From South Africa to the EU: Ursula’s journey

In 2019, Ursula Jenkins, a publisher from South Africa, established her company in Lithuania with IN IURE’s support. What started as a search for EU stability and cost efficiency became a thriving creative business that now collaborates with European partners. Ursula highlights how IN IURE’s clarity, transparency, and professionalism made the entire process seamless.

I didn’t choose Lithuania – Lithuania chose me! My father was born in Klaipeda (then Memel) and I was therefore eligible for Lithuanian citizenship. Once I received the passport, it was a logical step to strengthen ties to my new country.

Modern Dentistry Media was launched in South Africa in 1999. We publish a journal (International Dentistry – African Edition), distribute books and organise congresses, focussing on the dental profession and industry. We launched our Australasian Edition in 2006, so the decision was made to start a Baltic Edition, to be truly international. MB Modern Dentistry Media was formed in 2019 and the Baltic Edition was first published in 2023. Business in Lithuania is a challenge, with the travelling between Johannesburg and Vilnius, but we are getting there! I have found it better to interact with clients personally, rather than remotely. I have increased my trips to Vilnius and business relations are improving. I have also been to Riga and Tallinn to include all 3 Baltic states.

I was recommended to InJure by a friend whose children were in the process of applying for Lithuanian citizenship. From my first email to Dainius in 2017, it was clear I was in good, very professional hands! Each step was explained and advice was given as to which documents were needed and what I had to  – they did the rest. It took 2 years before citizenship was granted and I was on the first plane to Vilnius to apply for the passport! I met Lianna Grigoryan at the Migracijos Departmentas (having travelled straight from the airport!!). She had everything in place and in 24 hours, I had the most important document in my life – my Lietuvos Pasas! By the end of the week, my company was registered and my bank accounts, personal and business, were opened – all with the help of Lianna and InJure.

To my fellow South Africans who have been so fortunate getting Lithuanian citizenship, my advice is: first, visit and explore the country that has your history; second, use the new opportunities your citizenship has given you and invest in Lithuania – it is a fast developing country with many doors that can open. Business in the Baltics is very different from South Africa in that there are more rules and regulations, but that is not an obstacle. 

What can I say about InJure?  Their support did not end once citizenship was granted – I feel like I am part of the family! Special thanks to Dainius and Lianna.