Most foreigners can obtain Romanian citizenship through repatriation (restoration based on ancestry up to the third generation) or naturalization after 8 or 5 years of residence in the country. Despite the introduction of new application procedures and eligibility requirements, the repatriation program remains the simplest way to gain full EU privileges without renouncing an existing citizenship. It is not possible to purchase a passport through investment; only a reduction in the required residency period is available.

In 2026, Romanian citizenship remains one of the most in-demand ways to obtain a European Union passport. The popularity of this route is evidenced by the fact that out of more than 185,000 applications under review, decisions were made on 134,000 petitions during the last reporting period by the head of the Migration Service.

Migration specialists at our company can help you choose the most suitable option for obtaining Romanian citizenship. Legal support at every stage will help you avoid mistakes and save time and effort.

Legal Framework for Granting Romanian Citizenship

The legal basis for determining eligibility for Romanian citizenship is Law No. 21/1991 “On Romanian Citizenship.” In recent years, significant amendments have been introduced to this law (in particular through the supplementary Law No. 14/2025), which came fully into force in 2026. The main goal of these reforms is to make the process more transparent, eliminate fraud, and align national regulations with EU security requirements.

According to the law, the ways to obtain Romanian citizenship are:

• Repatriation (Article 11) — an option for individuals whose ancestors (up to and including the third generation) lived in territories that were part of the Kingdom of Romania before 1940. These include certain areas of present-day Ukraine and Moldova.
• Naturalization (Article 8) — a route that requires prior residence in the country for at least 8 years (or at least 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen), proof of income, and a clean legal record.
• Adoption and birth (Article 4) — the right to automatic citizenship, available exclusively to children of Romanian citizens.

One of the key advantages of Romanian legislation is the allowance of dual citizenship. Article 11 explicitly permits applicants to retain their current passport and residence abroad. However, applicants must meet basic requirements: they must have no criminal record in Romania or their country of current citizenship and must not engage in activities that threaten public order or Romania’s national security.

Advantages of a Romanian Passport

Romanian citizens can live and work in the country without additional permits, benefit from high-quality European healthcare and education systems, and have the right to conduct business throughout the European Union. In return, they are required to remain loyal to Romania and comply with its law and Constitution. Moreover, Romanian citizenship grants full rights as a citizen of the European Union. In 2026, the Romanian passport ranked among the TOP 10 strongest passports in the world.

Benefits of citizenship include:

• visa-free travel to over 160 countries worldwide, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and most regions of Latin America;
• the right to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which covers treatment in public clinics across any EU country under the same conditions as for local residents;
• access to education at top European universities at reduced tuition rates, which for EU citizens are significantly lower than for international students or even free;
• the right to diplomatic support and consular protection anywhere in the world;
• the ability to establish companies and conduct business in all EU countries without additional permits;
• the right to purchase real estate and land in Romania.

Romania itself is home to well-known universities that rank globally. The most notable are located in Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, and Iași, many of which offer programs taught in English.

Along with the passport, you gain both rights and responsibilities, for example, the right to receive a European pension and social benefits. Thanks to the EU system of aggregating employment periods, years worked in different countries are combined, ensuring adequate payments upon reaching retirement age.

According to the Romanian Constitution, a citizen’s fundamental duty is to comply with legal acts and laws. As a citizen, you must refrain from actions that could harm the interests or reputation of the country and fulfill tax and other obligations associated with your status.

Repatriation as a Path to Romanian Citizenship

Repatriation is a procedure that allows individuals to restore citizenship if it was lost due to political or historical circumstances beyond their control. It represents a legal return to the country’s citizenship framework based on bloodline (jus sanguinis).

Romania’s repatriation program is based on Article 11 of the Law on Citizenship and applies to former Romanian citizens and their descendants up to the third generation (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren). The procedure is intended for foreigners whose ancestors were born or lived in Romanian territories between 1918 and 1940 (these include present-day Moldova, as well as the Chernivtsi region and parts of the Odesa region of Ukraine).

According to recent amendments, the decision-making period by the commission is now clearly limited to 2 years. The state fee for submitting the application is minimal (approximately €18–20), while the main expenses relate to archival research, apostille certification, translations, and legal services.

Applications are submitted to the ANC — Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie (National Authority for Citizenship) — remotely. To successfully obtain citizenship through repatriation, it is necessary to establish an “unbroken chain” of kinship with ethnic Romanians. All documents must be no older than 2 years at the time of submission and must be apostilled. These include birth, marriage, divorce, and name change certificates; supporting documents forming the basis of the application such as birth and marriage certificates of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents; as well as archival records or registry extracts confirming that the ancestor was born or lived in Romanian territories before 1940.

Compared to standard naturalization, repatriation offers significant advantages, primarily the absence of residency requirements you do not need to live in Romania either before or after obtaining the passport. There is also no need to prove substantial bank savings or official employment. You can submit your application through a consulate in your home country without relocating permanently.

The processing time for citizenship restoration applications is shorter than for naturalization, up to 5 months. After approval, you will only need to take the oath (which can also be done at a diplomatic mission) and complete the issuance of internal citizen documents.

Repatriation to Romania is a fast way to obtain EU citizenship. Legal assistance in obtaining this status helps minimize time costs and ensures that all required documents are prepared in accordance with legal requirements. The procedure is conducted online. Upon signing a contract, our specialists can submit your application under a power of attorney, meaning you do not need to leave your home country.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which foreigners acquire citizenship based on long-term legal residence in the country. Applicants are required to comply with national laws and demonstrate successful integration into social life. Unlike repatriation, no Romanian ancestry is required; however, physical presence in Romania and timely payment of taxes are essential.

The requirements for naturalization in Romania are set out in Article 8 of the Law on Citizenship. To qualify for a passport, an applicant must:

• reside in Romania for at least 8 years;
• have knowledge of the Constitution, the Romanian language, and the country’s culture;
• have legal means of staying in the country;
• possess a good reputation and have no criminal record in Romania or abroad.

To apply for Romanian citizenship through naturalization, a set of documents is required (translated into Romanian and notarized), including a valid permanent residence card, proof of income (such as employer certificates and tax declarations), and a language proficiency certificate issued by an accredited institution.

Obtaining a passport through naturalization involves a step-by-step process of securing a long-term national visa (type D) and a residence permit based on valid grounds. These may include employment, studying at a Romanian university, running a business, or family reunification.

Permanent resident status in the standard procedure becomes available after 5 years of continuous residence. To be granted citizenship, applicants must pass an exam on the Romanian language and the Constitution, as well as submit their application in person to the ANC (in Bucharest or regional offices of the Ministry of Justice). The commission reviews the documents within 2 years, after which an interview is conducted. The process concludes with a formal oath of allegiance to Romania.

The conditions for naturalization in Romania are considered to be in the “golden middle” of European standards. For example, in Portugal and Germany, the residency requirement is 5 years, while Spain and Italy require at least 10 years of continuous residence.

Simplified Naturalization

Simplified naturalization in Romania allows for a significant reduction in the required period of residence. While the standard requirement is 8 years, under certain conditions this period can be reduced to 3–5 years. The following categories are eligible for accelerated citizenship:

• Spouses of Romanian citizens — citizenship by marriage in Romania is possible after 5 years from the official registration of the relationship (provided the couple resides together in the country);
• Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland — the naturalization period is reduced by half, to 4 years;
• Refugees — individuals granted official refugee status may apply for a passport after 5 years. If a refugee demonstrates exceptional integration (education, employment, volunteering), the period may be further reduced to 3 years;
• Investors — individuals who invest more than €1,000,000 in the country’s economy may apply for citizenship in Romania after 4 years;
• Individuals of global significance — figures in science, culture, or sports who enhance Romania’s international image may request citizenship within exceptional timeframes (determined individually by the relevant ministry).

Even with a reduced timeframe, applicants must still meet the requirements of language proficiency, provide proof of housing, and demonstrate sufficient legal income to live in Romania. Knowledge of the Constitution and the national anthem is assessed during the oath-taking procedure.

In addition to the standard application dossier, specific supporting documents must be provided:

• for spouses — a Romanian-format marriage certificate and proof of cohabitation (such as joint bills or shared address registration);
• for investors — an audit report confirming the investment and proof of the legal origin of funds;
• for refugees — a decision issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) granting refugee status.

Since 2025, a draft law has been under consideration proposing a Golden Visa program for real estate purchases starting from €400,000, which would grant a 5-year residence permit with a subsequent pathway to citizenship.

To choose the most suitable option for obtaining a Romanian passport, you can consult specialists in international law.

Citizenship by Birthright

A child automatically acquires Romanian citizenship if at least one parent is a Romanian citizen at the time of birth (regardless of whether the child is born in Romania or abroad). Children found on the territory of the state whose parents are unknown are considered Romanian citizens until proven otherwise.

If a child is born in Romania to stateless parents (persons without citizenship), they may obtain a Romanian passport to avoid remaining without legal status. If both parents are foreign nationals, the child’s birth in a Romanian maternity hospital entitles them to a Romanian birth certificate, an official state document confirming the fact of birth. The child usually receives the same type of residence permit (temporary or permanent) as their parents.

If at least one parent is Romanian, the procedure involves not “obtaining” citizenship but registering the fact of citizenship. The main documents in this case include the medical birth certificate, the parents’ identity documents, and their marriage certificate. If the marriage was registered outside Romania, it must be transcribed into the Romanian civil registry.

If foreign parents apply for citizenship through repatriation or naturalization, their minor children automatically and free of charge obtain the same status along with them. Once the child reaches the age of 14, their personal consent is required for citizenship processing. Since 2026, data on minor children are entered directly into the updated digital system of the ANC for the subsequent issuance of biometric cards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Romanian Citizenship

To obtain Romanian citizenship through standard naturalization, you need to go through several stages:

1. Obtain a national visa.
   A category D visa for staying in Romania is required for all foreigners planning to remain in the country for more than 90 days. The visa is issued by a diplomatic mission at your place of permanent residence. The basis for the application is the purpose of your stay in Romania, for example, employment, study, or business activity. The application must be submitted no later than 3 months before the intended travel date. Processing usually takes around 30 days.
2. Register and undergo a medical examination.
   After entering the country with a visa, you have 3 days to register your place of residence. This procedure is free and carried out at local police offices. To obtain a residence permit, you must also undergo a medical examination to confirm the absence of infectious diseases that could pose a public health risk.
3. Obtain a residence permit (temporary residence).
   An application for a residence permit must be submitted no later than 30 days before the visa expires, to a Romanian immigration office. During the visit, biometric data are collected. Applications are processed within up to 30 days, though this period may be extended by an additional 15 days if necessary. If approved, you will receive a residence card (valid for up to one year or for the duration of your employment contract), which can be renewed as long as the grounds remain valid.
4. Obtain permanent residence (PR).
   After 5 years of living in Romania with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence. The residence period counts if your absences from the country did not exceed 6 months at a time and 10 months in total over the 5-year period. Applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Romanian language and financial stability. Permanent residence status is granted indefinitely. The physical PR card is issued for 10 years to family members of Romanian citizens, and for 5 years to those who obtained the status on other grounds.
5. Apply for citizenship.
   After 3 years of residence with a permanent residence card, you become eligible to apply for citizenship. The application must be submitted in person to the Ministry of Justice. The citizenship commission conducts an interview and verifies compliance with legal requirements. If approved, an official order granting citizenship is issued, sent by registered mail, and delivered within 3 days. Within 6 months from the date of the order, you must take the oath at which point you officially acquire Romanian citizenship.

Quickly and easily obtain
EU citizenship

Discover the simplified path to
EU citizenship

Get a free consultation

Application Dossier for Romanian Citizenship

The following is the standard list of documents required for obtaining Romanian citizenship, applicable to all categories of applicants:

• a valid international passport (original and a certified copy of all pages);
• a birth certificate (including parents’ names, original and certified copy);
• a criminal record certificate issued within the last 6 months from the country of primary citizenship and from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than 6 months over the past 5 years;
• two color photographs (35 × 45 mm);
• a notarized declaration under personal responsibility confirming loyalty to the state and the absence of actions against national security;
• proof of payment of the mandatory fee of 91.50 RON (approximately €18).

As of 2026, an apostille is mandatory for all foreign certificates and extracts issued in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Documents for Romanian citizenship must be translated into Romanian by an authorized translator and notarized either by a public notary or at a diplomatic mission abroad.

Children under 18 obtain citizenship simultaneously with their parents. Mandatory documents for minors include a birth certificate and a notarized statement confirming that both parents consent to the child obtaining Romanian citizenship. If the child is already 14 years old, they must sign a notarized consent in the presence of their legal representatives.

Professional Assistance and Immigrant Reviews

With the introduction of new regulations in Romania, the assistance of migration specialists has become essential. Independent applications often result in additional requests that can freeze the process for months. Lawyers prepare the application dossier in such a way that it is accepted on the first submission. In cases of citizenship through repatriation, applicants do not need to visit the Ministry of Justice, specialists can submit the dossier on their behalf under a notarized power of attorney.

Legal experts also have access to archives in different countries to search for eligibility grounds. Therefore, if you are unsure whether your ancestors were born or lived in the territory of the Kingdom of Romania, it is advisable to verify this information with a professional company. Specialists also assist in preparing for the oath ceremony.

Client reviews confirm that digitalization has made it easier to track application status through an online account. However, without legal support, the actual waiting time for a decision (“issuance of the order”) still averages around 2–2.5 years. With the assistance of a qualified company representative, the timeframe can be reduced to a maximum of 14 months.

Many applicants emphasize that working with a specialist helped them avoid common reasons for rejection, especially frequent in self-submitted applications. With legal support, applying for Romanian citizenship becomes easier and more straightforward. At the same time, offers found online promising a Romanian passport at a low cost often indicate illegal methods, which may lead not only to rejection but also to a potential ban on entry to the EU and the Schengen Area.

Dual citizenship in Romania is not regulated by specific agreements with other countries. Therefore, it is possible to hold dual or multiple citizenships in Romania.

Taking into account all requirements and obtaining a Romanian passport without violating the law within a timeframe of 6 to 14 months is achievable with the support of an experienced lawyer specializing in simplified EU programs.