Romania Citizenship by Descent Guide in 2026

Romania offers one of Europe's most generous citizenship by descent programs, allowing descendants up to the third generation (parent, grandparent, OR great-grandparent) to reclaim their Romanian heritage and obtain EU citizenship. 

This extraordinary opportunity extends not only to those with ancestors from present-day Romania, but also to descendants of individuals born in former Romanian territories between 1918-1940, including regions that are now part of Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria.

Following Romania's entry into the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, the Romanian passport has become one of the most valuable travel documents in the world, offering visa-free access to 180+ destinations and the right to live, work, and study across all 27 EU member states.

Important 2025 Update: As of March 15, 2025, Law 14/2025 introduced new requirements, including mandatory B1-level Romanian language proficiency for most citizenship by descent applicants. This guide reflects all current requirements and procedures.

Historical Background: Romanian Emigration to North America

Early Migration and Austro-Hungarian Era (Pre-1918)

Before 1918, Romania as we know it today did not exist in its current form. The Romanian people were divided across multiple territories within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, particularly Transylvania (which was part of Hungary), Bukovina (under Austrian administration), and the independent Romanian Old Kingdom (which included Wallachia and Moldavia).

Transylvania Under Hungarian Rule (Pre-1918): From the 11th century until 1918, Transylvania was part of the Kingdom of Hungary and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Ethnic Romanians formed the majority population in many rural areas but faced significant economic hardships and limited political rights under Hungarian administration.

The Great Wave of Emigration (1895-1920)

Peak Period (1900-1914): The first decade of the 20th century witnessed the most intense Romanian emigration to North America. During this period alone, approximately 250,000 inhabitants of Transylvania (which had a total population of 4.8 million in 1900) emigrated to the United States. Between 1895 and 1920, an estimated 145,000 to 230,000 Romanians arrived in America, with the vast majority coming through Ellis Island.

Push Factors:

• Demographic boom: Rapid population growth in Transylvania's rural areas in the 19th century created a surplus of young people facing unemployment
• Land scarcity: The 1895 statistics showed 884,000 properties smaller than 50 hectares, with half (442,000) smaller than 2.8 hectares, insufficient to support families
• Agrarian poverty: Primitive agriculture methods, inadequate employment opportunities, and extreme poverty in rural communities
• Political marginalization: Limited rights for ethnic Romanians under Hungarian administration
• Compulsory military service: All men under 50 were bound to the territory for potential military conscription

Pull Factors:

• American industrial expansion: Opportunities for regular wages ($1.50/day for unskilled labor, far more than in Romania)
• Homestead Act (1862): Free land for settlers willing to farm in the American West
• Active recruitment: Steamship companies and labor agents promoted American opportunities
• Word-of-mouth: Letters and remittances from early emigrants encouraged others to follow
• Transportation revolution: Steam-powered ocean liners made transatlantic travel faster and more affordable

Demographics of Emigrants:

• Young and mobile: Average age 28, primarily in prime productive years
• Initially male-dominated: Early waves were overwhelmingly young men seeking work
• High literacy: Compared to other immigrant groups, Romanian emigrants had relatively high literacy rates
• Economic motivation: Most intended to work temporarily, save money, and return to buy land in Romania, though many stayed permanently
• Return migration: About 20% returned annually, earning Romanians the nickname "long-distance commuters"

Settlement Patterns in the United States:

• Pennsylvania (Primary destination): More than half of all Romanian immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, working in coal mines, steel mills, and factories. Key cities: Pittsburgh, Bethlehem, Philadelphia
• Ohio: Cleveland became a major Romanian center, along with Youngstown (steel industry)
• Great Lakes Region: Chicago, Detroit, and other industrial cities attracted Romanian workers
• New York: Significant Romanian communities, particularly Romanian Jews
• Delaware: Industrial work opportunities
• Other areas: Smaller communities in Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut

Working Conditions:

• Industrial labor: Most worked in coal mines, steel mills, foundries, and factories
• Harsh conditions: 10-12 hour days, 6-7 days per week, extremely hazardous work
• Thousands died: Industrial accidents claimed many Romanian workers' lives
• Wage discrimination: Eastern Europeans earned $1.50/day for unskilled work, while native-born Americans earned $2-3/day for skilled positions
• Dangerous environments: Coal mining and steel production were among the most dangerous occupations

Establishment of Greater Romania (1918)

December 1, 1918 (Great Union Day): Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I, Romanian representatives from Transylvania voted for union with the Romanian Kingdom at the Alba Iulia Assembly. This historic moment created Greater Romania, uniting Transylvania, Bukovina, Bessarabia, and the Romanian Old Kingdom for the first time in history.

Territorial Gains (1918-1920):

• Transylvania: Transferred from Hungary to Romania
• Bukovina: Transferred from Austria to Romania
• Bessarabia: United with Romania (today's Republic of Moldova)
• Dobrogea: Retained from earlier territorial gains

This created the largest Romanian state in history, with territories that would later be partially lost during World War II.

Interwar Period (1918-1940)

Reduced Emigration (1920s-1930s): Romanian emigration to the United States decreased significantly during the interwar period due to:

• U.S. Immigration Act of 1924 (Johnson-Reed Act): Imposed strict quotas limiting immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe. The Romanian quota was drastically reduced, ending the era of mass migration.
• Economic development in Romania: Some improvement in economic conditions following the creation of Greater Romania
• Land reform: The 1921 Agrarian Reform Law redistributed land, improving conditions for peasants

Alternative Destinations: With U.S. immigration restricted, some Romanians emigrated to:

• Canada: Became increasingly popular destination
• France: Attracted Romanian workers
• Latin America: Argentina and Brazil received some Romanian emigrants

Romanian Jewish Emigration: Between 1881-1914, approximately 75,000 Romanian Jews emigrated, mostly to the United States, fleeing discrimination and seeking economic opportunities. This flow continued in the interwar period, especially after the rise of fascism in the 1930s.

World War II and Territorial Losses (1940-1945)

Territorial Changes (1940):

• Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina: Ceded to Soviet Union (June 1940) under Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact pressure
• Northern Transylvania: Ceded to Hungary (August 1940) under Second Vienna Award imposed by Nazi Germany
• Southern Dobrogea: Ceded to Bulgaria (September 1940)

Population Transfers (1940-1944):

• 220,000 ethnic Romanians relocated from Northern Transylvania (under Hungarian control) to Romanian territory
• 160,000 ethnic Hungarians relocated from Romanian to Hungarian territories
• Population exchange agreements created massive displacement

The Holocaust in Romania:

• Jewish deportations: The bulk of the Jewish population living in Romanian-controlled territories was deported during WWII
• 780,000 Jews lived in Romania's present territory before the war; approximately half perished in the Holocaust
• Deportations carried out by both Romanian and Hungarian authorities depending on territorial control
• Some areas under direct Romanian control (like Bucharest) saw lower deportation rates, while areas like Transnistria witnessed mass killings

Ethnic German Deportations (Post-WWII):

• 70,000 ethnic Germans (Transylvanian Saxons and Banat Swabians) deported to Soviet Union after WWII
• Many more forcibly relocated within Romanian territory
• German communities that had existed for centuries were devastated

Communist Era (1947-1989): The Closed Border

Communist Takeover (December 1947): Following Soviet pressure, Romania's King Michael I was forced to abdicate, and a communist regime was established, aligning Romania firmly within the Soviet sphere of influence.

Restrictive Exit Policies: The Romanian communist authorities exercised some of the most restrictive exit policies in Eastern Europe, severely limiting citizens' ability to travel internationally or emigrate:

• Passport control: Police held passports; prior approval from authorities required to obtain travel documents
• Stigmatization: Those applying to emigrate had social and economic rights revoked and faced harassment
• Border fortifications: Barbed wire, minefields, watchtowers, and Securitate (secret police) patrols
• "Europe's bloodiest border": The Danube frontier with Yugoslavia witnessed desperate escape attempts; many died trying to flee
• Defections: High-profile defectors like intelligence chief Ion Mihai Pacepa (1978) made international headlines

Controlled Emigration for Revenue: While general emigration was severely restricted, the regime selectively allowed certain ethnic minorities to leave in exchange for hard currency:

Ethnic German Emigration (1969-1989):

• 220,000 ethnic Germans (Transylvanian Saxons and Banat Swabians) emigrated to West Germany
• Family reunification pretexts used to justify departures
• Romanian state secured over 2 billion Deutsche Marks from West Germany as de facto ransom payments (approximately 4,000-10,000 DM per person)
• By 1989, ethnic German population dropped from 400,000 (1948) to under 100,000

Jewish Aliyah (1958-1989):

• The regime permitted waves of Jewish emigration to Israel in exchange for funds from Israel and diaspora organizations
• 1958-1966 alone: Over 106,200 Romanian Jews relocated to Israel
• Total during communist era: Between 300,000-350,000 Jews emigrated
• Romanian Jewish community, once numbering hundreds of thousands, was reduced to a small fraction

Ethnic Romanian Emigration (Minimal):

• For ethnic Romanians, emigration remained virtually impossible without party approval
• Limited to sporadic defections by high-profile individuals (athletes, artists granted temporary travel who sought asylum)
• Illegal escapes involved desperate attempts, swimming the Danube, crossing under cover of night
• Those caught faced imprisonment, torture, and severe persecution
• Annual outflows numbered in the low tens of thousands at peak, far below pre-war or post-1989 levels

Romanian Revolution and Post-Communist Emigration (1989-Present)

December 1989 Revolution: Romania's communist regime fell in spectacular and violent fashion in December 1989. Unlike peaceful transitions in neighboring countries, Romania's revolution resulted in street fighting, approximately 1,100 deaths, and the execution of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena on December 25, 1989.

Initial Post-1989 Wave (1990s):

• Immediate aftermath: Economic chaos, hyperinflation exceeding 250% annually in early 1990s, unemployment surging to 11%
• Failed privatizations: Painful transition from centrally planned to market economy
• Poverty rates: Over 20% of population in extreme poverty during 1990s
• Primary destinations: Germany, Hungary, Israel, United States, Canada became major destinations for Romanian emigrants
• Political refugees: Many fled after the violent Mineriad of June 13-15, 1990 when miners attacked pro-democracy protesters

EU Accession and Mass Migration (2007-Present):

• January 1, 2007: Romania joined the European Union
• 500,000 people left Romania in 2007 alone, one of the largest single-year emigrations in European history
• Liberalization (1999, 2002, 2007): Progressive relaxation of travel and residence restrictions
• Primary EU destinations: Italy (over 1 million Romanians), Spain (over 600,000 at peak), United Kingdom, Germany, France
• Economic migration: Persistent wage disparities (Romania's average monthly salary €1,045 in 2024 vs. Italy €2,500+, Germany €4,000+)
• Labor mobility: Romanians took advantage of EU freedom of movement to seek better-paid employment across Western Europe

Schengen Area (2025):

• January 1, 2025: Romania officially joined the Schengen Area as a full member
• This makes the Romanian passport one of the most powerful travel documents, with enhanced mobility across Europe

Romanian Diaspora Today (2025)

Total Global Diaspora: Estimated 8-12 million people of Romanian descent live outside Romania (Romania's current population is approximately 19 million, meaning nearly 40% of all ethnic Romanians live abroad).

Major Romanian Communities Worldwide:

United States (Largest Non-EU Community):

• 425,000-1.2 million (estimates vary significantly; 2023 American Community Survey reported 425,738, but Romanian-American Network estimates 1.2 million of full or partial Romanian ancestry)
• 225,000 additional Romanian Jewish ancestry
• Primary states: New York (largest), Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, California, Florida, Michigan
• Historic communities: Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh (established in late 19th/early 20th century)
• Recent communities: New York City, Los Angeles, Florida (established post-1989)

Canada:

• 215,885 Romanian Canadians (2021 census)
• Primary cities: Greater Toronto Area (~75,000), Greater Montreal Area (~40,000), Vancouver
• Historical settlement: Prairie provinces (Saskatchewan, Alberta) from late 1890s; Bukovina Romanians established farming communities

Italy (Largest Diaspora Community):

• 1,145,718 Romanian citizens (2019), over 1 million total
• Became significant population after 1999
• Romance language similarity facilitated integration

Spain:

• 600,000+ at peak (2011), decreased to approximately 400,000-500,000
• Exploded after 2002 when Romanians obtained visa-free Schengen travel
• Romance language similarity

Other Major Communities:

• Germany: 800,000+ (includes ethnic Germans from Romania)
• United Kingdom: 400,000+
• France: 100,000-200,000
• Austria, Belgium, Netherlands: Significant populations
• Moldova: Special case, many ethnic Romanians, shared language and culture
• Israel: Large community from Jewish emigration
• Australia: 70,000-100,000
• Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela (smaller historic communities)

Eligibility Criteria

Romanian citizenship by descent is governed by Law 21/1991 (as amended by Law 14/2025), with two primary legal pathways:

Article 10: Reacquisition of Lost Citizenship

Who Qualifies:

• Individuals who were Romanian citizens and lost citizenship (or their descendants)
• Individuals whose parent or grandparent was a Romanian citizen at any point in their lifetime
• Direct biological descendants up to the second degree (parent/grandparent level)

Key Requirements:

• The ancestor must have been a Romanian citizen at some point
• If your parent lost citizenship, they may need to reacquire it first before you can apply
• Proof that citizenship was lost (through emigration, naturalization elsewhere, or involuntary loss)

"Direct Citizenship" Possibility: In some cases under Article 10, you may be considered to already be a citizen rather than needing to apply. This occurs when:

• You have a parent who was a Romanian citizen when you were born, is still alive, and never formally lost citizenship
• Your birth was registered in Romanian civil status registers (even if born abroad), very rare cases

If you qualify for "direct citizenship," you do not need Romanian language proficiency, you simply need to register your existing citizenship and obtain a passport.

Article 11: Former Territory Citizenship

Who Qualifies:

• Descendants (up to third degree, parent, grandparent, OR great-grandparent) of individuals born in territories that belonged to the Kingdom of Romania between 1918 and 1940

Former Romanian Territories (1918-1940):

• Bessarabia: Now Republic of Moldova and parts of southwestern Ukraine (Budjak region)
• Northern Bukovina: Now part of Ukraine (Chernivtsi Oblast)
• Herța region: Now part of Ukraine
• Cadrilater (Southern Dobrogea): Now part of Bulgaria
• Northern Transylvania: Part of Romania 1918-1940, ceded to Hungary 1940-1944, returned to Romania 1944-present

Key Requirements:

• Ancestor must have been born in these territories while they were part of Romania (1918-1940)
• Must prove territorial birth location through birth certificates or historical records
• Can extend to great-grandchildren, making this one of Europe's most generous programs
• Ancestor does not necessarily need to have formally held Romanian citizenship if territorial birth can be proven

Important Distinction: Article 11(2) contains a special clause allowing restoration even if documentation is incomplete, as long as territorial origin can be proven. This has helped many applicants with partial records.

Critical Eligibility Factors

Generational Limits:

• Parent or Grandparent (Article 10): Most common pathway; relatively straightforward with complete documentation
• Great-grandparent (Article 11): Available only if great-grandparent was born in former Romanian territory (1918-1940); requires more extensive documentation
• Great-great-grandparent and beyond: NOT eligible under current law

Direct Descent Requirement:

• Must be direct biological descendant
• Biological children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren qualify
• Adopted children: Only if adopted as minors and adoption recognized in Romania
• Spouses, stepchildren (not adopted), and other relatives do not qualify

Deceased vs. Living Ancestors:

• If ancestor is deceased and you're applying under Article 10: Must prove they departed present-day Romania on or after 1949 and that their child (your parent/grandparent) is still alive
• If ancestor is alive: Different documentation requirements; they may need to reacquire citizenship first

Special Historical Considerations:

Emigration Before 1918: If your ancestor emigrated from Transylvania, Bukovina, or Bessarabia before 1918, they were not Romanian citizens at the time of departure (they were Austro-Hungarian subjects or Russian subjects). However, you may still qualify under Article 11 if they were born in territories that became part of Romania 1918-1940.

Name Changes: Common due to marriage, transliteration differences (Romanian to English), or deliberate Americanization. You must provide documentation for every name change across all generations.

Mixed Ancestry: If you have both Romanian and other ancestry, you only need one qualifying Romanian ancestor to apply.

Automatic Citizenship from Birth

Some individuals may already be Romanian citizens without realizing it:

• Born to a Romanian citizen parent (even if born abroad)
• Birth was registered with Romanian consular authorities
• Parent never formally renounced Romanian citizenship

If this applies to you, you don't "apply" for citizenship, you simply need to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship documenting your existing status, then apply for a Romanian passport. This pathway requires no language proficiency regardless of 2025 law changes.

Required Documents

Romanian citizenship by descent requires extensive documentation to prove lineage, identity, and eligibility. All documents must be recent, apostilled/legalized, and officially translated into Romanian.

Personal Documents (For You, the Applicant)

Identity and Status:

• Valid passport: Current passport from your country of citizenship
• Long-form birth certificate: Certified original or copy showing both parents' names
• Marriage certificate: If applicable, especially if your name changed through marriage
• Divorce decree or death certificate of spouse: If applicable
• 2 passport photos: Recent, 3.5 x 4.5 cm, on white background
• Proof of residence: Utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document from your current country

Criminal Record Certificates (CRITICAL REQUIREMENT):

This is often the most complex aspect of the application. You must obtain:

• Extract from criminal record of each country where you are or have been a citizen
• Extract from criminal record of each country where you resided for more than 180 consecutive days within the last 15 years

Examples:

• U.S. citizens: FBI Identity History Summary Check (federal level) AND state criminal records if lived 180+ days in specific states
• Canadian citizens: RCMP Criminal Record Check (federal level)
• U.K. citizens: ACRO Police Certificate
• Multiple countries: If you lived in multiple countries, you need records from each

Critical Requirements for Criminal Records:

• Must be not older than 6 months (some sources say 3 months) from application submission
• Must be apostilled (or super-legalized for non-Hague Convention countries)
• Must be officially translated into Romanian by certified translator
• Missing criminal records from required jurisdictions will result in automatic rejection

Generational Link Documents (Proving Lineage)

You must provide complete documentation for every generation connecting you to your Romanian ancestor:

For Parent Claims:

• Your birth certificate (showing your parent's name)
• Parent's birth certificate (showing birth in Romania or Romanian citizenship)
• Parent's marriage certificate (if name changed)
• Parent's proof of Romanian citizenship (old Romanian passport, citizenship certificate, ID card)

For Grandparent Claims:

• Your birth certificate
• Your parent's birth certificate
• Your grandparent's birth certificate (showing birth in Romania or former territory)
• All marriage certificates in the chain
• Grandparent's proof of Romanian citizenship

For Great-grandparent Claims (Article 11 only):

• Your birth certificate
• Your parent's birth certificate
• Your grandparent's birth certificate
• Your great-grandparent's birth certificate (showing birth in Romanian territory 1918-1940)
• All marriage certificates for every generation
• Great-grandparent's proof of birth in former Romanian territory

Proof of Ancestor's Romanian Citizenship or Territorial Birth

Best Evidence (Strongest Documentation):

• Old Romanian passport: From before emigration (strongest possible evidence)
• Romanian citizenship certificate (Certificat de cetățenie): Official document proving citizenship
• Romanian national ID card: Historic identification card
• Romanian birth certificate: Showing birth in Romania or former territories (proves location, strong indicator of citizenship)
• Military records: Service in Romanian armed forces
• Voter registration: From Romanian elections
• Property records: Land ownership in Romania

Acceptable Supporting Evidence:

• Passenger ship manifests: Showing departure from Romanian ports or arrival in U.S./Canada from Romania
• U.S./Canadian naturalization papers: Often explicitly state "Romanian" or "Rumanian" citizenship/nationality
• Census records: Romanian census records or U.S./Canadian census showing Romanian birthplace
• Church records: Baptismal, marriage, or burial records from Romanian parishes
• Emigration permits: If ancestor legally departed Romania
• School records: From Romanian institutions

For Former Territory Claims (Article 11):

• Birth certificate showing birth location in Bessarabia, Bukovina, Northern Transylvania, or Cadrilater
• Historical maps and documents proving location was within Romanian borders 1918-1940
• Town/village records from Romanian archives

Proof of Citizenship Loss (Important): To establish that your ancestor was Romanian but lost citizenship, you may need:

• Naturalization certificate from another country (U.S., Canada, etc.) showing they became a foreign citizen
• Certificate of Release from Romanian citizenship
• Documentation showing long-term residence abroad and non-registration of children with Romanian consular authorities

Authentication and Translation (CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS)

Authentication (Apostille or Super-Legalization):

All foreign documents must be authenticated to be recognized by Romanian authorities:

From Hague Convention Countries (including U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, most of Europe):

• Documents must have an Apostille stamp from the competent authority
• U.S.: Apostille obtained from Secretary of State of the state where document was issued
  • Example: California birth certificate = Apostille from California Secretary of State
  • Federal documents (FBI criminal record) = U.S. Department of State Apostille
• Canada: Authentication by Global Affairs Canada, then apostilled
• Cost: $20-100 per document depending on jurisdiction
• Timeline: 1-6 weeks depending on state/province backlog

From Non-Hague Convention Countries:

• Super-legalization required: More complex multi-step authentication through multiple government agencies
• Typically involves: Document authentication → Ministry of Foreign Affairs → Romanian Embassy/Consulate
• More expensive and time-consuming than Apostille

Translation into Romanian:

All non-Romanian documents must be officially translated by:

• Certified/sworn translator (traducător autorizat): Registered with Romanian Ministry of Justice or Romanian courts
• Translators must have official registration numbers
• Translation must include translator's stamp, signature, and registration information

Cost: €50-150 per page depending on complexity and translator

• Typical application: 15-25 pages of documents
• Total translation costs: €750-3,750 ($800-4,000)

CRITICAL: Romanian authorities are extremely strict about translation quality and certification. Using non-certified translators or poor-quality translations results in automatic rejection and months of delays.

Language Proficiency Certificate (NEW 2025 REQUIREMENT)

As of March 15, 2025 (Law 14/2025), most citizenship by descent applicants must prove B1-level Romanian language proficiency.

Who Must Provide Language Certificate:

• Anyone applying under Article 10 (reacquisition after parent/grandparent) who was not born in Romania and never held Romanian citizenship
• Anyone applying under Article 11 (former territories)

Who Is EXEMPT from Language Requirement:

• Applicants over 65 years old
• Former Romanian citizens reacquiring citizenship (you already had it before)
• Individuals who can prove they are already citizens ("direct citizenship" cases)
• Individuals born in Romania (even if they left as children)

Accepted Proof of B1 Romanian Language Proficiency:

1. B1 Certificate from Accredited Institution:
   • Must be issued by institution accredited by Romanian Ministry of Education
   • Must specifically certify B1 level (intermediate)
   • Most common and straightforward option
2. Educational Transcript:
   • High school or university transcript showing you studied Romanian language for at least 3 years
   • Must be official transcript, apostilled, and translated
3. Romanian Cultural Institution Certificate:
   • Certificate issued by Romanian cultural institutions (in Romania or abroad)
   • Attesting that you know Romanian at B1 level
   • Less common but acceptable

What B1 Level Means (CEFR Framework):

• Understand the main points of clear standard Romanian on familiar matters (work, school, leisure)
• Handle most situations likely to arise while traveling in Romania
• Produce simple connected text on familiar topics
• Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions
• Give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans

How to Obtain B1 Certificate:

Option 1: Online Romanian Language Courses (Easiest for Foreign Applicants):

• Several Romanian language schools offer online B1 preparation courses specifically designed for citizenship applicants
• Duration: 3-6 months of study (depending on starting level)
• Cost: €300-800 for course + exam
• Flexible schedules for working professionals
• Final exam results in official B1 certificate

Option 2: Romanian Cultural Centers:

• Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) has offices in many countries
• May offer Romanian language courses and testing
• Check availability in your country

Option 3: In-Person in Romania:

• Language schools in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and other cities
• Most intensive and effective, but requires travel to Romania
• 1-3 month intensive courses available

Timeline Consideration: If you don't currently speak Romanian, plan for 4-6 months of language study before you can obtain B1 certificate. This should be factored into your total timeline.

Application Process

The Romanian citizenship by descent application process is complex, lengthy, and involves multiple stages. Realistic timeline: 2-5 years (can be accelerated through legal intervention).

Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Determine Pathway (2-3 months)

Actions:

• Research your family history thoroughly
• Determine which ancestor qualifies (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent)
• Identify whether you qualify under Article 10 (reacquisition) or Article 11 (former territory)
• Assess whether you might already be a citizen ("direct citizenship") or need to apply
• Evaluate available documentation and identify gaps

Key Decisions:

• Which ancestor provides the strongest claim?
• Do you have sufficient documentation, or will you need genealogical research?
• Do you qualify for language exemption (over 65, former citizen) or need to begin Romanian language study?

Step 2: Gather Family Documents (3-12 months)

Personal Documents:

• Obtain recent birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees
• Request passport photos
• Gather proof of residence
• Collect all personal documentation

Ancestral Documents:

• Contact family members for old documents (Romanian passports, citizenship certificates, birth certificates)
• Search family archives, storage boxes, attics for historic records
• Request documents from relatives in Romania if ancestor left documents there

Vital Records Requests:

• U.S.: Request birth/death/marriage certificates from state vital records offices ($15-50 each, 2-8 weeks)
• Canada: Provincial vital statistics agencies
• Other countries: Appropriate government agencies

If Documents Are Missing or Incomplete: You may need professional genealogical research (Step 3).

Step 3: Genealogical Research (If Needed) (3-6 months)

If critical documents are missing, you'll likely need professional help:

Romanian Archives Research:

• Romanian National Archives (Bucharest): Central repository for historic records
• Regional archives: Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, Brașov, and others hold local records
• Church archives: Parish records from Romanian Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic, Lutheran churches
• Civil status offices: Municipal/town halls (Primăria) maintain birth, marriage, death registers

Types of Records Available:

• Birth, marriage, death certificates (civil registration began in Romania in 1830s-1850s depending on region)
• Church baptismal, marriage, burial records (going back centuries)
• Census records (various periods)
• Military conscription records
• Property records (cadastral records)
• School records

Hiring Professional Genealogists:

• Romanian genealogists specializing in citizenship cases can access archives you cannot
• Fluent in Romanian, familiar with historical record-keeping systems
• Can navigate bureaucracy, read old scripts (Cyrillic, old Romanian orthography)
• Cost: €500-2,500 ($550-2,750) depending on complexity and time required
• Timeline: 2-6 months depending on research depth

For Former Territory Research (Article 11):

• Moldova: Moldovan State Archives, church records
• Ukraine (Bukovina): Chernivtsi Oblast Archives, Ukrainian Central Archives
• Bulgaria (Cadrilater): Bulgarian State Archives
• Research in these countries often requires local genealogists familiar with the archives

Step 4: Obtain Criminal Record Certificates (1-3 months)

Critical Planning: Criminal records must be not older than 6 months (possibly 3 months) at time of application submission, so time this step carefully, request criminal records approximately 3-4 months before you plan to submit your application.

U.S. Applicants:

• FBI Identity History Summary Check: $18, submit fingerprints, 4-8 weeks processing
• State criminal records: If resided 180+ days in past 15 years, request from each state ($10-50 each, 2-6 weeks)

Canadian Applicants:

• RCMP Criminal Record Check: $25-50, 2-4 weeks for Canadian residents

Other Countries: Follow procedures for criminal record checks in each country where you were a citizen or resided 180+ days in past 15 years.

International Applicants Living in Multiple Countries: This can be complex, you need records from potentially 3-5+ jurisdictions. Plan carefully and request all simultaneously to ensure they're all recent when you submit.

Step 5: Obtain Romanian Language B1 Certificate (3-6 months, if required)

If you are not exempt from the language requirement:

Starting with No Romanian Knowledge:

• Enroll in Romanian language course (online or in-person)
• Study 10-15 hours per week for 4-6 months to reach B1 level
• Take B1 certification exam at accredited institution
• Cost: €300-800 for course and exam

Starting with Some Romanian Knowledge:

• If you have some family exposure to Romanian, you may reach B1 faster
• 2-4 months of focused study may suffice
• Take practice tests to assess your level

Timeline Planning: Begin language study immediately if required, this is often the longest single step for applicants who don't speak Romanian.

Step 6: Authenticate Documents (Apostille) (1-3 months)

Once you have all documents:

U.S. Applicants:

• Send each document to appropriate Secretary of State for Apostille
• Different states have different processing times (1-6 weeks) and costs ($20-100)
• Can often expedite for additional fee
• Federal documents (FBI criminal record): U.S. Department of State Apostille (Washington, D.C.)

Canadian Applicants:

• Global Affairs Canada: Authentication and then Apostille
• Can take 4-8 weeks, expedited service available

Organize Carefully:

• Create spreadsheet tracking every document, its authentication status, and expiration date
• Remember criminal records expire after 3-6 months

Step 7: Translate Documents into Romanian (1-2 months)

Find Certified Romanian Translator:

• Must be certified/sworn translator registered with Romanian Ministry of Justice
• Can work remotely, scan documents, translator provides certified translations
• Ask for translator's registration number and official stamp

Submit All Documents:

• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records, passports, etc.
• 15-25 pages typical for straightforward case
• More complex cases (great-grandparent with extensive chain): 30-50 pages

Review Translations Carefully:

• Ensure names are consistent across all documents
• Verify dates are correct
• Confirm translator included official stamps and signatures

Cost: €750-3,750 ($800-4,000) for typical application

Step 8: Prepare and Complete Application Forms (2-4 weeks)

Main Application Form:

• Different forms for Article 10 vs. Article 11
• Must be completed in Romanian
• Available from Romanian National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) website or embassies

Supporting Narrative (Often Required):

• Letter explaining your family history and basis for citizenship claim
• Describe how ancestor left Romania, what citizenship they held, why they lost it
• Must be in Romanian
• 2-4 pages typical

Checklist Document:

• Create comprehensive list of all documents included
• Organize documents logically (personal documents, generational chain, proof of citizenship, translations, etc.)

If You Don't Speak Romanian: You'll need translator or attorney to help prepare application forms and narrative.

Step 9: Submit Application (In-Person Required)

Two Submission Options:

Option A: Romanian Embassy/Consulate (If Living Abroad):

• Advantage: Can submit without traveling to Romania
• Disadvantage: Often significantly slower processing (can add 6-12 months to timeline)
• Procedure: Book appointment (can be difficult, long wait times at busy consulates), attend in-person with all documents, submit complete application package
• U.S. Embassies/Consulates: Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago (check current list)
• Canadian Consulates: Ottawa, Toronto
• Other countries: Check Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for locations

Option B: National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) in Bucharest (RECOMMENDED):

• Advantage: Significantly faster processing, applications submitted in Romania generally processed 6-12 months faster
• Disadvantage: Requires travel to Romania
• Location: Bucharest (specific address provided by ANC)
• Procedure: Schedule appointment, attend in-person, submit complete package
• Many applicants strongly prefer this route to avoid multi-year waits at embassies

At Submission:

• Bring original documents (usually returned) and certified copies
• Bring all translations with translator certifications
• Pay application fee
• Receive file number (Dosar number) for tracking

Application Fees (Effective 2025):

• Article 10 (reacquisition, parent/grandparent): €50 for confirmation, €200 for reacquisition
• Article 11 (former territory, up to great-grandparent): €200
• Citizenship card: €18 (paid when approved)
• Children included in application: Reduced fees apply

Biometric Data Collection (NEW 2025):

• At time of submission, you must provide biometric data
• Personal facial photograph and digital fingerprints
• Children under 14 exempt
• Biometric data permanently destroyed after citizenship process complete

Step 10: Government Processing (THE WAITING PERIOD) (6 months to 5+ years)

This is the longest and most frustrating part of the process.

Official Timeline:

• Article 10: National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) supposed to review and decide within reasonable timeframe
• Article 11(2): Mandates 5-month review period, but in practice, this is never met

Realistic Timeline:

• Fast cases (rare): 6-12 months, typically "direct citizenship" confirmation cases with perfect documentation submitted in Bucharest
• Typical cases: 2-3 years, most reacquisition and former territory cases
• Slow cases: 4-5+ years, complex cases, incomplete documentation, applications submitted at busy embassies abroad

What Happens During Processing:

• ANC evaluates document validity and lineage
• Verifies information with Romanian archives, civil registers
• Checks for security concerns (coordination with intelligence services)
• May request additional documents or clarifications
• May schedule interview (rare, but possible)

The Frustration:

• You rarely receive updates unless you actively follow up
• No transparent tracking system (though 2025 reforms promise improvements)
• Many applicants wait years hearing absolutely nothing
• Administrative backlog, ANC processes tens of thousands of applications

Legal Remedy (Highly Recommended After 6 Months):

Under Law 554/2004 (Administrative Litigation), you can petition the court to compel ANC to finalize your case if it hasn't been resolved within a "reasonable timeframe."

How It Works:

• After 6 months without decision, your lawyer can file legal motion
• Petition filed in Bucharest Tribunal
• Argues that ANC has failed to decide within reasonable time (violates administrative law)
• No court appearance required, lawyer represents you fully
• Court often rules in favor of applicant
• Court orders ANC to issue decision within 30-90 days

Results:

• This legal strategy typically shaves 6-12 months (or more) off total waiting time
• Can reduce 3-year wait to 12-18 months
• Highly effective, most applicants who use this strategy receive decisions relatively quickly after court order

Cost: Legal action adds €1,000-2,500 to total costs, but most consider it worthwhile to avoid multi-year limbo.

Step 11: Receive Decision and Take Oath of Allegiance (1-2 months)

If Approved:

• You'll receive notification that your citizenship has been approved
• You must schedule appointment to take Oath of Allegiance (Jurământul de credință)

Oath of Allegiance:

• Must be taken in person in Romania (at ANC office in Bucharest) OR at Romanian Embassy/Consulate abroad
• Oath is in Romanian (you don't need to be fluent, just read the oath):
  • "Jur să fiu devotat Țării mele și poporului român, să apăr drepturile și interesele naționale, să respect Constituția și legile României"
  • Translation: "I swear to be devoted to my homeland and to the Romanian people, to defend the national rights and interests, to respect the Constitution and the laws of Romania"
• Ceremony is recorded (audio/video), recordings retained for 1 year then destroyed
• Minor children do not need to take oath

After Oath:

• Receive Temporary Citizenship Certificate, valid for 60 days
• Citizenship Card (Carte de cetățenie) issued within 60 days
• Permanent proof of Romanian citizenship

If Rejected:

• You'll receive written explanation of reasons
• Can address deficiencies and reapply
• Can appeal decision through Romanian courts

Step 12: Obtain Romanian Passport and ID Card (1-2 months)

Once you have your Citizenship Certificate:

Romanian Passport (Pașaport):

• Apply at ANC passport office (if in Romania) OR Romanian Embassy/Consulate (if abroad)
• Required documents: Citizenship certificate, birth certificate, passport photos
• Biometric passport: Includes chip with biometric data
• Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors
• Cost: €33-50 depending on processing speed
• Processing time: 30 days standard, expedited available
• Can be obtained abroad at Romanian embassies/consulates after citizenship approved

Romanian ID Card (Carte de identitate):

• Can ONLY be obtained in person in Romania
• Apply at local police station (Serviciul Public Comunitar de Pașapoarte și Permise - SPCPP)
• Required documents: Citizenship certificate, proof of Romanian address (can be temporary)
• Validity: 10 years for adults
• Cost: €10
• Processing time: 30 days
• Required for many administrative procedures in Romania but not essential if you primarily plan to use passport for travel

Timeline Summary

Total Timeline: 18 months to 5+ years

Best-Case Scenario (12-18 months):

• Profile: "Direct citizenship" case (parent was Romanian citizen, you may already be citizen), OR straightforward parent/grandparent reacquisition with perfect documentation, fluent in Romanian or exempt from language requirement, all documents readily available
• Breakdown:
  • Eligibility verification and document gathering: 2-3 months
  • Apostilles and translations: 2-3 months
  • Application submission in Bucharest: Immediate
  • ANC processing: 6-10 months (with legal action after 6 months to expedite)
  • Oath and certificate: 1 month
  • Passport: 1 month

Typical Scenario (2-3 years):

• Profile: Grandparent reacquisition OR former territory (Article 11) with great-grandparent, need to learn Romanian for B1 certificate, some genealogical research required, application submitted at embassy abroad
• Breakdown:
  • Eligibility verification: 2-3 months
  • Genealogical research: 3-6 months
  • Romanian language study for B1: 4-6 months (concurrent with research)
  • Document gathering, apostilles, translations: 3-4 months
  • Application submission at embassy: 2-4 months (appointment wait)
  • ANC processing: 18-30 months (without legal intervention) OR 10-15 months (with legal action)
  • Oath and certificate: 1-2 months
  • Passport: 1-2 months

Complex Scenario (3-5+ years):

• Profile: Great-grandparent born in former territory, extensive archival research needed, limited documentation available, complex family history (multiple name changes, marriages), submitted at busy embassy abroad without legal intervention
• Breakdown:
  • Eligibility verification and planning: 3-4 months
  • Extensive genealogical research (multiple archives, countries): 6-12 months
  • Romanian language study: 4-6 months (concurrent with research)
  • Document gathering, apostilles, translations: 4-6 months
  • Application submission at busy embassy: 3-6 months (appointment backlog)
  • ANC processing without legal action: 24-48 months
  • Oath and certificate: 1-2 months
  • Passport: 1-2 months

Factors That Speed Up Process:

• Submitting application in Bucharest (not at embassy abroad)
• Using legal remedy (Administrative Litigation Law 554/2004) after 6 months
• Having complete, perfect documentation from the start
• Language exemption (over 65, former citizen) or already fluent in Romanian
• Straightforward parent/grandparent case (not great-grandparent)
• Post-1945 emigration (easier to document than pre-WWI emigration)

Factors That Slow Down Process:

• Submitting at busy embassy abroad (New York, Los Angeles can have severe backlogs)
• Missing or incomplete documentation requiring supplemental submissions
• Complex generational chains with name changes, multiple marriages
• Great-grandparent claims requiring extensive proof
• Pre-1918 emigration (Austro-Hungarian era, more complex historical records)
• NOT using legal intervention to compel ANC decision

Costs

Government Fees (Low):

• Citizenship application fee: €50-200 ($55-220) depending on pathway
  • Article 10 confirmation: €50
  • Article 10 reacquisition: €200
  • Article 11 (former territory): €200
• Citizenship card: €18 (~$20)
• Romanian passport: €33-50 ($36-55) depending on processing speed
• Romanian ID card: €10 (~$11)
• Total government fees: €111-278 ($120-305), extremely low compared to other programs

DIY Approach Total Costs: $3,000-$10,000

Typical DIY case (parent/grandparent, moderate complexity): $4,000-6,000

Breakdown:

• Government fees: $120-220
• Document procurement: $300-1,500
  • Vital records requests (birth, marriage, death certificates): $150-500
  • Romanian archive research (if needed): $500-1,000
• Criminal record certificates: $200-600
  • FBI check ($18), state checks ($10-50 each), international records
• Professional genealogical research (if needed): $500-2,500
  • More if extensive archives search required across multiple countries
• Apostilles: $300-800 (15-25 documents at $20-100 each depending on jurisdiction)
• Certified Romanian translations: $800-4,000
  • Most expensive single item: 15-25 pages at $50-150/page
  • Complex cases: 30-50 pages = $1,500-7,500
• Romanian language B1 course and exam (if required): $300-800
• Travel to Romania (if needed): $500-2,500
  • If submitting application in Bucharest or taking oath in Romania
  • Flights, accommodation, meals
• Legal action to expedite (highly recommended): $1,100-2,750
  • Administrative litigation to compel ANC decision after 6 months
• Shipping, courier, notarization: $200-500
• Miscellaneous: $200-500

High-end DIY (great-grandparent, former territory, extensive research needed): $8,000-10,000+

Professional Services: $10,000-$25,000+

Most applicants, especially those with complex cases, language barriers, or limited time, choose professional assistance:

Mid-Range Services ($10,000-15,000):

• Document procurement assistance
• Genealogical research coordination
• Translation and apostille management
• Application preparation (forms in Romanian)
• Embassy/ANC submission coordination
• Basic legal support

Comprehensive Services ($15,000-25,000+):

• Complete eligibility assessment
• Full genealogical research (Romanian and international archives)
• All document procurement and authentication
• All certified Romanian translations
• Romanian language tutoring (if needed) or exemption documentation
• Complete application preparation in Romanian
• Representation at submission (Bucharest or embassy)
• Legal representation, Administrative Litigation to expedite
• Ongoing liaison with ANC throughout processing
• Oath ceremony coordination
• Passport and ID card application support
• Post-citizenship services (Romanian tax registration, social security, etc.)

When Professional Services Are Worth It:

• You don't speak Romanian
• You have complex family history (name changes, multiple marriages, pre-WWI emigration)
• You're pursuing great-grandparent claim
• You want to minimize delays and maximize chances of first-time approval
• You have limited time to manage the process yourself
• Your career/life situation makes 5-year wait unacceptable, need legal intervention to expedite

CitizenX Services for Romanian Citizenship by Descent

Service Fee: $25,000

What’s Included

1. Full Eligibility & Strategy Assessment

Complete review of your ancestry, legal pathway (Article 10 vs. Article 11), former-territory eligibility, and whether you already qualify as a “direct citizen.” CitizenX identifies the optimal ancestor, pathway, exemptions, and documentation strategy.

2. Professional Genealogical Research

Full archival research in Romania and former Romanian territories (Moldova, Ukraine, Bulgaria). Retrieval of birth, marriage, death, church and civil records, plus U.S./Canadian immigration and naturalization documents. Complete reconstruction of your generational chain.

3. Language Requirement Management

Assessment of B1 Romanian requirement under Law 14/2025, preparation of exemption files, or coordination with accredited schools for certification if needed.

4. Criminal Record Coordination

End-to-end management of all required police certificates across every relevant country and jurisdiction, ensuring correct timing and validity.

5. Apostilles & Certified Translations

Full handling of apostilles in all countries, authentication of 15–30+ documents, and certified Romanian translations by Ministry-authorized translators.

6. Complete Application Preparation

Full preparation of forms and narrative (in Romanian), document organization, translation control, and biometric coordination. CitizenX submits a complete, error-free file.

7. Submission Coordination

Faster Bucharest submission option or embassy submission if preferred. Appointment scheduling, document handling, and representation at submission.

8. Legal Representation & Acceleration

CitizenX files Administrative Litigation (Law 554/2004) after 6 months if no progress. This typically reduces timelines by 6–12 months and can bring total processing to 12–18 months.

9. Government Liaison

Continual communication with ANC, proactive follow-ups, responses to document requests, and management of interviews or clarifications.

10. Post-Approval Support

Oath of Allegiance coordination, citizenship certificate, Romanian passport application, ID card guidance, EU rights orientation, and optional Romanian tax/registration support.

Expected Timeline

• Best case (18–24 months): Straightforward parent or grandparent cases submitted in Bucharest with language exemption and legal intervention.
• Typical (2–3 years): Grandparent/great-grandparent with moderate research and B1 requirement.
• Complex (2.5–4 years): Former territory cases, heavy archival research, name changes, missing documentation, or embassy submission delays.

Why Choose CitizenX

• Expert navigation of 2025 reforms (Law 14/2025, B1 language rule, biometrics).
• Deep specialization in Article 10/11 and former territories (Bessarabia, Bukovina, Northern Transylvania, Cadrilater).
• Professional genealogists covering Romanian and foreign archives.
• High success rate with multi-generation chains and pre-1918 ancestry.
• Critical expertise coordinating 5–10+ criminal records and 30–50+ translations.
• Strategic submission (Bucharest vs. embassy) to maximize speed.
• Legal intervention that cuts wait times from 3–5 years to 12–18 months.
• Full Romanian-language support for all government documents and communication.
• Proven ANC navigation with continuous follow-ups.
• Minimizes cost, delay, rejections, and reapplications.

Value vs. DIY

DIY typically costs $4,000–10,000+ and requires 200–400 hours.

Risks: missing documentation, incorrect translations, expired records, wrong legal pathway, and multi-year delays.

CitizenX handles everything end-to-end, maximizes approval probability, and consistently reduces timelines.

How to Start

1. Free Consultation – Share your family history and documents.
2. Case Evaluation – CitizenX confirms eligibility, pathway, timeline, and complexity.
3. Service Agreement – $25,000 fee + $120–305 government fees.
4. Full Case Handling – CitizenX manages research, documents, legal work, submission, ANC follow-ups, oath, and passport.

11 Benefits of Romanian Citizenship

1. European Union Citizenship

Most Important Benefit: As a Romanian citizen, you automatically become a citizen of the European Union with all associated rights:

Freedom of Movement:

• Live in any of the 27 EU member states without visa or permit
• Work in any EU country without work authorization
• Study at universities across Europe at domestic rates (free or low-cost in many countries)
• Start a business or invest anywhere in the EU single market
• Retire in any EU country with full access to social systems

EU Countries (27 members): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Plus EEA/Schengen:

• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland (not EU but similar freedom of movement)

2. Travel Freedom

Romanian Passport (2025):

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180+ countries (approximately 82% of world)
• Full Schengen Area membership (as of January 1, 2025), unlimited travel across 29 European countries with no border controls
• One of the world's most powerful travel documents

Key Destinations Accessible:

• Europe: All EU/Schengen countries (no limits, live and work freely)
• United Kingdom: 6 months visa-free (despite Brexit)
• United States: ESTA-eligible (visa-free 90 days, pending approval)
• Canada: eTA (visa-free up to 6 months, pending approval)
• Australia, New Zealand: ETA/NZeTA visa-free
• Latin America: Visa-free throughout most of the continent
• Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. visa-free or visa-on-arrival

3. Economic and Professional Opportunities

Work Throughout EU:

• No work permits or visas needed anywhere in EU
• Same employment rights as local citizens
• Access to professional licensing across EU (regulated professions)
• Remote work from anywhere in EU with legal residency status

Business and Investment:

• Establish companies anywhere in EU without foreign ownership restrictions
• Access to EU banking and financial services
• Participate in EU procurement and contracts
• Property ownership throughout EU without restrictions

Romania-Specific Opportunities:

• Low cost of living: Romania has one of the lowest costs of living in EU, quality of life is excellent relative to expenses
• Growing economy: Strong economic growth, especially in IT/tech sector
• Strategic location: Gateway between Western Europe, Balkans, Black Sea region
• Real estate investment: Property prices significantly lower than Western Europe
• Tax advantages: Romania has 10% flat income tax (one of Europe's lowest), 16% VAT

4. Education

European Education Access:

• Free or low-cost university education across EU at domestic rates
  • Germany: Free public universities
  • France: €170-600/year at public universities
  • Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Sweden: Free or very low-cost
  • Romania: Free public universities, quality medical schools with English programs
• Erasmus+ program: Student exchange opportunities across Europe
• Professional qualifications recognized throughout EU

Quality Romanian Education:

• Strong medical schools (many international students study medicine in Romania in English)
• Excellent engineering and technical programs
• Affordable private universities

5. Healthcare

EU Healthcare Access:

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Access to public healthcare throughout EU during travels
• Permanent residence in any EU country: Full access to that country's healthcare system
• Romanian healthcare system: Public healthcare available to citizens, improving quality
• Private healthcare: Access to high-quality private medical care across Europe at lower costs than U.S.

6. Dual Citizenship

Romania Allows Dual Citizenship:

• You do NOT need to renounce your current citizenship (U.S., Canadian, etc.)
• Hold both passports simultaneously
• Use Romanian passport for Europe travel, U.S. passport for U.S. travel
• Best of both worlds, access to both systems

Verify Your Current Country's Rules:

• U.S.: Allows dual citizenship, no issues
• Canada: Allows dual citizenship, no issues
• U.K.: Allows dual citizenship, no issues
• Australia: Allows dual citizenship, no issues
• Others: Check your specific country's policies

7. Tax and Financial Considerations

Residency-Based Taxation (Not Citizenship-Based):

• Unlike U.S., Romania does NOT tax citizens on worldwide income simply for having citizenship
• Only taxed on Romanian-source income or if you're tax resident in Romania (spend 183+ days/year there)
• Simply obtaining Romanian citizenship creates NO tax obligations if you continue living in U.S., Canada, etc.

Romanian Tax Rates (If You Become Tax Resident):

• 10% flat personal income tax (one of EU's lowest)
• 16% VAT
• 5% dividend tax
• 16% corporate tax
• Very entrepreneur-friendly compared to Western Europe

8. Family Benefits

Pass Citizenship to Children Automatically:

• All future children born to you (once Romanian citizen) automatically acquire Romanian citizenship at birth
• Multi-generational asset, your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren all have EU citizenship
• No need for them to go through application process

Include Minor Children in Application:

• If you have children under 18, they can be included in your citizenship application
• They receive citizenship when you do (with parental consent)

9. Political Rights

Voting Rights:

• Vote in Romanian national elections (president, parliament)
• Vote in EU Parliament elections
• Vote in local/municipal elections if resident in Romania
• Participate in referendums

Consular Protection:

• Romanian embassy/consulate protection anywhere in world
• In countries without Romanian representation, any EU embassy can provide consular assistance

10. Cultural Connection and Heritage

Reconnect with Roots:

• Formal legal recognition of Romanian heritage
• Ability to explore ancestral villages and regions freely
• Access to Romanian language, culture, traditions
• Connect with extended family in Romania

Historical Reparation:

• For many descendants of Romanian emigrants, citizenship represents historical justice
• Acknowledges forced emigration due to poverty, persecution, war
• Restores connection severed by 20th century upheavals

11. Retirement and Lifestyle Options

European Lifestyle:

• Retire in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, or anywhere in EU
• Access to Mediterranean climate, historic cities, cultural richness
• Lower cost of living than U.S. in many EU countries
• Excellent public transportation, walkable cities
• Universal healthcare systems

Plan B and Security:

• Insurance policy against political instability, economic crisis, or other uncertainties in home country
• Physical haven for yourself and family if situation deteriorates
• Option to relocate family to safe, stable European environment
• Investment in geographic diversification

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire process take?

A realistic timeline is 2-5 years from starting application to receiving passport. Fastest cases (direct citizenship with perfect documentation submitted in Bucharest with legal intervention to expedite): 12-18 months. Typical cases (grandparent/great-grandparent with Romanian language requirement): 2-3 years. Complex cases without legal intervention: 4-5+ years.

Do I need to speak Romanian?

As of March 15, 2025 (Law 14/2025), most citizenship by descent applicants need B1-level Romanian proficiency. Exemptions: applicants over 65, former Romanian citizens reacquiring citizenship, those born in Romania, and "direct citizenship" cases (already citizens just registering existing citizenship). If not exempt, you must provide B1 certificate from accredited institution, 3+ years Romanian study transcript, or Romanian cultural institution certificate.

Can I apply if my great-grandparent was Romanian?

Yes, if your great-grandparent was born in territory that belonged to Romania between 1918-1940 (Bessarabia, Bukovina, Northern Transylvania, Cadrilater). This falls under Article 11 (former territory citizenship). Great-grandchildren are the furthest generation eligible. Great-great-grandchildren and beyond are NOT eligible under current law.

Do I need to live in Romania?

No. You can apply from abroad, live anywhere in the world, and are not required to reside in Romania at any point (except brief visit to submit application if doing so in Bucharest, and brief visit for oath ceremony).

Will I lose my U.S./Canadian citizenship?

No. U.S. and Canada both allow dual citizenship. Romania also permits dual citizenship. You can hold both passports simultaneously. Verify rules for your specific country if not U.S./Canadian.

Can I include my children?

Yes. Minor children (under 18) can be included in your citizenship application. Once you become Romanian citizen, any future children born to you automatically acquire Romanian citizenship at birth.

How much does it cost?

Government fees are very low (€111-278 / $120-305). DIY total costs typically $4,000-6,000 for straightforward cases, $8,000-10,000 for complex cases. Professional services range $10,000-25,000+ depending on complexity and level of support.

What if I can't find my ancestor's documents?

Professional genealogists can research Romanian National Archives, regional archives, church archives, and international archives (Ellis Island, U.S. naturalization records, etc.) to locate missing documents. Cost: €500-2,500 typically. Many documents can be reconstructed from archival records.

Can I apply if my ancestor emigrated before 1918 from Transylvania?

Yes, potentially. Even though Transylvania wasn't part of Romania before 1918, if your ancestor was born in Transylvania and Transylvania was part of Romania 1918-1940, you may qualify under Article 11 (former territory pathway).

What if my ancestor was from Bessarabia (now Moldova)?

Excellent! Bessarabia was part of Greater Romania from 1918-1940. Many Moldovans and descendants of Bessarabian emigrants qualify under Article 11. This is one of the most common pathways.

Do I need a lawyer? 

Not required, but highly recommended for complex cases or to expedite processing. Lawyers can: prepare Romanian-language documents, navigate ANC bureaucracy, file Administrative Litigation (Law 554/2004) after 6 months to compel decision (can save 6-12+ months), handle communications with Romanian authorities. Most successful applicants either handle everything themselves (if fluent in Romanian with simple case) or hire professional services.

Can I apply through a Romanian embassy in my country?

Yes, but applications submitted at embassies/consulates abroad are typically processed 6-12 months slower than applications submitted directly in Bucharest at the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC). Many applicants prefer to travel to Romania for submission to expedite processing.

What happens if my application is rejected?

You receive written explanation of reasons. Can address deficiencies (obtain missing documents, correct errors) and reapply. Can also appeal decision through Romanian courts. Rejections are relatively rare if documentation is complete, most delays are administrative backlog, not substantive issues.

How can I speed up the process?

(1) Submit application in Bucharest, not at embassy abroad. (2) Ensure documentation is 100% complete and correct from the start. (3) Use legal remedy under Law 554/2004, file Administrative Litigation after 6 months to compel ANC decision (highly effective, can reduce wait by 6-12+ months). (4) If language-exempt or already fluent in Romanian, saves 4-6 months.

What's the difference between Article 10 and Article 11?

Article 10 is for reacquisition of citizenship if you or your parent/grandparent was Romanian citizen who lost citizenship. Article 11 is for descendants (up to great-grandchildren) of individuals born in territories that were part of Romania 1918-1940 (former territories, now Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria). Article 11 is more generous (allows great-grandchildren) but requires proving territorial birth during that specific period.

Will Romania's EU membership status change?

Romania is a full EU member since 2007 and became full Schengen member January 1, 2025. There are no current indications this will change. Romanian citizenship means EU citizenship with all associated benefits.