According to the law, all citizens of Lithuania aged 18–60 are considered conscripts.
In practice, only part of this age group must perform compulsory initial military service each year – primarily men aged 18-22 who meet the required health and other criteria. For women, service is voluntary.
Criteria
- Age – each year men aged 18–22 are called to compulsory initial military service. If service has been deferred (e.g. due to studies), they may be called up until the age of 23. Conscripts who were assigned to service but did not report for duty, and conscripts who have acquired professions (qualifications) that are lacking in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, are called up for service until the person reaches the age of 31
- Gender – men are called up on a compulsory basis, women may join the service voluntarily
- Health condition – fitness and readiness for service are determined by the military medical commission in accordance with the health requirements set by the Minister of National Defence for persons performing military service
- Education and social status – both students and employed persons may be called up, but the law provides for certain grounds for deferment
Deferment and exemption from military service
The Law provides cases where military service may be temporarily deferred or completely exempted. These provisions ensure that the obligation is applied proportionately, taking into account health, family, or social circumstances.
Military service may be deferred for:
- Persons with health problems – service is deferred if the Military Medical Commission finds that the person is temporarily unfit for service
- Certain family circumstances – for example, if the conscript is the sole parent of minor children or the carer of family members with disabilities
- Suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings, or persons serving a sentence
Military service may be completely exempted for:
- Persons recognised as unfit for service due to their health condition
- Persons who lose their citizenship or acquire the citizenship of certain other countries
- Persons who have already performed service in other forms (e.g. compulsory initial military service)
exception Deferment or exemption is not automatic – the conscript must submit documents substantiating the request (e.g. certificate of studies, medical report, family composition documents). The decision is taken by the Military Service and Conscription Service.
important Deferment or exemption from military service is possible only on grounds provided by law – for example, due to health or family circumstances.
Conscripts and volunteers
All conscripts included in the annually prepared call-up lists are obliged to arrive for service unless they have been granted deferment or exemption. Citizens who wish to serve earlier than they would normally be called may submit a voluntary application. In some cases, volunteers are granted additional guarantees, but their service duration and procedure are the same.
Students, employees, and citizens living abroad
Students of higher education institutions in Lithuania or abroad may be granted a deferment until the end of their studies.
Employment is not a ground for exemption from service. Employers are obliged to preserve the workplace and reinstate the employee after service.
Citizens living abroad are also considered conscripts. If a conscript permanently resides abroad, they must inform the Military Service and Conscription Service, which may then defer the service. However, each case is assessed individually.
exception The obligation of military service applies to all male citizens, regardless of their place of residence. If mobilisation is declared, they must return to Lithuania and perform the service.