Nationality of Romania: all obtaining pathways
Romanian naturalization requires eight years of legal residence, command of Romanian and of the Constitution, the anthem and the culture of the country. Marriage to a Romanian citizen reduces the period to five years, and former citizens and their descendants have a restoration procedure with no residence requirement.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 8 YEARS’ continuous lawful residence in Romania (Romanian Citizenship Law 21/1991 as amended, art. 16(1); confirmed by the 14/2025 amendment)
- Legal and unbroken residence in Romania for at least 8 years
- Minimum age of 18
- Guarantee of lawful means of subsistence
- No criminal record in Romania or abroad
- Command of the Romanian language at a sufficient level
- Knowledge of the Constitution, the national anthem and the basics of Romanian history and culture
- Obligation to renounce the previous nationality (except under international treaties)
Documentation
- Application for Romanian citizenship
- Passport and residence permit
- Criminal record certificates from Romania and the country of origin
- Romanian language proficiency certificate
- Proof of income and means of subsistence
- Legalized and translated birth and marriage certificates
- Declaration renouncing the previous nationality
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
2Naturalization through marriage
Naturalization through marriage
Requirements
- Married to a Romanian citizen for at least 5 years
- Legal and unbroken residence in Romania
- Command of Romanian
- Guarantee of lawful means of subsistence
- No criminal record
- Knowledge of the Constitution, the national anthem and Romanian history and culture basics
Documentation
- Application for Romanian citizenship
- Marriage certificate
- Residence permit in Romania
- Criminal record certificate
- Romanian language proficiency certificate
- Birth certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Romanian citizen at the time of birth
- The child acquires Romanian citizenship automatically regardless of place of birth
- Descendants of Romanian citizens who lost the citizenship may apply for its restoration
- There is no generational limit to transmission by descent
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Birth certificate of the Romanian father/mother or grandparent
- Documentary proof of the chain of descent
- Romanian citizenship certificate of the ancestor
- Passport or identity document of the Romanian ancestor
4Restoration of Romanian citizenship
Restoration of Romanian citizenship
Requirements
- People who lost Romanian citizenship for historical reasons (before 22 December 1989)
- Descendants of people who lost the citizenship (up to the second generation)
- Residence in Romania is not required
- Dual nationality is permitted
- No language-proof is demanded from those born in Romania
Documentation
- Application for citizenship restoration
- Birth certificate of the applicant or of the ancestor who lost the citizenship
- Documentary proof of the loss of Romanian citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Current passport
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Romania
How many years of residence does Romania require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Romania (Naturalization by residence), the term is 8 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Romania allow dual nationality?
Obligation to renounce the previous nationality (except under international treaties)
Can the nationality of Romania be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage pathway (5 years (from the marriage)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Romania require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Application for Romanian citizenship; Passport and residence permit; Criminal record certificates from Romania and the country of origin; Romanian language proficiency certificate; Proof of income and means of subsistence; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Romania?
Romania provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage, Citizenship by descent, Restoration of Romanian citizenship.
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Anything to correct or add about Romania?
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