Romania Citizenship: Your Complete Guide to Requirements and Process

Introduction to Romanian Citizenship

Obtaining citizenship in Romania opens doors to numerous benefits, including the right to live, work, and travel freely throughout the European Union. As an EU member state since 2007, Romania offers a strategic gateway to Europe, making its citizenship increasingly desirable for individuals worldwide. This comprehensive guide explores the various pathways to become a Romanian citizen, detailing requirements, procedures, and essential considerations for a successful application.

Romania's citizenship laws are based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), but also provide several naturalization pathways for foreigners. Whether you're seeking citizenship through ancestry, marriage, naturalization, or investment, understanding the specific requirements and processes is crucial for a successful application.

Eligibility Criteria for Romanian Citizenship

Citizenship by Birth

Romanian citizenship is automatically granted to children born to at least one Romanian parent, regardless of birthplace. This principle of jus sanguinis makes Romania's citizenship laws particularly favorable for those with Romanian ancestry. Children born in Romania to foreign parents do not automatically receive citizenship but may qualify through other pathways later.

Citizenship by Ancestry (Descent)

Individuals with Romanian ancestors can apply for citizenship through a simplified process. This option is particularly relevant for descendants of former Romanian citizens who lost their citizenship involuntarily or were forced to renounce it before 1989. Applicants must provide documentation proving their Romanian ancestry, typically up to the third generation.

The Romanian government has established special procedures for those whose ancestors were from territories that once belonged to Romania, such as Moldova, northern Bukovina, and southern Bessarabia. This historical connection provides a pathway to citizenship in Romania for many individuals from these regions.

Naturalization Process in Romania

Standard Naturalization Requirements

The standard pathway to becoming a citizen of Romania through naturalization requires meeting several key criteria:

The residency period is the most significant requirement, demanding that applicants maintain legal status in Romania throughout the qualifying period. Applicants must demonstrate integration into Romanian society through language proficiency and cultural knowledge.

Expedited Naturalization Options

Romania offers reduced residency requirements for certain categories of applicants:

These expedited pathways can significantly reduce the waiting time for citizenship, making Romania an attractive option for those who qualify for these special categories.

Pebbles can help applicants accurately track their residency periods in Romania, ensuring they meet the exact requirements for citizenship. The app provides detailed records of entries and exits, which can be crucial documentation when proving continuous residency during the application process.

Application Process and Documentation

Required Documents

Applicants for Romanian citizenship must prepare a comprehensive documentation package, including:

All foreign documents must be translated into Romanian by authorized translators and properly legalized or apostilled. The preparation of these documents can be time-consuming, so beginning the collection process early is advisable.

Submission and Processing

Applications for Romanian citizenship are submitted to the National Authority for Citizenship (Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie). The process typically includes:

Processing times vary but typically range from 6 months to 2 years. Applicants can check their status online through the National Authority for Citizenship's website. The citizenship becomes effective after taking the oath of allegiance to Romania.

Dual Citizenship Considerations

Romania generally permits dual citizenship, allowing naturalized citizens to maintain their original nationality in many cases. However, this depends on the laws of the applicant's country of origin, as some nations do not permit their citizens to hold multiple citizenships.

Before pursuing Romanian citizenship, applicants should research the dual citizenship policies of their home country to understand potential implications. Some countries may require renunciation of the original citizenship, while others might automatically revoke citizenship upon naturalization elsewhere.

Rights and Responsibilities of Romanian Citizens

Benefits of Romanian Citizenship

Romanian citizens enjoy numerous advantages, including:

These benefits make Romanian citizenship particularly valuable, especially for individuals from countries with limited travel freedom or economic opportunities.

Civic Duties and Obligations

Romanian citizenship also comes with responsibilities, including:

Understanding these responsibilities is essential for new citizens to fully integrate into Romanian society and avoid legal complications.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Language Barrier

One of the most significant challenges for many applicants is the Romanian language requirement. The naturalization process requires demonstrating proficiency in Romanian, which can be difficult for non-native speakers. Applicants can overcome this challenge by:

Early preparation for the language requirement can significantly increase chances of success.

Documentation Difficulties

Gathering all required documents, especially for ancestry-based applications, can be challenging. Some historical records may be difficult to locate or may have been destroyed. Applicants facing documentation challenges should:

Professional assistance can be invaluable in navigating complex documentation requirements.

Conclusion

Obtaining citizenship in Romania involves a detailed understanding of the various pathways and requirements. The standard naturalization process requires 8 years of legal residence, while marriage to a Romanian citizen can reduce this to 5 years if living together in Romania. Ancestry-based applications offer a more direct route for those with Romanian heritage. Regardless of the pathway chosen, applicants must demonstrate integration into Romanian society through language proficiency and cultural knowledge. Tracking your residency periods accurately is essential for meeting citizenship requirements, and Pebbles provides a reliable solution for monitoring your days in Romania to ensure compliance with the residency requirements for naturalization.

Author: Pebbles

Published: September 4, 2025