Citizenship vs permanent residence in Lithuania: how the requirements differ

Both routes usually need the same two exams – state language (A2) and Constitution basics. The residence period and other conditions differ.

Side by side

	Citizenship (naturalisation)	Permanent residence permit
Residence	10 years of lawful permanent residence, holding a permanent right of residence	5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence with a residence permit
Exams	Language (A2) and Constitution	Language (A2) and Constitution (general route)
Income	A lawful source of income	Sufficient means or regular income, health insurance
Other citizenship	Usually a written declaration that you will renounce it (exceptions in Art. 7)	No need to renounce
State fee	€159	€220 (urgent €440)
Legal basis	Law on Citizenship, Art. 18	Law on Aliens, Art. 53

Residence counts as uninterrupted if no absence was longer than 6 months in a row and absences total no more than 10 months in the 5 years.
Time on a student permit counts only by half (unless you graduated from higher education in Lithuania); time in prison breaks the period.
The permit is issued for 5 years. On some other grounds (Lithuanian descent, family member of a citizen, etc.) the law does not require the exams.

You must hold the permanent right of residence both when you apply and when the decision is made.
Through marriage to a Lithuanian citizen: 7 years living together in Lithuania plus both exams (Art. 19).
Exempt from the exams are, among others, people aged 65+, people with 0–55% work capacity, and people with severe chronic mental disorders.
The oath must be taken within 6 months, or within 2 years if you declared you would renounce your other citizenship.

The language and Constitution exams are needed for both routes, so start there: how to register and the Constitution trainer (free demo).

Unofficial information, not affiliated with any state institution. Rules can change – check the official sources before you act.

Checked: 2026-11-02