Certain individuals of Romanian descent are eligible to restore citizenship and, as a result, gain ancestry citizenship within the European Union, allowing them the right to live, work, and travel freely across 27 member nations. The process of acquiring Romanian European ancestry citizenship, however, is nuanced and does not come without its challenges.
If you’re applying for Romanian citizenship by descent, you’re likely to encounter questions, whether you’re applying from within Romania or abroad. In this guide, we answer frequently asked questions about eligibility, the application process, documentation, language requirements, and more.
Common Questions for Applicants
Bucharest, Romania; many Romanian citizenship by descent applicants have questions about documentation, fees, application challenges, and more.
From gathering the right evidentiary documents to fees, language requirements, foreign application processes, and more, you should familiarize yourself with the specifics of the Romanian citizenship application process. Being as prepared as possible when you start can reduce the possibility of facing setbacks and delays.
Who is eligible for Romanian citizenship by descent?
Romanian descendants up to the third degree are technically eligible for citizenship by descent, thanks to the unusually generous Romanian law, which allows individuals with a Romanian ancestor to reclaim their rights as European citizens.
In theory, if you can provide proper supporting evidence through your official documents, you can apply through a Romanian great-grandparent. The further back you go in your lineage, the more complex Romanian European ancestry-based citizenship cases become.
How much does it cost to apply?
Costs can vary based on document translation services, legalization fees, your case for citizenship, and whether or not you use professional services in the process. The Romanian citizenship confirmation application fee is €50 (as of the latest legislation), and the citizenship reacquisition application fee is €200.
Applicants may also need to secure translations of Romanian documents and certified copies from government institutions or Romanian authorities, depending on where they apply.
Do I have to live in Romania to apply for citizenship?
No. You can apply from abroad for Romanian citizenship by descent through the relevant Romanian consulate in your country of residence. The website for Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a search option to help you determine which consular office you should use based on your location.
Can my child get Romanian ancestry citizenship?
If you were already a Romanian citizen when your child was born, your child is automatically Romanian too, regardless of birthplace. If you acquired Romanian citizenship after your child was born, like through restoration (Article 10 of the Romanian Citizenship Act), your child doesn’t automatically qualify and must apply separately. See our complete guide to child eligibility here.
Do I need to know the Romanian language to qualify?
No, you’re not required to show language proficiency in order to apply for ancestry citizenship. However, language requirements may apply if you’re seeking Romanian naturalization following residency in Romania.
Does my application need to be in Romanian?
As is the case in many European Union citizenship processes, Romania requires documents to be translated into Romanian by a certified translator (uncertified translations will be rejected). Further, documents submitted with your application for citizenship must be legalized via apostille or superlegalization by Romanian authorities.
What documents do I need?
Romanian citizenship by descent application forms must be submitted along with documents showing identity, proof of Romanian ancestry, and proof of residence in applicable cases:
Applicant’s long-form birth certificate
– Parent’s and grandparent’s birth certificates
– Marriage certificates (if names changed)
– Ancestor’s Romanian birth certificate or citizenship certificate
– Adoption decrees (if applicable)
– Death certificates (if relevant)
– Applicant’s valid passport or Romanian passport (if previously held)
– Police clearance certificates (not required for minors)
– Proof of residence (if applying in Romania)
Applicants should ensure all official documents are certified, translated, and meet the requirements of Romanian authorities before submission. See our full guide to Romanian citizenship by descent documentation here, where we go in-depth explaining the process of submitting required forms.
What’s Next for Interested Applicants?
Do you think you have a solid case for acquiring Romanian European ancestry citizenship? We offer detailed eligibility reports and professional guidance, including expert review and legal opinion on eligibility cases, our full service package is a great place to start.
Our experts have a proven track record of helping thousands of people connect to their roots and acquire Romanian passports through ancestry. Whether you are reclaiming your Romanian European heritage or applying for the first time, our team works closely with government institutions to ensure your process aligns with Romanian law.
Get started today and take the first step toward reclaiming your rights as a Romanian European citizen.