Romanian Citizenship | How to Obtain Romanian Citizenship

Romanian citizenship is a legal bond between an individual and the Romanian state, governed by the Constitution and Law No. 21/1991. Any foreign national who meets the migration requirements may become a Romanian citizen.

A Romanian passport is an official identity document certifying Romanian citizenship. It also serves as an identification document for EU citizens and, in accordance with Romanian Law No. 248 of July 20, 2005, grants unrestricted access to the labor market, higher education, healthcare, banking services, and commercial activities across all member states of the European Union.

Romanian Citizenship Law

The procedure for acquiring citizenship is regulated by the Romanian Citizenship Law. Citizenship may be granted by birthright, adoption, or upon request. In most cases, immigrants seeking naturalization through the third option must legally reside in Romania for at least 8 years, possess knowledge of the language, culture, and legal system. However, repatriates and investors are eligible to apply for a Romanian passport through a simplified process.

Ways to Obtain Romanian Citizenship

Through Repatriation

Repatriation to Romania is a procedure for restoring citizenship based on ancestral ties. This is one of the fastest routes to acquiring a Romanian passport. To qualify, the applicant must provide documented proof that a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was born in or resided on Romanian territory before 1940.

Between 1918 and 1940, parts of the Odesa region, the entire Chernivtsi region, and Moldova were part of Romania and were later incorporated into the USSR. During this period and throughout World War II, significant population migration occurred across the former Soviet Union.

Repatriates are exempt from the requirement of continuous residence in the country and from taking a written exam in the Romanian language. With a properly prepared application file, citizenship based on ancestry can be granted in as little as one year. A minor child automatically acquires Romanian citizenship along with the parent, provided the application is submitted jointly.

Moreover, Romanian citizenship may be obtained even without direct ancestral documents. Experienced migration lawyers can assist in identifying and proving Romanian descent using alternative sources and legal evidence.

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Through Naturalization

Naturalization in Romania is the process of acquiring citizenship upon request. This right is granted to adult applicants who meet the following conditions:

Have legally resided in Romania for at least 8 years
(4 years for investors, 5 years for spouses of Romanian citizens)
Have learned the Romanian language, legal system, traditions, national anthem, and key constitutional principles
Have no criminal record or legal issues
Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves in Romania

The official grounds for applying through naturalization may include family reunification, employment, education, or business activities.

Through Investment

Foreign nationals may acquire a Romanian passport by investing at least €1,000,000 in the country’s economy. The investment project must be approved by the Romanian Agency for Foreign Investments. Major capital investments allow the applicant to obtain permanent residency directly, bypassing preliminary residence stages.

After four years of permanent residence, the investor becomes eligible to apply for Romanian citizenship under an expedited naturalization process.

Comparison of Romanian Citizenship Options

Method	Eligibility Conditions	Estimated Costs
Repatriation	EU citizenship granted within approximately 12 months. Repatriates are exempt from both the language exam and the requirement of continuous residence.	No government fees for applicants.
Naturalization	Temporary residence permit (1 year) with extensions, permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after an additional 3 years. Requires knowledge of Romanian and fulfillment of all legal conditions.	Costs vary depending on the grounds for application and are calculated individually.
Investment	Immediate permanent residence. Citizenship granted after 4 years of residence, subject to meeting all other naturalization requirements.	From €1,000,000

The repatriation route stands out as the most efficient and cost-effective among all available options for obtaining Romanian citizenship. Submit a request to receive a detailed presentation of the program.

How to Obtain Romanian Citizenship

Applicants can apply for a Romanian passport either independently or with the assistance of a specialized migration firm. Most candidates prefer to work with professionals in international law to minimize risks and expedite the citizenship process. Qualified lawyers are well-versed in Romanian legislation and document requirements, and they can offer legal pathways even in complex cases.

With professional support, Romanian citizenship can typically be obtained within 12 months.

Simplified Citizenship Process

Initial Consultation and Agreement

During the initial meeting, migration lawyers thoroughly review the client’s individual case and compile a tailored list of documents needed to file for citizenship restoration. Once the terms of cooperation are agreed upon, a bilateral service contract is signed between the applicant and the firm.

Document Collection and Legal Review

Legal specialists assist the applicant in preparing a complete document package in compliance with Romanian law, including certified translations and apostilles. If any documents (e.g., certificates or IDs) have been lost, the legal team helps recover or replace them through appropriate channels.

Dossier Submission

On a pre-arranged date, the applicant travels to Bucharest and, accompanied by a company representative, submits their file to the Ministry of Justice. After the documents are accepted, the case is assigned a unique registration number (Dosar).

Case Monitoring and Decision

Using the assigned Dosar number, the legal team monitors the case throughout its review stages. Once a citizenship approval order is issued, the lawyers promptly notify the applicant. The individual must then take the citizenship oath within six months. Migration experts provide all necessary preparation materials for the ceremony.

Citizenship Oath Ceremony

The oath appointment is scheduled in advance. By the date of the ceremony, the applicant must be familiar with the oath text. During the event, Romanian officials may ask questions about the applicant’s background and general knowledge of Romania.

Passport Issuance and Domestic Documentation

Following the oath ceremony, the applicant receives an official certificate of Romanian citizenship. With this certificate, and under legal guidance, the new citizen proceeds to obtain their residence registration, birth certificate (and marriage certificate if needed), ID card, driver’s license, and other essential internal documents.

Standard Citizenship Procedure

Choosing a Legal Basis and Preparing Documents

The process of obtaining citizenship through naturalization depends on the applicant’s selected legal grounds for residence in Romania. These may include employment, education, family reunification, marriage, or entrepreneurial activity.

Applying for a Long-Stay Visa

The document package is submitted to the Romanian consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The average waiting time for a visa decision is around 14 days. A long-stay visa allows the applicant to stay in Romania for up to 90 days.

Applying for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

The application for a temporary residence permit must be submitted to the local immigration office in Romania no later than one month before the visa expires. The initial residence permit is typically valid for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.

Obtaining Permanent Residency (PR)

After 5 years of legal residence in Romania, the immigrant becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency. Foreign nationals who have invested €1,000,000 in the Romanian economy or created 100 jobs may obtain PR status directly, bypassing the temporary residence stage.

Applying for Citizenship

After 8 years of continuous legal residence, the applicant has the right to file a citizenship petition. The completed application file must be submitted in person to the headquarters of the National Authority for Citizenship in Bucharest.

Application Review Process

If the applicant meets all legal requirements, the Citizenship Commission will review the file and supporting documents within six months and schedule an interview.

Passport and National Documents

Once citizenship is granted, the new citizen must contact the local authorities to obtain a Romanian ID card, international passport, driver’s license, and other internal documents.

Required Documents for Obtaining Romanian Citizenship

Regardless of the chosen path to legalize your status in Romania, all applicants must submit notarized copies of their documents in Romanian, along with their originals for verification at the Ministry of Justice.

Documents for Repatriation

Application for the restoration of Romanian citizenship
Two color photographs (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
International passport
National (internal) passport
Certificate of no criminal record
Documentary evidence of territorial or ethnic connection to Romania
Birth certificate of a minor child and, if the child is over 14 years old, their written consent for obtaining citizenship (if applicable)

Documents for Naturalization

Application for the granting of Romanian citizenship
Internal and international passports
Two color photographs (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Valid residence permit
Certificate confirming the required number of years of legal residence in Romania
Notarized statement of responsibility (a document confirming that the applicant has no criminal history and poses no threat to national security)
Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates of the main applicant
For children over 14 – notarized consent to acquire citizenship (if applicable)
Residence permit of the minor child (if applicable)
Certificate of no criminal record issued in the applicant’s country of residence
Proof of Romanian citizenship of the spouse (if applying through marriage)
Birth certificates of minor children (if citizenship is granted to a child)
Proof of residence in Romania (rental agreement or property ownership certificate)
Bank statement or other documents proving a stable source of income

What Romanian Citizenship Offers: 6 Key Benefits

Legal Employment. No additional work permits are required to apply for jobs in any EU member state.
Access to European Education. Romanian citizens can enroll in any European university. Tuition fees for EU citizens are significantly lower than for international students, and in some countries, education is completely free.
Business Opportunities. Citizens gain access to the European market and can benefit from financial support programs that help reduce the tax burden for entrepreneurs.
Banking Services. Romanian citizens are eligible to open bank accounts, apply for mortgages and loans, and use full-scale financial services across the EU.
Real Estate Ownership. They are allowed to buy and sell residential or commercial property in Romania and other EU countries without restrictions.
Free Movement. Romanian citizenship grants the right to live in Romania or settle in any other EU country, and to travel visa-free to over 170 countries worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Romanian Citizenship

Can I buy a Romanian passport?

There is no legal way to purchase an EU passport from Romania. To become a Romanian citizen, one must follow one of the legal procedures provided by national law. Attempting to acquire citizenship illegally is a violation of legislation and may result in serious consequences.

How long does it take to obtain Romanian citizenship?

The timeline depends on the immigration route: repatriation approximately 14 months; naturalization (investors) from 4 years; spouses of Romanian citizens from 5 years; all other applicants from 8 years. Repatriation is often the fastest and most appealing option.

Do I need to speak Romanian?

Applicants seeking citizenship through naturalization are required by law to demonstrate basic conversational knowledge of the Romanian language. Repatriation candidates are exempt from this language requirement.

Is it necessary to live in Romania before or after obtaining citizenship?

Yes, eight years of legal residence in Romania is mandatory for naturalization. However, for repatriation, place of residence is irrelevant. Applicants may live anywhere in the world both before and after obtaining their Romanian passport.

How much does it cost to obtain Romanian citizenship?

The total cost depends on the chosen immigration path. Repatriation candidates are exempt from paying government fees. Other expenses are calculated individually based on legal and administrative services required.

How can I find out if I’m eligible for Romanian citizenship?

The simplest way to check if you qualify for citizenship by repatriation is to book a consultation with our team. Our specialists will review your situation, examine your documents, and outline a personalized action plan.

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