Romania citizenship by descent is based on Article 11 of the citizenship law, which grants eligibility to children, grandchildren, and in many cases great-grandchildren of former Romanian citizens.
This pathway has become one of the most sought-after routes to reclaim EU citizenship, offering visa-free access to over 170 countries and the right to live and work across the European Union.
This article talks about:
- The Article 11 of the Romanian citizenship law
- Who is eligible for citizenship by descent in Romania?
- Do I need to speak Romanian to get Romanian citizenship?
- What is the strength of the Romanian passport?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
Can you get Romanian citizenship through ancestry?
Yes, you can obtain Romanian citizenship if you can prove direct lineage to Romanian parents, grandparents, or sometimes even great-grandparents.
The key factor is whether your ancestors were born in territories that were once part of Romania.
Many descendants of Romanians who emigrated in the 20th century now qualify.
What is Article 11 of Romanian citizenship act?
Article 11 of the Romanian Citizenship Law (Law no. 21/1991) is the main legal basis for reclaiming nationality through ancestry.
It was introduced after the fall of communism in 1991 to address the large number of Romanians and their descendants who lost citizenship involuntarily due to historical events such as shifting borders after World War II, Soviet annexations, and political exile during the communist period.
The purpose of Article 11 is to restore citizenship rights to children, grandchildren, and in many cases great-grandchildren of former Romanian citizens, without requiring them to live in Romania.
It recognizes that loss of nationality in these cases was not voluntary and provides a legal pathway for descendants to reconnect with their Romanian and European Union heritage.
This provision remains one of the most widely used routes for citizenship by descent in Eastern Europe, particularly for descendants of Romanians from Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Balkans.
Who is eligible for Romanian citizenship by descent?
Eligibility is generally extended to:
- Children of Romanian citizens – Even if born abroad, children of Romanian citizens are generally entitled to claim citizenship directly.
- Grandchildren and great-grandchildren – Many descendants qualify if they can prove that their ancestor was a Romanian citizen before losing nationality due to emigration, war, or shifting borders.
- Descendants from former Romanian territories – Individuals whose ancestors were from regions once part of Romania, such as Moldova, Northern Bukovina, or parts of Ukraine, may also qualify.
Eligibility is not automatic; it requires clear genealogical documentation showing an unbroken line of descent from a Romanian citizen.
How to get Romanian citizenship by descent?
To acquire citizenship by descent in Romania, applicants must:
- Provide official documents proving Romanian ancestry.
- Submit an application to the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC).
- Undergo administrative checks to confirm eligibility.
What are the documents needed for Romanian citizenship by descent?
Typical documentation includes:
- Birth and marriage certificates linking you to the Romanian ancestor.
- Proof of the ancestor’s Romanian citizenship (archives, passports, civil records).
- Apostilled and translated documents, legalized where necessary.
Professional legal assistance is often recommended for document retrieval.
What are the Romanian citizenship by descent language requirements?
Applicants for Romanian citizenship by descent must generally demonstrate intermediate proficiency in Romanian (B1 level under the CEFR).
This can be proven either by presenting a language certificate from an accredited institution or by showing evidence of at least three years of formal studies conducted in Romanian.
There are important exemptions:
- Former Romanian citizens reapplying do not need to meet the requirement.
- Applicants aged 65 or older are exempt.
- Minor children included in a parent’s application are also exempt.
However, children aged 18 or over who apply separately must meet the B1 language requirement and be prepared to demonstrate their knowledge during the oath of citizenship ceremony.
Many applicants choose to prepare with language courses in advance to ensure compliance.
How much does Romanian citizenship by descent cost?
The total cost of obtaining Romanian citizenship by descent typically falls between €1,000 and €5,000, depending on the complexity of the case and whether professional assistance is used.
- Government filing fees – These are relatively modest, often under a few hundred euros.
- Document-related expenses – Translation, notarization, apostille, and legalization of foreign records usually make up a significant portion of the costs.
- Archival and record retrieval – Applicants with ancestors from regions like Moldova, Ukraine, or Bukovina may need specialized archival research, which can increase expenses.
- Legal representation – While not mandatory, many applicants—especially expats and high-net-worth individuals—choose to engage law firms specializing in Romanian citizenship to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Legal fees can vary widely depending on the firm and the scope of services.
How long does it take to get Romanian citizenship by descent?
The timeline ranges from 1.5 to 4 years, depending on case complexity and ANC processing speed.
Some applications, particularly those with complete documentation, may be resolved faster.
Is Romanian citizenship hard to get?
Compared to other EU countries, Romanian citizenship by descent is relatively accessible.
The challenge lies mainly in gathering documentation, not in meeting strict residency or language requirements.
How good is the Romanian passport?
The Romanian passport is considered one of the strongest passports in the world, consistently ranking high on major global passport indexes.
- Henley Passport Index – Romania ranks 13th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 177 destinations, including all EU/EEA countries, the Schengen Area, the UK, and key hubs like Japan and Singapore.
- Arton Capital Passport Index – Romania scores a Mobility Score of 171 and is ranked in the top 6th worldwide, reflecting broad visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.
- Nomad Passport Index – Romania ranks 21th globally, with a strong score reflecting not only travel access but also dual citizenship flexibility, taxation, and personal freedoms.
What are the benefits of Romanian citizenship?
Key benefits include:
- Full EU rights – As an EU citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any EU or EEA country, plus Switzerland, without visas or residence permits.
- Business and investment opportunities – Romanian citizenship provides unrestricted access to the EU single market, allowing you to set up companies, expand investments, and benefit from cross-border economic freedoms.
- Visa-free travel – A Romanian passport allows entry to more than 170 destinations worldwide, including the EU, Schengen Area, the UK, and key global economies.
- Generational continuity – Citizenship can be passed to children and grandchildren, ensuring long-term family security and mobility.
- Healthcare and education – Citizens enjoy access to Romania’s public healthcare and education system, as well as reciprocal benefits across the EU.
- Dual citizenship allowed – Romania generally permits dual nationality, meaning you can hold Romanian citizenship alongside another passport.
Conclusion
Romanian citizenship by descent is not only a matter of paperwork but also of identity and continuity.
For many applicants, it serves as a bridge between ancestral roots and modern opportunities, linking family history with EU rights and global mobility.
Unlike investment-based citizenships that come with heavy costs, descent offers a more personal, heritage-driven path that is both financially accessible and strategically powerful.
For expats and high-net-worth individuals, it represents a way to combine legacy with lifestyle flexibility, ensuring that both cultural ties and future generations benefit.
FAQs
How can I fast track my Romanian citizenship?
While there is no official fast-track program, having complete documentation and working with legal experts can accelerate the process.
Descendants from Moldova often experience quicker processing due to shared archives.
Is Romania immigrant friendly?
Yes. Romania is increasingly open to foreigners, with affordable living costs, growing expat communities, and EU-linked opportunities.
However, bureaucratic processes remain formal and paperwork-heavy.
What is the oath of Romanian citizenship?
At the final stage, applicants swear an oath of allegiance to Romania, affirming respect for its laws and constitution.
This is typically a formal but straightforward ceremony.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
