Complete Legal Comparison for 2026 – Romanian Citizenship by Descent
Quick Answer – What Is the Difference Between Article 10 and Article 11?
Romanian Citizenship by Descent Article 10 vs Article 11 is one of the most searched legal comparisons for applicants with Romanian ancestry. Understanding this difference is essential before you start your file.
The difference between Article 10 and Article 11 Romanian citizenship by descent lies mainly in generational scope and territorial context.
Article 10 applies to a former Romanian citizen who lost Romanian citizenship (for example through emigration or political events) and to that person’s descendants up to the second degree, meaning their children and grandchildren.
In contrast, Article 11 mainly applies to persons who lost Romanian citizenship due to historical territorial changes and to their descendants up to the third degree.
Your family is from regions that were historically part of Romania between 1918 and 1940 (e.g. Moldova, Ukraine, Bukovina, Northern Transylvania, Bessarabia, or the Cadrilater)
Additionally, both Article 10 and Article 11:
• Require a Romanian language certificate at B1 level in standard cases
• Have an average approval timeline of 24 months
• Follow the same procedural structure
What Is Romanian Citizenship by Descent?
Romanian citizenship by descent allows former Romanian citizens and their descendants to restore Romanian citizenship under Law 21/1991.
The Autoritatea Nationala pentru Cetatenie reviews all applications.
Once authorities approve the file, the applicant becomes a Romanian citizen and automatically gains citizenship of the European Union.
As a result, the applicant receives:
• Freedom of movement within the European Union
• The right to live and work in EU member states
• Access to European education systems
• The right to transmit citizenship to children
Article 10 Romanian Citizenship Explained
Article 10 regulates the reacquisition of Romanian citizenship for former citizens and their close descendants.
Specifically, Article 10 covers:
• Former Romanian citizens
• Children of former Romanian citizens
• Grandchildren of former Romanian citizens
Therefore, Article 10 applies only up to grandparents.
If your Romanian ancestor is a parent or grandparent, Article 10 usually represents the correct legal framework.
However, Article 10 does not extend to great grandparents.
Article 11 Romanian Citizenship Explained – Territorial Emphasis
Article 11 focuses primarily on cases involving loss of Romanian citizenship for reasons not attributable to the individual.
Most importantly, Article 11 strongly relates to historical Romanian territories affected by border changes.
For example, many Article 11 cases involve ancestry from:
• Bessarabia, today largely part of the Republic of Moldova
• Northern Bukovina, today part of Ukraine
• Southern Bessarabia
In these situations, individuals did not voluntarily renounce Romanian citizenship. Instead, geopolitical changes altered their legal status.
Consequently, Article 11 was created to address these territorial realities.
Furthermore, Article 11 extends eligibility up to the third degree. This means descendants beyond grandparents may qualify when territorial and historical conditions are met.
Direct Comparison – Article 10 vs Article 11
Generational Scope
Article 10 applies up to grandparents.
Article 11 extends up to the third degree.
Territorial Relevance
Article 10 does not focus specifically on historical border changes.
By contrast, Article 11 directly addresses citizenship loss caused by territorial shifts.
Language Requirement
Both Article 10 and Article 11 require a Romanian language certificate at B1 level in standard cases.
Approval Timeline
Both pathways typically require 24 months from file registration to approval order.
Authority
The Autoritatea Nationala pentru Cetatenie processes both types of applications.
Romanian Language Certificate B1 – Rule and Exceptions
In general, adult descendants must present a Romanian language certificate at B1 level under both Article 10 and Article 11.
However, the law provides several exceptions.
The B1 certificate is not required for:
a) Former Romanian citizens requesting reacquisition
b) Applicants aged 65 or older at submission
c) Minors under 18 years old
Therefore, most adult descendants must comply with the B1 requirement unless they clearly fall within one of these categories.
Processing Time for Article 10 and Article 11
On average, approval takes between 24 months.
This period refers to the time between file registration and issuance of the official approval order.
Although each case differs, several factors influence processing time:
• Completeness of documentation
• Strength of territorial proof in Article 11 cases
• Accuracy of file preparation
• Institutional workload
Nevertheless, no significant timeline difference exists between Article 10 and Article 11.
When Does Article 10 Apply?
Article 10 generally applies when:
• Your Romanian ancestor is a parent or grandparent
• The case does not involve territorial border changes
• You can prove direct lineage continuity
When Does Article 11 Apply?
Article 11 generally applies when:
• Your ancestry originates from former Romanian territories
• Citizenship was lost due to border changes
• Your case involves regions such as Bessarabia or Northern Bukovina
• Eligibility extends beyond grandparents
Therefore, Article 11 often serves applicants from the Republic of Moldova or Ukraine with documented Romanian ancestry.
Conclusion
Romanian Citizenship by Descent Article 10 vs Article 11 differs mainly in territorial relevance and generational scope.
Article 10 applies up to grandparents and covers general reacquisition cases.
Article 11 focuses on historical territorial situations and extends eligibility to the third degree.
Both require a B1 Romanian language certificate in standard cases.
Both follow a 24 month approval timeline.
Both are reviewed by the same authority.
If you are unsure which legal article applies to your Romanian citizenship by descent case, a structured eligibility assessment is the safest first step.
Contact Door to Romania to determine the correct legal framework for your application.
