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.
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
2 ways
Language requirement?
No
Romanian Roots. EU Access.
If you qualify, Romanian citizenship gives you the right to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the EU, without restriction. Apply for expanded opportunity and the chance to reclaim what history interrupted.
Why Does Romania Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Romania’s citizenship law is designed to reconnect with families whose ties to the country were disrupted by 20th-century upheavals. After World War II, territories like Bessarabia (now Moldova), Northern Bukovina (now Ukraine), and Southern Dobruja were lost to Romania, placing many ethnic Romanians outside the country’s new borders. Others emigrated during the Soviet era, driven by political or economic pressures.
Romanian citizenship by descent acknowledges these displacements and restores a right that was never truly given up.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if you can answer yes to one of these questions:
- Was your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent a Romanian citizen?
- Did your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent have their citizenship taken away by the government? (Not because they chose to give it up.)
Does this fit your family? We’ll help you find out.
Want to find if you are eligible for Romanian Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
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.
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James Nagy
Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
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New York, USA
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New Hampshire, USA
Get the Romanian citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
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.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
