Lithuania is working on introducing electronic citizenship for foreigners
As noted by "Russkaya Germaniya", the project to grant electronic residency ("e-residency") to citizens of non-EU countries was approved by the Seimas of Lithuania back in November 2020. Previously, the only country in the world granting this status was Estonia, where obtaining electronic citizenship has been possible since 2014. Over the entire duration of the program in Estonia, approximately 1 million digital ID cards were issued to e-residency applicants. The cost of processing an application and issuing each card is 100 euros.
It is expected that Lithuania's decision may attract investment to the country. And although virtual citizenship in Lithuania does not replace full citizenship, it still significantly raises the immigrant's status and provides a number of advantages, including the right to register a business, the right to open a bank account under a simplified scheme, and many others.
There are also restrictions for e-residents: the most significant is that they do not have the right to vote or participate in elections.
You can apply for virtual citizenship through the official website of the Lithuanian consulate or embassy. The application procedure is as simplified and convenient as possible. Applicants for virtual citizenship status simply need to fill out a standard online application, provide a current photo and a scanned copy of their passport, and briefly explain the reasons for seeking electronic citizenship of Lithuania.
Immediately before receiving the ID card, it is necessary to undergo a formal and fairly short interview with a consulate employee. The procedure for obtaining electronic citizenship takes approximately 3 months.
The new opportunity is particularly attractive for businessmen and freelancers, who will be able to legalize their income – openly and legally withdraw funds, store fees in euros, and confirm their income for tax payments and tax deductions.
For startups, the clear advantages of Lithuanian electronic citizenship include such favorable factors as the absence of corporate income tax, the ability to quickly and conveniently manage a business remotely, and maximally simplified accounting.