Reclaiming Your Romanian Roots A Step-by-Step Guide to Ancestry-Based Citizenship

Have you ever wondered if you could be eligible for Romanian citizenship because your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Romanian? You’re not alone. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a growing number of people worldwide rediscover their Romanian heritage—sometimes by chance, sometimes after digging through family archives—and they’re excited to learn that this connection could grant them citizenship in an EU member state.

This guide aims to walk you through the process of obtaining Romanian citizenship by descent in a clear, friendly, and legally accurate way. Whether you’re motivated by a desire to reconnect with your family roots, expand your travel options, or tap into the European Union’s benefits, we’ll help you understand the essentials of reclaiming your Romanian identity.

Understanding Romanian Citizenship by Descent

The Legal Framework

Romanian law recognizes citizenship based on ancestry, even if you or your parents have never lived in Romania. Specifically, Law No. 21/1991 on Romanian Citizenship outlines the conditions under which descendants of Romanian nationals can apply to have their citizenship recognized or reacquired. It also confirms that Romania allows dual citizenship, so you typically don’t have to renounce your current passport to become a Romanian citizen.

Who Qualifies?

Generally, you may qualify for Romanian citizenship by descent if:

  • One or both of your parents are/were Romanian citizens.
  • One of your grandparents or great-grandparents held Romanian citizenship.
  • Your ancestor was born in a region that was part of Romania at the time (this can apply to individuals from areas affected by border changes, such as parts of Ukraine or Moldova).

Because of historical shifts in Romanian territory, you might be eligible even if your ancestors didn’t technically “live in Romania” in the modern sense. Proving that they held Romanian citizenship at some point—or were born when their birthplace was still within Romanian borders—is the key.

Key Advantages of Reclaiming Romanian Roots

Emotional and Cultural Connection

First and foremost, becoming a Romanian citizen through ancestry is a way to honor and reconnect with your family heritage. You might discover rich traditions, stories, and even distant relatives in the process. Many individuals find this journey deeply fulfilling as it allows them to preserve and celebrate the legacy of their family’s Romanian origins.

Practical EU Benefits

Romania has been a member of the European Union since 2007, which means Romanian citizens enjoy several EU-wide privileges, including:

  • Freedom of Movement: You can live, work, or study in any EU country without needing additional visas or permits.
  • Travel Opportunities: Gain easier entry to many countries outside the EU.
  • Healthcare and Education: Access public healthcare and educational institutions across the EU under the same conditions as local citizens.

Financial and Business Opportunities

Becoming an EU citizen can open doors for business and investment within Romania and other EU states. You could be eligible for:

  • EU Funding and Grants: Certain business and research grants are exclusively available to EU citizens or EU-registered companies.
  • Property Ownership: Some restrictions on property ownership apply to non-EU citizens in certain EU countries; as a Romanian citizen, you wouldn’t face those hurdles.
  • Lower Transaction Barriers: Operating within the EU’s single market can streamline trade and reduce bureaucratic red tape.

Documentation & Proof of Lineage

Identifying Your Romanian Ancestors

The first step is confirming that your ancestor was indeed Romanian. Some useful places to start:

  • Family Records: Check birth and marriage certificates, old passports, or other personal documents left by your relatives.
  • Online Databases & Genealogy Sites: Platforms like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org might contain scanned images of Romanian archives.
  • Local Archives or Embassies: If you have partial information (e.g., a name and a town), Romanian local authorities or embassies abroad might help locate additional records.

Required Documents

When applying for Romanian citizenship by descent, the main objective is to demonstrate an unbroken chain linking you to your Romanian ancestor. You’ll likely need:

  1. Birth Certificates: Your own and those of your parent(s), grandparent(s), etc., down the line.
  2. Marriage Certificates: If the name changed due to marriage, these documents confirm the connection.
  3. Death Certificates (if relevant): Helps establish the timeline of your ancestor’s life.
  4. Proof of Romanian Citizenship of Ancestor: This could be an old Romanian ID, passport, a citizenship certificate, or legal documents indicating they held Romanian nationality.

Important: These documents must be apostilled or notarized and translated into Romanian by a certified translator. Check the specific requirements of the Romanian authorities or consult with a legal professional to ensure accuracy.

Common Challenges

  • Missing Records: War, migration, and time can lead to lost or damaged documents.
  • Spelling Variations: Names were often spelled differently or changed slightly upon immigration to another country.
  • Language Barriers: Original documents may be in Romanian, Cyrillic script, or other languages, requiring specialized translation.

Having legal support can help you navigate these hurdles. An experienced law firm can guide you to the right archival sources and advise on alternate proof when primary documents are unavailable.

The Application Process Step-by-Step

Where to Apply

  • In Romania: You can file your application at the Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie (National Citizenship Authority) in Bucharest or other authorized offices.
  • Abroad: Romanian embassies and consulates worldwide accept applications if you reside outside Romania. In many cases, scheduling an appointment or checking specific consulate websites is necessary before submitting.

Submitting the Application

  1. Gather and Authenticate Documents: Ensure your birth, marriage, and relevant ancestor documents are properly apostilled and legalized.
  2. Translations: Obtain notarized Romanian translations of all foreign-language documents.
  3. Complete the Required Forms: Accurately fill out all citizenship application forms.
  4. Pay the Application Fee: Fees vary, so check the most recent information from the Romanian government.
  5. Submit in Person or via Appointment: Applications must be submitted personally, often by appointment. When lodging the application biometrics of the applicant will be taken to be later used for the citizenship documents.

Review and Approval

After submitting, the Romanian authorities will review your file:

  • Timeline: Processing can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications.
  • Possible Interviews: In some instances, you might be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documents if there’s any ambiguity.
  • Citizenship Certificate: Once approved, you’ll receive a document (often a certificate) confirming your Romanian citizenship.

Oath of Allegiance (If Required)

Applicants need to appear before Romanian authorities to take an oath of allegiance. You’ll affirm loyalty to Romania’s Constitution and laws as part of finalizing your citizenship application.

 

The Role of a Law Firm in the Process

Legal Advice & Document Review

Navigating international legal systems can be daunting. A law firm experienced in Romanian immigration law can:

  • Assess Eligibility: Confirm if your lineage meets the legal requirements.
  • Check Documents: Ensure forms and records meet Romanian standards, minimizing rejections or delays.
  • Identify Alternatives: If direct proof of citizenship is missing, attorneys may suggest alternative documentation or genealogical evidence.

Representation

A professional legal team can communicate with Romanian authorities on your behalf, track your application status, and handle any unexpected issues or requests for additional evidence.

Complex Cases

Some individuals may have ancestors from regions that changed sovereignty multiple times or face inconsistent personal records. In these cases, a law firm’s expertise is invaluable for:

  • Researching Archival Data: Tracing historical border changes and local record-keeping practices.
  • Dealing with Missing Information: Presenting affidavits or obtaining recognized equivalents to standard documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Typically, no. If you’re applying based on ancestry, there’s no official requirement to speak or pass a Romanian language test.

Romania does allow dual citizenship, but you should confirm if your current country of citizenship imposes any restrictions.

A law firm can help locate missing records or suggest alternative forms of evidence. In some cases, the Romanian authorities accept other verifiable evidence if official documents are not available.

It can vary widely, but applications often range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the case, the backlog at Romanian offices, and the completeness of your documentation.

Your minor children may typically be included in the process or can apply with fewer requirements once you are recognized as a Romanian citizen.

Reclaiming your Romanian roots is about more than paperwork—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with a heritage that may have been lost through generations of migration. On a practical level, being a Romanian (and EU) citizen can significantly expand your horizons, whether you’re interested in European travel, business, or education opportunities.

If you’re wondering whether you qualify or you’ve started gathering documents and are feeling overwhelmed, BMA Legal is here to help. We have guided numerous clients through the intricacies of Romania’s citizenship laws and are committed to making the process as smooth as possible.

Ready to begin your journey?

Contact us today for a personalized assessment of your eligibility.

We look forward to helping you reclaim your Romanian heritage and explore the many benefits of EU citizenship.

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