Romania has one of the most generous nationality systems in Europe, allowing children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren to reclaim Romanian citizenship. But when it comes to children’s romanian citizenship, the rules are more specific. Whether your child qualifies depends on your citizenship status at the time of their birth and how you obtained Romanian nationality by descent or naturalization.
This article explains how citizenship passes to children, how adoption is treated, and what steps families need to take to ensure recognition and proof of Romanian origin.
Why Citizenship for Children Matters
For children, Romanian Citizenship provides both immediate and long-term benefits:
- European Union rights: The ability to live, study, and work across all EU countries as European citizens.
- Education access: Reduced tuition fees at universities in Romania and throughout Europe.
- Healthcare benefits: Eligibility for national health coverage in Romania and reciprocal EU care.
- Heritage connection: A legal recognition of their Romanian ancestor and cultural heritage.
Many families pursue Romanian citizenship for their children as a way to pass on both opportunity and identity, ensuring their mobility across Europe without the need for a visa..
If You Were Already Romanian at the Time of Birth
The most straightforward case is when you were already a Romanian citizen when your child was born. In that scenario, your child is automatically Romanian too, regardless of where they were born within or outside Romanian territory.
- Example: Irina was born in Bucharest and later emigrated to the UK. She kept her Romanian citizenship. When her daughter Sophie was born in London in 2010, Sophie was automatically Romanian from birth. To make it official, Irina registered Sophie’s birth certificates at the Romanian consulate. Sophie now holds both British and Romanian passports, which allow her greater mobility within the EU.
In such cases, parents must still provide official documents such as copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other documents applicable. These are reviewed by Romanian authorities or Romanian embassies to confirm eligibility.
If You Became Romanian Later
Things change if you acquired Romanian Citizenship after your child was born. For example, you may have restored your nationality through your parents or grandparents under Article 10 of the Romanian Citizenship Law. In that case, your child does not automatically qualify.
- Example: Mihai’s grandparents were Romanian, but his family lost citizenship after emigrating. Mihai restored his nationality in 2022. His son, born in 2010, does not automatically become Romanian, because Mihai was not a citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
In this scenario, your child must apply separately. Depending on age, they may apply alongside you (if still a minor) or independently as adults. Their process will include the submission of Romanian documents proving descent and ascendants from a Romanian ancestor.
Adopted Children
Romanian law treats adopted minors the same as biological children, as long as the adoption is legally recognized by Romanian authorities or Courts.
- If the adopting parent is Romanian at the time of adoption, the child automatically becomes Romanian.
- If the parent becomes Romanian later, the adoption does not retroactively transfer nationality.
- Example: Andrei, a Romanian citizen, adopted a child in 2018. Because he was already Romanian at the time of adoption, the child automatically acquired Romanian Citizenship.
Registration Requirements
Even if your child is entitled to nationality, recognition is not automatic. You must register their birth in the Romanian civil registry. This is typically done through:
- The local civil registry office in Romania (Oficiul Stării Civile), or
- The nearest Romanian embassies or consulates if the child was born abroad.
Required documents usually include:
- The child’s long-form birth certificates.
- The parents’ Romanian documents, such as a passport or a citizenship certificate.
- Marriage certificates or adoption decrees, if relevant.
- Parents’ passports or IDs.
Once the birth is registered, the child is officially recognized as Romanian and can apply for a passport or even future naturalization if needed.
Common Scenarios
- Parent born Romanian: Children are automatically Romanian; only registration is needed.
- Parent restored nationality later: Children do not automatically qualify; they must apply separately.
- Adopted children: Automatically Romanian if adoption took place while the parent was already Romanian.
- Great-grandparent cases: If you restored nationality through a great-grandparent after your child’s birth, your child is not automatically included.
In all these cases, the goal is to ensure the child’s rightful recognition under the law, supported by proof of Romanian origin through valid Romanian documents.
Dual Citizenship for Children
Romania allows dual citizenship. This means your child can hold Romanian Citizenship alongside their other nationality without conflict. For families abroad, this makes registration easier, as there is no requirement to renounce the child’s existing citizenship.
FAQs
Does my child qualify if I was Romanian when they were born?
Yes. Citizenship passes automatically, but registration is required and verified through official documents reviewed by Romanian authorities.
What if I became Romanian after my child was born?
Your child does not automatically qualify. They must apply separately through Romanian embassies or local Romanian authorities, providing proof of descent and paying an application fee.
Do adopted children qualify?
Yes, if the adoption was finalized while the parent was already Romanian and recognized by Courts.
Can adult children apply through me?
No. Adult children must apply on their own, usually under the restoration process, if they qualify through a grandparent or great-grandparent.
Do I need to provide marriage certificates or divorce documents?
Yes, these official documents may be requested to verify family links or ascendants.
Are there historical factors that affect eligibility?
Yes. Due to historical border changes in regions neighboring Moldova, Bulgaria, and Serbia, some individuals may have ancestral ties to Romanian territory even if their ancestors lived outside the current borders.
What happens if documents are missing?
You may need certified copies or substitute proof from archives, or to seek legal assistance to validate your Romanian documents.
Is a visa needed for my child to enter Romania once citizenship is confirmed?
No. As European citizens, children with Romanian Citizenship can travel freely across the EU.
Why Timing Matters
Romania’s law is generous in allowing multiple generations to reclaim Romanian Citizenship. But timing is crucial when it comes to passing it to your children. The law only recognizes citizenship for children if the parent was a Romanian citizen at the time of birth or adoption.
For families considering applications, this means it is best to secure your own Romanian Citizenship as early as possible — before having children, if you want them to qualify automatically.
Important Note on Children Romanian Citizenship
Every child citizenship case is unique. Even when eligibility is clear, consulates may request additional records or clarifications. Approval is not guaranteed.
We recommend starting with our $250 full service guide and consulting a trusted expert before registering your child’s citizenship.
Sources
Romanian Citizenship Law (Law no. 21/1991, as amended)
- Article 5 – Citizenship by birth: children of Romanian citizens are Romanian, even if born abroad.
- Article 8–11 – Rules for regaining citizenship and for descendants.
- Article 11(2) – Extends restoration rights to descendants up to the third degree (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren).
Official consolidated law (Romanian): legislatie.just.ro
Article 10 – Adopted minors acquire citizenship automatically if the adopting parent is Romanian at the time of adoption.
- National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) – Outlines how to obtain, restore, or prove Romanian citizenship, including for minors and adopted children.
- Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consular Services – Explains registration of children’s births abroad, required documents, and passport applications.