Romanian Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide for Eligible Applicants
If you have Romanian ancestry, you may be eligible to obtain Romanian citizenship by descent. This legal pathway is one of the most efficient routes to European Union citizenship, granting full EU rights once approved.
We support non-residents worldwide in preparing their complete citizenship files, guiding them through every step of the process—including the mandatory language certification requirement.
Why Apply for Romanian Citizenship by Descent?
- Full EU Citizenship: Live, work, study, and travel freely across all European Union and Schengen countries.
- Heritage Restoration: Reclaim the citizenship of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents.
- Global Mobility & Rights: Gain access to the European labor market, healthcare, and world-class education systems.
Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Descent?
You may qualify if:
- At least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was a Romanian citizen or born within historical Romanian territories.
- You can provide official vital statistics records proving your direct lineage.
- You fulfill all legal requirements, including the mandatory Romanian language exam (B1 level).
Note: This route applies to descendants of Romanian citizens from current Romanian territory as well as former territories (such as Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, and parts of the Hertsa region).
Mandatory Requirement: B1 Romanian Language Certificate
Under current regulations by the Romanian National Authority for Citizenship (ANC), applicants must demonstrate intermediate proficiency in the Romanian language.
- Exam Format: Evaluates speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension at the B1 level.
- Accreditation: The certificate must be issued by an accredited institution recognized by the Romanian state.
- Prerequisite: Applications cannot be finalized or approved without this official language certificate.
We provide structured guidance, resource recommendations, and exam registration assistance to help candidates prepare effectively.
Required Documents for Your Application
To prove your right to citizenship, you must assemble a comprehensive genealogical file. Key documents typically include:
- Vital Records: Birth certificates for every generation linking you directly to your Romanian ancestor.
- Civil Status Documents: Marriage, divorce, or official name-change certificates (if applicable).
- Ancestral Proof: Official evidence that your ancestor held Romanian citizenship or was born on historical Romanian territory.
- Background Checks: Clean criminal record certificates from your country of residence and country of origin.
- Legalization: Official Romanian translations, apostilles, or superlegalizations for all non-Romanian documents.
- B1 Language Certificate: The official proof of Romanian language proficiency.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Eligibility Assessment: Verification of your family lineage and confirmation of legal qualification.
- Document Collection: Gathering missing records, searching national archives, and securing certificates across generations.
- Legal Processing: Translating, legalizing, and apostilling all foreign documents according to Romanian legal standards.
- Language Certification: Registering for and passing the B1 Romanian language examination.
- File Submission: Submitting your complete dossier to the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) or a Romanian diplomatic mission.
- Oath & Approval: Attending the official oath ceremony upon receiving your approval decree.
- Passport Issuance: Registering your civil status documents to receive your Romanian birth certificate, national ID, and EU passport.
Estimated Timeline
| Phase | Estimated Duration |
| Document Retrieval & B1 Exam Prep | 3 – 6 months |
| ANC File Processing | 12 – 24 months |
| Oath & Passport Issuance | 1 – 3 weeks |
Timelines depend on document availability, archive processing speeds, and ANC file volume.
How We Help You Succeed
Navigating international archives, translation requirements, and citizenship laws can be complex. We provide end-to-end support for applicants globally (including the USA, Canada, Israel, the UK, Latin America, and the UAE):
- Genealogical Verification: Thorough eligibility checks and archival record retrieval.
- Document Legalization: Turnkey management of certified translations and apostilles.
- Exam Guidance: Clear pathways to accredited B1 language testing centers.
- File Preparation: Structuring your dossier to meet strict ANC standards, minimizing delays.
Ready to Reclaim Your Heritage?
If you have Romanian roots, take the first step toward your European citizenship today. Contact us for a preliminary evaluation of your lineage.