Many people with Romanian ancestry are eligible to apply for Romanian citizenship by descent. If you have a great-grandparent who was a Romanian citizen, you may be able to reclaim your Romanian nationality. This process is especially attractive for those seeking EU citizenship, as Romania is a member of the European Union (EU), granting its citizens the right to live, work, and travel freely across Europe.
This guide will cover the eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, benefits, and common challenges when applying for Romanian citizenship by descent through a great-grandparent.
Eligibility for Romanian Citizenship by Descent
1. Who Can Apply?
Under Romanian nationality law, you may qualify for citizenship by descent if:
✔ You have a great-grandparent who was a Romanian citizen.
✔ Your ancestor lost their Romanian citizenship due to emigration, political reasons, or border changes.
✔ Your lineage can be traced directly to your Romanian ancestor through official documents.
2. Key Legal Basis
✔ According to topic 10 of the Romanian Citizenship Law (Law No. 21/1991), individuals whose parents or grandparents were Romanian citizens can reclaim citizenship.
✔ However, for great-grandchildren, the process is more complex and may require additional legal steps.
3. Special Cases
✔ If your great-grandparent lost Romanian citizenship before 1920, your eligibility might be limited.
✔ If your ancestors came from regions like Moldova, Ukraine, or Hungary, where Romanian borders changed, you might still be eligible.
How to Prove Romanian Ancestry
To claim Romanian citizenship by descent, you need solid documentary evidence.
1. Required Documents
You will need:
✔ Birth certificates of your great-grandparent, grandparent, and parent showing direct descent.
✔ Marriage and death certificates (if applicable).
✔ Proof of your great-grandparent’s Romanian citizenship (passport, national ID, military records, or census records).
✔ Official translations and apostille of non-Romanian documents.
2. Where to Obtain Proof of Romanian Citizenship
✔ Romanian National Archives – If your great-grandparent was born in Romania, their records may be available here.
✔ Embassies & Consulates – Old Romanian passports or identity cards may be obtainable.
✔ Church & Civil Registry Records – Birth and baptism certificates may help establish ancestry.
3. Legal Verification
✔ If documents are missing, a Romanian lawyer or genealogy specialist can help verify citizenship records.
The Application Process for Romanian Citizenship by Descent
1. Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Gather Documentation
✔ Collect birth, marriage, and citizenship documents proving your Romanian lineage.
Step 2: Legal Translations & Apostille
✔ Translate all foreign documents into Romanian and get them apostilled or notarized.
Step 3: Submit the Application
✔ Apply at the Romanian National Citizenship Authority (ANC) or a Romanian consulate in your country.
✔ Include a formal request stating your right to reclaim Romanian citizenship by descent.
Step 4: Attend an Interview (If Required)
✔ Some applicants may need to attend an interview or provide additional legal proof.
Step 5: Receive Your Romanian Citizenship Certificate
✔ If approved, you will be issued a Romanian Citizenship Certificate, allowing you to apply for a Romanian passport.
Benefits of Romanian Citizenship by Descent
Many people seek Romanian citizenship through ancestry due to the advantages it provides.
1. European Union (EU) Citizenship
✔ Live and Work Anywhere in the EU – Romanian citizens can reside, work, or study in any EU country without restrictions.
2. Visa-Free Travel
✔ A Romanian passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 170 countries, including the Schengen Zone, UK, and Canada.
3. Dual Citizenship Allowed
✔ Romania allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your current nationality while holding a Romanian passport.
4. Access to Affordable Education & Healthcare
✔ As an EU citizen, you gain access to free or low-cost education, healthcare, and social benefits in Romania and the EU.
5. Right to Pass Citizenship to Future Generations
✔ Once you obtain Romanian citizenship, your children and grandchildren will also be eligible for Romanian nationality.
Challenges in the Citizenship by Descent Process
While obtaining Romanian citizenship through a great-grandparent is possible, it comes with some challenges.
1. Proving Direct Ancestry
✔ The biggest obstacle is finding official records linking you to your Romanian great-grandparent.
2. Bureaucratic Delays
✔ Romanian authorities process thousands of applications, leading to delays of 12-24 months in some cases.
3. Language Barrier
✔ All documents must be translated into Romanian, and some interviews may be conducted in Romanian.
4. Changing Legal Requirements
✔ Citizenship laws may change, so staying updated on legal requirements is important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get Romanian citizenship through my great-grandparent?
✔ Yes, but you must prove direct descent with official documents.
2. How long does the process take?
✔ On average, 12-24 months, but it can be longer due to bureaucratic processing times.
3. Do I need to speak Romanian to apply?
✔ No, but you may need to pass a basic Romanian language test in some cases.
4. Can my spouse and children get Romanian citizenship?
✔ Once you become a Romanian citizen, your children can apply automatically, but your spouse may need to go through naturalization.
5. Is there an easier way to obtain Romanian citizenship?
✔ If your grandparent or parent was Romanian, the process is much simpler and faster.
Obtaining Romanian citizenship by descent through a great-grandparent is a rewarding but complex process. With proper documentation, legal assistance, and patience, you can reclaim your Romanian nationality and enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship.
If you have Romanian ancestry, now is the best time to explore your eligibility and begin the journey toward Romanian citizenship.