CITIZENSHIP OF ROMANIA

Romanian citizenship can be acquired by descent, birth, naturalisation, restoration or adoption. For a foreign national without Romanian ancestry, the main route is naturalisation after long-term lawful residence, permanent status, Romanian-language knowledge and proof of integration.

Restoration of citizenship for former Romanian citizens and their descendants is legally different from ordinary naturalisation. It depends on the family line and the legal status of the ancestor, not simply on how long the applicant has lived in Romania.

Routes to Romanian citizenship

The legal basis determines both the evidence required and the likely timeline. A person who moved to Romania for work, study or family reasons will generally follow the naturalisation route. A descendant of a former Romanian citizen may instead have a restoration case based on family documents and the ancestor’s legal status.

Main routes to Romanian citizenship

Naturalisation after residence

Ordinary naturalisation normally requires eight years of lawful residence in Romania. A spouse of a Romanian citizen may qualify after five years if the marriage remains valid and the other legal conditions are met.

A residence permit in Romania must be kept valid throughout the immigration route. Temporary residence, long-term residence and permanent status serve different purposes, so a first permit should not be confused with an automatic path to citizenship.

In addition to residence, the applicant must show lawful means of support, good conduct and a genuine connection to the country. Serious criminal matters, false information, fictitious registration or immigration breaches can lead to refusal.

Language and integration requirements

Naturalisation applicants are generally expected to demonstrate Romanian language knowledge and a basic understanding of the Romanian Constitution, national anthem, history and culture. Special arrangements can apply in some age- or health-related circumstances.

Romanian language skills matter beyond the citizenship file. They broaden access to qualified work, public services and daily life outside international workplaces, particularly in smaller cities and regional labour markets.

1. Check the current language-assessment format before applying.
2. Prepare for questions on the Constitution, culture and national anthem.
3. Keep medical documents if a special procedure may apply because of health.
4. Retain certificates and records of relevant language preparation.

Descent and restoration of citizenship

Citizenship by descent is principally linked to the citizenship of a Romanian parent. In cross-border family cases, the parent’s status and the registration of the birth are more important than birthplace alone.

Restoration is a distinct procedure for certain former Romanian citizens and their descendants. The applicant needs a coherent documentary chain: civil-status records, proof of the family link and evidence of the ancestor’s citizenship status at the relevant time.

A family surname or oral history is not enough. Birth, marriage, divorce and name-change records should connect the applicant to the relevant ancestor without unexplained gaps.

Marriage, children and family status

Marriage to a Romanian citizen does not grant citizenship immediately. It can reduce the residence period for naturalisation, but the foreign spouse must retain lawful status, prove a genuine family life and meet the language and integration requirements.

A child’s status should be registered promptly. Romania does not apply unrestricted citizenship by birthplace, so parents should not assume that a child born in Romania automatically receives a Romanian passport.

Living in Romania varies sharply between Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași and smaller cities. Housing, local wages, transport and language environment all shape a family’s settlement plan.

Documents and application process

The National Authority for Citizenship handles citizenship cases. The required documents vary by route, but usually include a passport, residence records, civil-status certificates, criminal-record certificates, proof of income and language or integration evidence.

1. Identify the correct route: naturalisation, descent, restoration or family-based citizenship.
2. Check the continuity of all residence permissions.
3. Prepare proof of income, address and civil status.
4. Collect birth, marriage, divorce and name-change certificates.
5. Confirm translation, apostille and legalisation requirements for foreign documents.

Translations, legalisation, certificates and travel can add meaningful costs before filing. The savings calculator can help build a realistic reserve for the procedure.

Dual citizenship

Romania permits dual and multiple citizenship. Romanian law does not generally require a person who naturalises or restores citizenship to give up an existing passport.

The law of the applicant’s other country may be different. It may require notification, prior permission or renunciation following voluntary acquisition of Romanian nationality.

Work, income and living costs

Work in Romania can provide a long-term lawful residence basis, particularly in technology, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, construction and business services. A job alone does not complete the citizenship route; continuous status and integration still matter.

In January 2026, average gross monthly earnings in Romania were RON 9,220, roughly €1,810, while the national minimum wage rose to RON 4,325 gross from July 2026. Current salary in Romania figures differ substantially between Bucharest, major regional cities and less industrial areas.

Prices in Romania should be assessed city by city. Rent and services in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca can produce a very different household budget from one in smaller towns.

Changes in 2025–2026

Law No. 14/2025 updated the Romanian citizenship procedure. It placed greater practical emphasis on digital identification, document verification and evidence of language and integration. Older guidance based solely on paper filing may not reflect the current appointment and identification process.

The changes are particularly important for restoration cases. Documentary proof of ancestry remains essential, while checks on legalisation, translations and the submission format have become more rigorous. Applicants should confirm the current document list with the National Authority for Citizenship before filing.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Citizenship of Denmark
• Citizenship of New Zealand
• Citizenship of Iceland
• Citizenship of Canada
• Citizenship of Australia