If you have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection status in Lithuania, and you were separated from your family, you can apply for family reunification so that your family can join you in Lithuania, under specific conditions.
When should I apply for family reunification?
If you want to apply for family reunification, you should do so as soon as possible and no later than 3 months after you were granted refugee or subsidiary protection status in Lithuania.
If you do not apply for family reunification within 3 months after you were granted refugee status or subsidiary protection, you may need to fulfil additional conditions, such as proof of sufficient income, having a permanent address and health insurance in Lithuania. In case you fail to fulfil these criteria, family reunification may be denied. You can appeal this decision before the Lithuanian courts.
Whom can I reunite with?
Your spouse and children under 18 can come to reside with you. If your application for family reunification is accepted, you need to organise and pay for your family members’ trip to Lithuania.
If you need assistance in this process, please contact the Lithuanian Red Cross.
In special situations, other close members of your family who had lived with you in your home country and who fully depend on you may come to reside with you in Lithuania.
Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
If your application for family reunification is rejected, you have the right to appeal to the Regional Administrative Court. Note that the appeal must be submitted within 14 days after the decision rejecting your application for family reunification was notified to you.
Where can I find help for a family reunification process?
If you have a residence permit in Lithuania, you may be eligible for free legal aid provided by the State. For more information about the requirements needed to request free legal aid and how to request it, please visit the website of the Lithuanian authorities.
If you are not eligible for free legal aid provided by the State, we advise you to contact our partner, the Lithuanian Red Cross, which may be able to provide legal counselling in your case.
In Lithuania, UNHCR supports the national authorities in executing their duties in line with international and European standards. UNHCR is not part of the family reunification procedure in Lithuania. The procedure in Lithuania is under the responsibility of the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior.
I need help to find a missing family member in another country (family tracing)
If you reside in Lithuania, we advise you to contact our partner, the Lithuanian Red Cross. This organization carries out family tracing services. Please find their contact details below:
Lithuanian Red Cross
- Address: Konstitucijos pr. 7A, PC Europa, III a. Vilnius, LT-09307
- Phone: 📞+370 652 92 905
- E-mail: 📧 [email protected]
If you reside outside Lithuania, we recommend that you see the HELP site for the country in which you reside.
Please be informed that UNHCR does not provide family tracing services.
