In 2015, Republic of Lithuania reintroduced military conscription. Mandatory initial military service in Lithuania applies to Lithuanian citizens even when they live abroad. This means that men, aged 18-23, can be invited to perform compulsory military service in the Lithuanian Armed Forces for a period of 9 months, even if they reside in the Republic of South Africa. At the beginning of every year lists of military conscripts of the calendar year are drawn up randomly.
It is important to emphasize that neither the Law on Mandatory Military Service nor other legislation provide a legal basis for an exemption from the military service to a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who is a citizen of another state at the same time and (or) serves at the moment or has completed service at the army of another country.
Key Information to Know
- Contact Submission for 17-Year-Olds: Since January 1, 2025, all Lithuanian citizens turning 17 are required to submit their contact details to the Conscription and Recruitment Service. This does not mean a 17-year-old must begin service right away, but it marks the start of military service administration, so it is important not to ignore it.
- Questionnaire for 17-year-old young men to submit contact details (CLICK HERE).
- Conscription Age Rules: Starting from 2026, all young men turning 18 are included in the conscript lists, as well as young men aged 18 to 22 who are not studying in higher education institutions at that time.
- Annual Lists: New conscript lists are compiled every year. You can check if you have been included in the list on the special website: (CLICK HERE).
- Next Steps if Listed: If you find your name on the list, the most important thing is to respond to notices sent to you by the military and maintain communication with the service. Please note that communication is also possible remotely while living abroad.
General Contacts for Inquiries
- Phone: 8 800 12340 (for callers within Lithuania), +370 706 76 854 (when calling from abroad).
- Email: You can also consult via email at sauktiniai@mil.lt
Please Note
- Citizenship and Residency: Every Lithuanian citizen has constitutional citizen rights and duties, including military obligations, regardless of their place of residence. Declaring departure from Lithuania does not exempt a person from military service duties, as military obligation stems from holding Lithuanian citizenship.
- Dual Citizenship: Having dual citizenship also does not exempt you from military service obligations.
- Military Service Abroad: A Lithuanian citizen wishing to perform military service in a foreign state must apply to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania for a permit. Having performed service in NATO or European Union member states with this permit, they may apply to the Chief of Defence of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to have the mandatory service credited.
- Unauthorized Foreign Service: If a Lithuanian citizen serves in another state's service without Government authorization, they may lose their citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania.
Where to Find Additional Information
- Detailed information regarding changes to mandatory military service from 2026 is provided on the Global Lithuania Department page: (CLICK HERE).
- Answers to questions about mandatory military service for individuals living abroad can be found on the Lithuanian Armed Forces page: (CLICK HERE).
