Step one. Where do I need to apply?

Persons wishing to adopt, whose permanent place of residence is in a foreign state, citizens of a foreign state and stateless persons, whose permanent place of residence is in the Republic of Lithuania, must apply for adoption in Lithuania through the Central Adoption Authority of their home country, or through the institution of a foreign state, authorised to act in the performance of international adoption in the Republic of Lithuania  (hereinafter - the authorised institution of a foreign state).

As of 1 August 2006, no new applications from foreign authorities for the granting of powers to act in the performance of international adoption in the Republic of Lithuania will be accepted. Currently accredited foreign institutions in our country can extend their international adoption activities after the expiry of their accreditation period. Today, there are 5 accredited foreign institutions in Lithuania, including two from Italy and one each from the USA, Canada and New Zealand.

More information on the extension of the authorisations of accredited foreign institutions to act in international adoption in the Republic of Lithuania can be found in the Description of the procedure for granting the authorisations to accredited foreign institutions to act in international adoption in the Republic of Lithuania, approved by the Order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania No. A1-162 of 3 June 2005  (Žin. 11/06/2005, No. 73-2668, Žin. 12/01/2012, No. 7-218).

As of 1 April 2012, foreigners permanently residing abroad can apply to the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service only for the adoption of children who meet the special criteria. In addition, only married couples living abroad will have the right to adopt in our country.
The procedure for citizens (spouses) of the Republic of Lithuania and spouses permanently residing abroad, one of whom is a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania, to apply for adoption in our country will be the same as before.

The restrictions on international adoption came into force in accordance with the Order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania No. A1-8 of 10 January 2012 “On the amendment of the Order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania No. A1-162 of 3 June 2005 “On the approval of the procedure of granting authority to foreign authorities to act in the performance of international adoption in the Republic of Lithuania”.

As mentioned above, there are currently 5 authorised foreign institutions in Lithuania, 2 of which are Italian and 1 each from the USA, Canada and New Zealand.
Families living in countries where there are no authorised foreign authorities (e.g. Great Britain, Norway, etc.) can apply for adoption in Lithuania only through the Central Adoption Authority of that country.

Differences:
• Authorised foreign institutions can participate in the adoption programme for children who meet the special criteria. Meanwhile, the Central Adoption Authorities do not have the possibility to apply for the adoption of children from the list of children who meet the special criteria.
• All authorised foreign institutions have been working in Lithuania for several years, have representatives authorised to work in Lithuania, are very familiar with the procedure of international adoption in Lithuania, promptly transmit the necessary information (e.g., the Service’s proposal for adoption to the family, etc.), respond promptly, and assist the family throughout the adoption process. Meanwhile, the Central Adoption Authorities do not have authorised representatives to work in Lithuania, are often unaware of the international adoption procedure in Lithuania, do not transmit information promptly, often have to wait a long time for a reply, and only represent the family until it agrees to adopt the child proposed for adoption.
• The fees for services provided by authorised foreign authorities are significantly higher compared to the Central Adoption Authorities.