Romanian Citizenship by Descent – Complete Guide 2025

In 2025, the procedure for acquiring Romanian citizenship by descent based on ancestral roots continues to attract the attention of people with family ties to Romania. This legal mechanism allows the applicants concerned to reconnect with their heritage and at the same time acquire full legal status as Romanian and EU citizens. The legal framework works thanks to the principle of respect for the cultural and family heritage of Romanian representatives.

To qualify, applicants must provide documentary evidence of their relatives’ Romanian citizenship. Persons whose ancestors left Romania for political or economic reasons may retain this right. The legal framework is favorable compared to other EU countries.

The application procedure usually involves the provision of a package of documents, including civil status records, proof of genealogy and officially certified translations. Take into account possible delays in the consideration of the case, as the demand for the acquisition of Romanian citizenship remains consistently high. You get freedom of movement within the EU and the possibility of family reunification and access to European education and health systems.

Applying for Romanian Citizenship by Descent

The procedure for applying for Romanian citizenship is available to those who carefully comply with the requirements and prepare the entire package of documents. The law allows persons of Romanian origin to renew their citizenship without the need for permanent residence in the country. This also applies to the descendants of those who lost their citizenship due to emigration or historical boundary changes in the century.

You will not be able to obtain Romania citizenship by descent without confirmation of family ties with your ancestor. This usually requires documents from state archives or foreign institutions, certified by apostille and translated into Romanian. The application can be submitted through the National Office of Citizenship in Bucharest or the Romanian Consulate abroad. The success of the procedure depends on a complete and competently executed package of documents.

  • Your full birth certificate.
  • Proof of Romanian origin.
  • Certificates of criminal record from all countries of residence.
  • Certified translations of all documents into Romanian.

Before filing, it is important to legalize or apostille documents issued outside of Romania. It is also necessary to prepare an official written request in Romanian with a summary of the grounds for obtaining citizenship.

The lawyer will help you collect documents, issue an application and fulfill all the requirements on how to get Romanian citizenship by descent. This increases the chances of a positive decision.

Step-by-Step Application Process

It is possible to obtain citizenship by pedigree if the connection with ancestors who had Romanian citizenship is confirmed. The procedure is clearly regulated by law and requires documentary proof of origin. Compliance with formalities is the key to a successful outcome. Below is a brief description of the main steps for those wondering can you get Romanian citizenship through ancestry.

  • Check Romanian ancestry through birth or marriage records.
  • Collect civil status documents of the Romanian ancestor.

The next stage should focus on verification.

  • For documents issued outside Romania to be accepted for consideration, they should be legalized through consular legalization. 
  • All documents must be translated.

Legalized translations of documents are important when applying. Once the documentation has been completed, the applicant can submit it to the National Citizenship Authority in Bucharest or through a consulate abroad. 

Once approved, the applicant is interviewed or immediately invited to take the oath. From the moment of its declaration, a person officially acquires Romanian citizenship and receives the right to issue a Romanian passport and identity documents. Although the procedure requires precision, it is quite real for those of proven Romanian origin who are willing to comply with administrative requirements.

Required Documents and Proof of Lineage

Applying for Romanian citizenship by origin requires careful collection of documents confirming your origin and legal right. This section provides a list of what should be prepared and verified before submitting a package of documents.

Ensure that you collect all civil records that prove your ancestral link with a Romanian citizen. This includes personal documents belonging to your relatives. Each piece of evidence must clearly establish a direct biological relationship. What documents are required?

  • Valid international passport.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Marriage or divorce certificates.
  • Photographic identity card.

In addition to your own records, documents proving your Romanian heritage are crucial. What does the evidence of origin include?

  • Birth and marriage certificates of Romanian ancestor.
  • Their Romanian passports, ID cards or internal booklets.
  • Naturalization or emigration documents.
  • Confirmation that the ancestor had Romanian citizenship at the time of your father’s birth.

The process requires careful attention to historical and legal details. Documents must be consistent in writing, dates, and intergenerational personal data. Disagreements should be attributed to affidavits or formal amendments.

It is also important to understand how to apply for Romanian citizenship by descent. When all documents have been prepared, they can be submitted to the Romanian consulate or directly in Romania, depending on the place of residence. Waiting can be long, but proper preparation increases the chances of success.

In essence, getting Romanian citizenship through ancestry hinges on proving the uninterrupted legal connection between you and your Romanian ancestor. With verified documents and careful submission, you strengthen your legal claim to citizenship and future access to the EU.

Applying from Abroad at Romanian Consulates

If you live abroad, you can apply for Romanian citizenship by ancestry through the consulate. It accepts the documents, transmits them to Bucharest and informs the applicants about the status. Procedures vary, with some consulates requiring online registration, others accepting documents by mail. To avoid errors, check the website of a specific consulate. 

Before initiating the process, it’s important to determine which consulate has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Applicants must schedule an appointment, often months in advance, due to high demand. During the visit, the consulate will collect your documents, verify their compliance with Romanian legal standards, and forward them to the relevant authorities in Romania. Make sure to have the following prepared before your appointment:

  • Completed questionnaire of the established form
  • Valid document of the person with proof of residence abroad.
  • All civil status documents have been translated into Romanian.
  • Apostille or legalization of documents, if provided.
  • Confirmation of connection with Romanian ancestor based on archival data.

Each consulate operates on its own schedule and may make additional demands. To avoid errors, check the current information on the official website or contact us directly. Delays due to holidays in Romania or waiting lists for appointments are possible.

  • Transmit biometric data.
  • Pay the consular fee in local currency.
  • Provide additional documents if required.

Application for Romanian citizenship through the consulate takes place without unnecessary difficulties if the procedures are followed. Candidates who become familiar with the requirements in advance are more likely to be screened and avoid repeated requests from institutions.

Processing Time and Fees

The timeline and associated costs for obtaining Romanian citizenship can vary depending on several factors, including the type of application, completeness of documentation, and the applicant’s country of residence. Understanding the bureaucratic landscape helps set realistic expectations for both time and budget.

The processing time for applications for claiming romanian citizenship by descent is usually between one and two years. For applicants applying through consulates outside Romania, additional delays are possible due to a limited number of receptions or postal logistics. To avoid errors and re-submissions, it is recommended to carefully check the completeness of the package and monitor current updates on the ANC website.

  • Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents.
  • Backlog at the National Citizenship Authority.
  • Translation and authentication delays.
  • Problems obtaining documents or civil certificates.

The process may seem lengthy, but applicants have the tools to reduce uncertainty. It is worth checking the status of the case regularly through the ANC or the consulate where the documents are submitted. Responding to requests and updates in a timely manner helps to monitor the process, and additional guidance can be found on geteucitizenship.com, which provides detailed information on EU citizenship procedures and document requirements.

  • Notarized translations of foreign documents.
  • Apostille or legalization fees.
  • Consular application fees.
  • Courier services for document submission and return.

Professional legal assistance may be a necessary cost, especially when proving eligibility through older origin records. Hiring a consultant is not mandatory, but it can save time and reduce the number of errors.

The procedure for Romanian citizenship repatriation attracts the attention of persons seeking to legally reconnect with their ancestral roots. This process gives the applicant access to full EU citizenship but requires a careful and well-prepared approach to document collection.

FAQ

Can I obtain Romanian citizenship if my grandparents were Romanian citizens?

In certain cases, it is possible to acquire Romanian citizenship through grandparents. However, the eligibility requirements can be more complex and may depend on various factors, including the date of your grandparent’s acquisition of Romanian citizenship, your parents’ citizenship status, and other conditions.

Is there a limit to the number of generations that can claim Romanian citizenship by descent?

There is no specific limit on the number of generations that can claim Romanian citizenship by descent.

Can I apply for Romanian citizenship by descent if my parent(s) lost their Romanian citizenship?

If your parent(s) lost their Romanian citizenship but were Romanian citizens at the time of your birth, you may still be eligible for Romanian citizenship by descent. The loss of your parent’s Romanian citizenship does not automatically disqualify you from acquiring citizenship. However, the specific circumstances of your parent’s loss of citizenship and the applicable laws at the time will determine your eligibility.

Do I need to speak Romanian to apply for Romanian citizenship by descent?

There was no specific language requirement for acquiring Romanian citizenship by descent.

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