How to Obtain Romanian Citizenship by Descent: Legal Requirements, Timeline, and Process

How to Obtain Romanian Citizenship by Descent: Legal Requirements, Timeline, and Process

Introduction

Obtaining Romanian citizenship by descent (redobândirea cetățeniei române) allows individuals with Romanian ancestry to claim or restore their EU nationality. Under Romanian law, eligible applicants can obtain a European Union passport without renouncing their current citizenship and without being required to move to or live in Romania.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of legal eligibility pathways, document checklists, application steps, and key statutory requirements.

1. Legal Basis & Pathways (Law No. 21/1991)

Romanian citizenship by ancestry is governed by Romanian Citizenship Law No. 21/1991 and relies on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). Depending on when and how your ancestor lost their citizenship, eligibility falls into three main legal pathways:

• Direct Recognition (1st Degree – Parents): Applies if at least one parent was a Romanian citizen at your birth. Requires simple civil record registration (transcription).
• Article 10 (Up to 2nd Degree – Grandchildren): Applies to descendants of individuals who voluntarily renounced or lost Romanian citizenship.
• Article 11 (Up to 3rd Degree – Great-Grandchildren): Applies to descendants of ancestors who lost citizenship involuntarily due to war, border shifts, or historical events between 1918 and 1940 (such as Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, or the Hertsa region).

2. Document Checklist for the Citizenship Dossier

To submit a successful application, you must establish an unbroken direct line of civil certificates linking you to your Romanian ancestor.

Required Documents:

• Applicant Records: Valid passport, long-form birth certificate, marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable), clean police background checks (from country of residence and Romania).
• Intermediate Family Records: Official birth, marriage, and death certificates for parents and grandparents connecting you to the ancestor.
• Ancestral Records: Ancestor’s Romanian birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, or official archival certificates issued by the National Archives of Romania proving former citizenship.

Legalization & Translation Requirement: All documents issued outside Romania must be legalised with an Apostille (under the Hague Convention) or via consular authentication. Foreign documents must be translated into Romanian by an accredited translator and notarized.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Retrieve Ancestral ArchivesIf original family documents are missing, file official archival requests with the National Archives of Romania (Arhivele Naționale) or local Civil Status Offices (Starea Civilă).
2. Compile, Apostille, and Translate the FileGather official long-form certificates for every generation in your direct lineage. Have all non-Romanian documents Apostilled, translated into Romanian, and notarized.
3. Submit the Dossier (In-Person Filing)Schedule an appointment and submit the completed application dossier in person at the National Authority for Citizenship (Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie – ANC) in Romania or at a Romanian Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.
4. Dossier Review & Approval OrderThe ANC Citizenship Commission verifies legal compliance. Once verified, the President of the ANC issues an official Order (Ordin) granting citizenship.
5. Oath Ceremony & Certificate IssuanceWithin 12 months of the order issuance, schedule an oath ceremony at the ANC headquarters or a diplomatic mission. After taking the Oath of Allegiance, you receive your official Romanian Citizenship Certificate (Certificat de Cetățenie).

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Does Romania allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Romania fully permits dual citizenship. You do not need to give up your current nationality to obtain Romanian citizenship, provided your home country also allows dual nationality.

Do I need to live in Romania or speak the language?

No residence in Romania is required. However, recent legal updates require applicants restoring citizenship to demonstrate basic proficiency in the Romanian language during administrative interactions and at the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.

How long does the application process take?

Processing times typically range between 18 to 36 months, depending on ANC backlog, archival research complexity, and document verification stages.

5. Key Benefits of Romanian EU Citizenship

• EU Freedom of Movement: Unrestricted right to live, work, study, and retire in any of the 27 EU member states.
• Pass-down Rights: Citizenship acquired by descent is automatically passed down to minor children.
• No Investment Requirement: Citizenship by descent is a legal heritage right and does not require property purchases or financial investments.

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