Romanian Citizenship Through Ancestry
Romania is a country of dramatic landscapes, medieval towns, and centuries-old traditions. But it’s also a place of resilience, home to families who were scattered by war, occupation, and exile. If your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were Romanian citizens, you may be eligible to restore that citizenship, and you don’t need to live in Romania or speak the language to qualify.
Are you ready to check your eligibility to apply?
Romania Eligibility Live Results
The results below are based on the users who complete our Free Eligibility Assessment tool on the Citizenship.EU app, and are updated in real time.
*Represents submissions received since February 15, 2026
Do you think you might qualify for Romanian citizenship through ancestry?
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Romania Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Eligibility to apply for Romanian citizenship depends on a mix of historical eligibility criteria and generations removed. Those with a Romanian parent, grandparent, or great grandparent may be eligible to apply if they meet the other qualifying criteria.
Travel Required?
Yes (Domestic)
Your Romanian citizenship declaration can be completed through a Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence at the end of the application process. It is also possible to make your citizenship declaration at relevant Romanian offices in Romania if you chose to do so.
Language requirement?
Yes
Since 2025, Romania does require that eligible applicants pass a Romanian language proficiency test as a part of their application process. This language requirement is generally waived for certain applicants, such as minors applying alongside their parent, or applicants over the age of 65.
Ways to Apply
Two Pathways
Romania allows citizenship through ancestry to be obtained for interested applicants whose connection back to Romania meets one of two different sets of requirements:
Path 1:
Your Romanian parent or grandparent lost their Romanian citizenship, whether under voluntary or involuntary circumstances.
Path 2:
- Your Romanian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent lost Romanian citizenship involuntarily, whether due to territorial changes, political persecution, or other loss of citizenship from the Romanian state.
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Romanian Citizenship Quote
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Likelihood of Eligibility
Romanian Citizenship May Be Closer Than You Think
Eligibility to apply for citizenship through ancestry isn’t always obvious. But based on real user data, for many, it may be closer than expected.
With citizenship comes the opportunity to live, work, study, and retire across the European Union—along with a meaningful way to honor your ancestry and reconnect with your family history.
This chart reflects real results from users who completed our Free Eligibility Assessment, highlighting that a simple verification can uncover life-changing opportunities.
I May Be Eligible
What Are Next Steps?
Confirm your Eligibility and Begin Your Application Today!
Step 1.
Sign Up and Assess Eligibility
Use our free eligibility assessment tool to learn if your EU lineage is potentially qualifying. For more complex lineages, subscribe for access to our Eligibility Report where we will verify your eligibility to apply.
Step 2.
Complete Citizenship Application Your Way
Whether you are looking for DIY-application instructions, additional genealogy research, or a vetted citizenship expert to help you file your citizenship application, our network of providers and tailored packages are ready to assist you.
Step 3.
Obtain Citizenship
Do you have questions about your recently obtained citizenship? Our network of country-specific experts can advise you about next steps related to your dual citizenship.
Your guide to Romanian citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain Romanian citizenship by descent?
To acquire Romanian citizenship by descent, you must prove that at least one of your ancestors—typically a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent—was a Romanian citizen. This involves gathering vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates to establish a clear lineage. Applications can be submitted to the Romanian National Authority for Citizenship or through a Romanian consulate abroad. The process may vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Can I get Romanian citizenship through my grandparents or great-grandparents?
Yes, Romanian law allows individuals to claim citizenship through grandparents and, in certain cases, great-grandparents. Eligibility depends on factors such as whether your ancestor lost their Romanian citizenship involuntarily and whether you can provide sufficient documentation to prove the lineage.
Is there a language requirement for Romanian citizenship by descent?
Yes, applicants are generally required to demonstrate proficiency in the Romanian language, typically at a B1 level. However, exemptions may apply, such as for individuals over 65 years of age or those who previously held Romanian citizenship.
Do I need to live in Romania to apply for citizenship by descent?
No, residency in Romania is not required. You can submit your application through a Romanian consulate in your country of residence. However, certain steps, such as taking the oath of allegiance, may require travel to Romania or to a consulate.
What are the benefits of obtaining Romanian citizenship?
As a Romanian citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any EU country. You also benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, access to public healthcare and education in Romania, and the ability to own property in Romania without restrictions.
Does Romania allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Romania permits dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your current nationality when acquiring Romanian citizenship. However, it’s essential to check whether your home country allows dual citizenship.
How can Citizenship.EU assist me with my Romanian citizenship application?
Citizenship.EU specializes in assessing your eligibility for Romanian citizenship by descent. While we do not provide legal services, we evaluate your family history and, if you qualify, connect you with trusted professionals who can guide you through the application process, including document preparation and submission.
Are there special considerations for descendants of Romanian Jews or Holocaust survivors?
Yes, Romania offers provisions for individuals whose ancestors lost Romanian citizenship involuntarily, including due to persecution during the Holocaust. If you can provide evidence of such circumstances, you may be eligible for citizenship restoration.
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* Marked countries are supported by Citizenship.EU, but are not a part of the European Union.
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Romanian Citizenship?
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