For many families across the world, Romanian citizenship offers a cultural connection, a global community, and potentially a legal pathway to reclaim European Union citizenship. Romania has one of the most expansive descent laws in Europe, allowing not just children but also grandchildren and, in some cases, great-grandchildren to apply for nationality.
This guide explains who qualifies for Romanian citizenship by descent, how the law works, and what steps families should consider when exploring eligibility.
Why Romanian Citizenship by Descent Matters
Romanian nationality provides both practical and symbolic benefits, including rights and privileges that go beyond just Romania, including:
- EU citizenship: The right to live, work, and study across all 27 EU member states.
- Education access: Lower tuition fees at European universities.
- Healthcare benefits: Access to public health systems in Romania and other EU countries.
- Travel freedom: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 180 countries.
- Heritage recognition: A formal legal tie to Romanian identity and history.
For many descendants of emigrants, especially those whose families left during the 20th century, regaining citizenship is also a way of reclaiming rights that were lost during international migration and political upheaval.
Who Qualifies for Romanian Citizenship by Descent
Romania recognizes citizenship by jus sanguinis (right of blood), but its approach is broader than most.
Children of Romanian Citizens
If at least one of your parents was a Romanian ancestor or held Romanian citizenship at the time of your birth, you are automatically entitled to nationality, even if you were born abroad.
- Example: Ana was born in Toronto in 2005. Her mother was born in Bucharest and never gave up her Romanian citizenship. Ana is Romanian by descent. She must register her birth certificate in the Romanian civil registry, but she does not need to “apply” for nationality.
Grandchildren of Romanian Citizens
Romania allows grandchildren to reclaim citizenship, even if their parents never registered or claimed it. This is part of the citizenship restoration process (redobândirea cetățeniei române).
- Example: Daniel’s grandparents were born in Iași but emigrated to Israel in the 1950s. His parents never pursued Romanian citizenship. Daniel, as a grandchild, can still apply to restore citizenship under Romanian law.
Great-Grandchildren of Romanian Citizens
Here Romania is unusually generous. Great-grandchildren may also apply, provided they can prove that their ancestor (great-grandparent) held Romanian citizenship and lost it involuntarily (for example, due to war, emigration, or border changes).
This is possible because of Article 10 of the Romanian Citizenship Law (Law no. 21/1991, as amended), which allows descendants “up to the third degree” (children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) to restore nationality.
- Example: Elena’s great-grandfather was born in what is now Moldova when it was part of Romanian territory. Although citizenship was lost during Soviet annexation, Elena can apply to restore Romanian nationality based on this ancestry.
Special Cases: Historical Borders
Romania’s borders shifted repeatedly in the 20th century. This means many people outside Romania today – especially in Moldova and Ukraine – may have ancestors who were technically Romanian citizens.
If your ancestor was born in a region that was part of Romania between the two World Wars (such as Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, or Hertsa), you may qualify even if the area is no longer within Romanian borders.
Legal Framework
Romanian nationality is governed by the Romanian Citizenship Law (Law no. 21/1991, as amended). Key provisions include:
- Article 5: Citizenship by birth — children of Romanian citizens are Romanian, even if born abroad.
- Article 10: Citizenship restoration for descendants up to the third degree (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren).
- Article 11: Restoration for those who lost citizenship involuntarily, along with their descendants.
Application Pathways
- Children of Romanian citizens
Register your birth abroad with the Romanian authorities. Once recognized, you can apply directly for a Romanian passport. - Grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Apply under Article 10 for citizenship restoration. This is the most common path for diaspora applicants. Applications are usually submitted to the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) in Bucharest or through Romanian consulates abroad. - Other descendants
If you cannot prove direct lineage within three generations, you may need to apply by residence in Romania. Standard naturalization requires 8 years of residence (5 if married to a Romanian citizen).
Applicants often need Romanian documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates to demonstrate lineage.
Common Questions
Do I qualify if my ancestor emigrated?
Yes, as long as they were Romanian citizens before leaving.
Can great-grandchildren apply?
Yes, Romania allows restoration up to the third generation.
Do I need to live in Romania?
No. Descent-based applicants do not need residence.
Does Romania allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Romania does not require applicants to give up their existing nationality.
Why Romania’s Rules Are Different
Romania’s broad restoration rights reflect its complex history. Because so many citizens lost nationality due to border shifts and international migration, the law was designed to give their descendants a way to reclaim it. This has made Romania especially popular among applicants from Moldova, Ukraine, and the global Romanian diaspora.
Important Note
Romanian citizenship by descent is one of the most generous systems in Europe, but success still depends on providing complete documentation. Each case is unique, and the details of your particular situation may require additional documents or longer processing time.
We recommend starting with our $250 full service guide and consulting a trusted citizenship expert to review your file before applying.