Lithuania to Hold Referendum on Allowing Dual Citizenship in May 2024

Lithuania will hold a constitutional referendum on May 12, 2024, in tandem with the first round of the presidential elections, to decide whether its citizens can hold dual and multiple citizenships. The referendum aims to amend the constitution and change the citizenship law to allow dual citizenship, particularly for Lithuanians living abroad.

In the past 5 years, over 5,000 Lithuanians have lost their citizenship for obtaining foreign passports, as Lithuania's current laws do not generally allow dual citizenship. Around 1,000 Lithuanian citizens annually give up their citizenship to take another one. The current law has prevented many expatriates from returning to Lithuania.

Of the 27 EU countries, only 5 do not allow citizens to also hold citizenship of another country, including Lithuania, Estonia, Slovakia, Austria, and the Netherlands. The Lithuanian diaspora is significant, with around 600,000 people of Lithuanian descent living in the US.

Why this matters: The referendum on dual citizenship is a significant issue for Lithuania, with the potential to impact thousands of Lithuanians living abroad who wish to maintain their Lithuanian citizenship. The outcome could also have implications for Lithuania's relations with its diaspora communities and its ability to attract expatriates to return home.

The referendum will need more than 50% of eligible voters to approve the amendment for it to pass, which is seen as a challenge given low voter turnout in previous elections. If successful, the parliament would then be able to pass a new citizenship law allowing dual citizenship, though it may be limited to citizens of 'friendly countries' in NATO and the EU, and not countries like Russia.

Incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda is the runaway favorite to win the upcoming presidential election. The referendum on dual citizenship is supported by several candidates, including former NATO deputy secretary general Giedrimas Jeglinskas and Freedom Party candidate Zalimas. A similar referendum was held in 2019 but failed to meet the 50% turnout threshold. This time, the threshold is expected to be met, with only 6.5% of those surveyed not planning to vote and 15.2% undecided.

Key Takeaways

• Lithuania to hold referendum on dual citizenship in 2024 presidential election.
• Over 5,000 Lithuanians have lost citizenship in past 5 years for obtaining foreign passports.
• Only 5 EU countries, including Lithuania, do not allow dual citizenship.
• Referendum needs over 50% voter turnout to pass, a challenge in previous elections.
• Outcome could impact Lithuania's relations with its large diaspora community.