Summary
Norway's multilingual birth certificate is not accepted by Lithuanian authorities because it lacks a Lithuanian translation, requiring a certified translation, notarization, and an apostille.
Expect the entire process to take 2-3 months and cost between 5000-8000 NOK (€500-€800) from obtaining the certificate to receiving the passport.
The correct and mandatory sequence is: translation first, followed by notarization of the translation, and finally, an apostille on the notarized document.
Finding a certified Norwegian-Lithuanian translator is a common delay; using a professional certified translation service ensures official acceptance and a fast turnaround.
You've just welcomed your child into the world in Norway, but as a Lithuanian citizen, you need to register their birth and get them a Lithuanian passport. You call the Lithuanian embassy and get vague answers. You discover that your multilingual Norwegian birth certificate isn't accepted because it doesn't include Lithuanian. Now you're stuck trying to find a Norwegian-Lithuanian translator (of which there's apparently only one in the entire country) and figure out what needs to be notarized and apostilled.
Sound familiar? You're not alone.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact process of converting a Norwegian birth certificate into a Lithuanian passport, addressing all the bureaucratic hurdles and confusing requirements along the way.
Why the Norwegian Multilingual Certificate Isn't Enough
Many parents are surprised to learn that the multilingual birth certificate from Skatteetaten (the Norwegian Tax Administration) isn't sufficient for Lithuanian passport applications. While this certificate includes translations in Norwegian, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German, it notably lacks Lithuanian—a critical requirement for Lithuanian authorities.
As one frustrated parent noted: "I have this multilingual [certificate]. But Lithuanian process wants it to be translated to Lithuanian. I called embassy, didn't found good answers."
The reality is that Lithuanian authorities require all foreign documents to be properly translated, notarized, and authenticated with an apostille before they can be used for official purposes like passport applications.
The Three Pillars of Document Preparation
Before diving into the step-by-step process, it's important to understand the three core requirements that cause the most confusion:
Certified Translation: Your Norwegian birth certificate must be officially translated into Lithuanian. This requires a certified translation suitable for legal and official submissions, a service provided by specialized platforms like Bluente.
Notarization: The translation must be notarized to verify the translator's credentials and signature.
Apostille: An apostille stamp must be added to authenticate the document for international use.
Each of these steps involves different Norwegian authorities and specific procedures, which we'll detail below.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough: From Skatteetaten to Lithuanian Passport
Step 1: Obtain the Official Norwegian Birth Certificate
Where: Skatteetaten online portal
What to do:
Log in using BankID
Select the multilingual birth certificate option
Verify your child's details and submit the request
Processing time: Up to two weeks plus postal delivery
Who can request it: Parents with custody or legal guardians
Important note: While you'll need to get a specialized translation, starting with the official multilingual certificate from Skatteetaten is essential as it serves as your original certificate and source document.
Step 2: Get a Certified Norwegian-to-Lithuanian Translation
This step is often the most challenging due to the rarity of the Norwegian-Lithuanian language pair. Instead of searching for a scarce freelance translator and facing long waits, you can use a professional certified translation service to streamline the process.
Where to go: Bluente Certified Document Translation
What to know:
Speed and Availability: Services like Bluente offer a 24-hour turnaround, bypassing the bottleneck of finding an available independent translator.
Official Acceptance: Bluente provides officially certified translations by qualified linguists, which are guaranteed to be accepted by embassies, courts, and government agencies.
Flat-Rate Pricing: You get a clear, flat rate per page (starting from $25), which is often more predictable and affordable than individual translator fees.
Simplicity: You can simply upload your document online and receive a court-ready, certified translation without complex coordination.
A non-certified translation will be rejected by Lithuanian authorities, so using a trusted service that specializes in official documents is crucial.
Step 3: Get the Translation Notarized
Where: Your local court house (tingrett)
What to do:
Take both the original Norwegian birth certificate and the certified translation to the courthouse
Request notarization of the translated document
The notary will verify the translator's signature and credentials
Important clarification: It's the translation that requires notarization, not the original certificate. The court will place an official stamp and signature on the translated document, confirming its legitimacy.
Cost: Varies by courthouse, typically between 300-500 NOK
Step 4: Secure an Apostille Stamp
Where: Your local county governor (Statsforvalteren) office
What to do:
Take the notarized translation to the county governor's office
Request an apostille for the notarized document
The county governor will verify the notary's signature and add the apostille stamp
What is an apostille?: An apostille is an international certification comparable to notarization in domestic law, making a document legally valid for use in another country. It's a requirement under the Hague Convention, which both Norway and Lithuania have signed.
Processing time: Approximately 14 working days Cost: Starts from approximately €143 (1500-2000 NOK)
Resources: Official County Governor information on apostille stamps
Step 5: Register the Birth at the Lithuanian Embassy
Where: Lithuanian Embassy in Norway
What to do:
Book an appointment with the embassy
Bring the following documents:
The child's birth certificate with translation, notarization, and apostille
Parents' valid Lithuanian passports or ID cards
Proof of Lithuanian citizenship
Completed application form (obtained from the consulate)
Submit all documents and pay the registration fee
Important: This step must be completed before you can apply for the child's passport. The birth registration establishes your child's Lithuanian citizenship.
Step 6: Apply for the Lithuanian Passport
Where: Same Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate where you registered the birth
What to do:
After the birth registration is processed, return to the embassy for the passport application
Complete the passport application form
Provide passport photos of the child according to Lithuanian requirements
Pay the passport issuance fee
Processing time: Typically 4-6 weeks after application submission Cost: Check the consulate website for current fees
Managing Expectations: Costs, Timelines, and Common Delays
Understanding the full scope of this process helps you plan accordingly:
Total Estimated Timeline: 2-3 months from start to finish
Document preparation: 4-6 weeks
Skatteetaten certificate: 2+ weeks
Translation: 1-2 weeks (depending on translator availability)
Notarization and apostille: 2-3 weeks
Embassy processing: 4-6 weeks for birth registration and passport issuance
Estimated Total Cost: 5000-8000 NOK (€500-800)
Skatteetaten certificate: Minimal fee
Certified translation: From $25 per page with a service like Bluente (approx. 265 NOK), which is significantly more affordable than independent translator fees that can range from 2000-3000 NOK.
Notarization: 300-500 NOK
Apostille: 1500-2000 NOK
Embassy fees: Varies for birth registration and passport issuance
Common Delays:
Delays in finding an available certified Norwegian-Lithuanian translator (this can be avoided by using a global certified translation platform).
Incomplete applications requiring additional documentation
Postal delays when sending documents between offices
Seasonal backlogs at the embassy
What to Do When You're Stuck: A Practical Troubleshooting Guide
When faced with conflicting information or vague authority guidance, use these strategies:
Ask Specific, Targeted Questions
When contacting the embassy, avoid general questions like "What do I need to do?" Instead, use these template questions:
"To register the birth of my child born in Norway, my understanding is I need the Norwegian birth certificate translated to Lithuanian, notarized, and apostilled. Can you confirm this is the correct sequence?"
"Does the apostille need to be on the original certificate from Skatteetaten or on the certified translation?"
"Do you maintain a list of pre-approved certified translators for Norwegian-Lithuanian translations, or is any translator from Translatorportalen acceptable?"
"What is the current processing time for birth registration before I can apply for the passport?"
Alternative Approaches When Official Guidance Is Unclear
Get responses in writing: Email the embassy rather than calling to have a record of the guidance provided
Consult with other Lithuanian parents in Norway: Join Facebook groups or forums where others have gone through the same process
Use a Professional Translation Service: To eliminate risks with translation quality and certification, use a service like Bluente that guarantees acceptance by official authorities.
Contact a specialized immigration attorney: If the process becomes too complex or you're facing repeated rejections
Double-check requirements with both Norwegian and Lithuanian authorities: Sometimes information from one side clarifies confusion from the other
Final Checklist
Use this checklist to track your progress through the entire process:
Order multilingual birth certificate from Skatteetaten
Find a certified Norwegian-Lithuanian translator via Translatorportalen
Get the completed translation
Notarize the translation at a local courthouse (tingrett)
Get an apostille for the notarized document from the County Governor
Book an appointment with the Lithuanian consulate
Gather all required documents: birth certificate with translation/notarization/apostille, parents' IDs, proof of citizenship
Attend the appointment to register the birth
Submit the passport application
Collect the passport when ready
Conclusion
Navigating the process from a Norwegian birth certificate to a Lithuanian passport involves multiple steps across different authorities, each with their own requirements and processing times. While the journey may seem daunting, breaking it down into manageable steps—and leveraging professional services for critical tasks like certified translation—makes it achievable.
Remember that documentation requirements can change, so always verify the most current information with the Lithuanian embassy before beginning the process. With patience and attention to detail, you'll successfully secure your child's Lithuanian passport and officially register their birth with Lithuanian authorities.
By following this guide and preparing for potential challenges in advance, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the bureaucratic maze and provide your child with the documentation they need as a Lithuanian citizen born in Norway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to translate the Norwegian multilingual birth certificate?
You must translate the Norwegian multilingual birth certificate because it does not include a Lithuanian translation, which is a mandatory requirement for official documents submitted to Lithuanian authorities. The standard certificate from Skatteetaten includes languages like English, German, and French, but to be legally recognized for a passport application in Lithuania, the document must be officially translated into Lithuanian by a certified translator.
What is the correct order for translation, notarization, and apostille?
The correct order is: first, get the certified translation of your birth certificate; second, get the translation notarized; and third, get an apostille for the notarized translation. Following this sequence is crucial. The notarization verifies the translator's credentials, and the apostille then authenticates the notary's signature for international use. Applying an apostille to the original Norwegian document before translation will not be accepted.
What's the difference between notarization and an apostille?
Notarization is a domestic process that verifies the authenticity of a signature on a document, while an apostille is an international certification that makes the document legally valid in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Convention. In this process, you first get the translation notarized at a Norwegian courthouse (tingrett) to confirm the translator's signature. Then, you take the notarized translation to the county governor (Statsforvalteren) to receive an apostille, which certifies the notary's authority.
How long does it take to get a Lithuanian passport for a newborn in Norway?
The entire process typically takes 2 to 3 months from start to finish. This timeline includes about 4-6 weeks for document preparation (obtaining the certificate, translation, notarization, and apostille) and another 4-6 weeks for the Lithuanian embassy to process the birth registration and issue the passport.
How much does the entire process cost?
The estimated total cost ranges from 5000 to 8000 NOK (approximately €500-€800). This cost covers certified translation, notarization fees (300-500 NOK), the apostille stamp (1500-2000 NOK), and the embassy fees for birth registration and passport issuance. Using a professional translation service with flat-rate pricing can often make this cost more predictable.
Where can I find a certified Norwegian-to-Lithuanian translator?
You can find certified translators through professional translation platforms like Bluente or by searching official national registries, though the Norwegian-Lithuanian language pair is rare. Due to the scarcity of independent certified translators for this language pair, using a global certified translation service is often the fastest and most reliable option, helping you avoid significant delays in the process.