by the Russian Empire.
During the interwar period, Lithuania had a short period of independence from 1918 to 1940, after which it was occupied again by the Soviet Union. It was only in 1990 that Lithuania again became an independent state.
Today, Lithuania is a prosperous nation with a robust economy, consistently ranking high in ease of doing business and passport strength indices. The country’s success, coupled with the opportunity to reconnect with ancestral roots and access various additional benefits, motivates descendants of Lithuanian emigrants to pursue dual Lithuanian citizenship. Conversely, the descendants of Lithuanians from Russia have redirected their focus to their ancestral homeland, particularly in the aftermath of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. However, it’s noteworthy that in most cases, Russian citizens must renounce their Russian citizenship to attain Lithuanian citizenship.
The current citizenship legislation in Lithuania allows the restoration of Lithuanian citizenship to the descendants of persons who had citizenship during the period of independence 1918-1940.
Therefore, most of the descendants of the first wave of emigrants who left the country during its entry into the Russian Empire do not have this opportunity.
At this stage, the first screening is carried out by De Civitate managers, who have been well-trained and have a rich knowledge base. Managers in most cases can independently determine whether a potential client has prospects or not. At the same time, they do not distract lawyers from conducting their business with existing clients.
De Civitate Group Process: A Comprehensive Approach
Upon formalizing a contract with the client and the initial payment, the De Civitate Group initiates a meticulous examination of documents, spanning archives, registers, churches, and various institutions. While individuals often attempt to secure Lithuanian citizenship independently by consulting the central archive, they may not realize that Lithuania boasts approximately 15 archives, providing an extensive scope for document retrieval.
This phase demands several months of dedicated work, culminating in the assembly of a robust document package that significantly diminishes the likelihood of officials rejecting the application. A noteworthy aspect of this process is the involvement of a seasoned lawyer, well-versed in navigating interactions with authorities concerning citizenship restoration. This legal expertise enables precise determination of the applicant’s prospects.
A distinctive feature lies in the post-document search phase where the company, confident in the viability of the application, introduces a contractual clause ensuring a refund in the event of an unfavorable outcome. This commitment contributes to the exceptionally high success rate by allowing prudent decision-making—sometimes advising against pursuing an application with questionable or adverse prospects to avoid unnecessary financial investment in futile projects.
Unlocking Success: The Distinctive Approach of De Civitate Group
The key to De Civitate Group’s remarkable performance lies in a meticulous two-step evaluation of a client’s prospects, executed before the actual submission of the application. This strategic approach not only ensures a high success rate but also optimizes the allocation of personnel. The initial stage, handled by qualified staff, involves the time-consuming task of selecting potential clients who are seeking dual Lithuanian citizenship, freeing up more specialized and costly resources to concentrate on delivering top-notch service to existing clients.
A critical factor contributing to this success is the rigorous training provided to first-level employees. Their role demands not only competence in the field but also the ability to offer high-quality advice. Equipped with a continuously updated and expanded database of potential questions and corresponding answers, these staff members play a pivotal role in ensuring clients receive accurate and valuable guidance.
The organizational structure of De Civitate Group, which prioritizes efficiency and expertise, might offer insightful ideas applicable to diverse contexts.
