How to Get Romanian Citizenship by Descent Without a B1 Language Certificate? – 2026 Guide
Article 10 and Article 11 Exemptions + Simplified Administrative Procedure (No Language Exam)
Many applicants want Romanian citizenship by descent (citizenship restoration through ancestry). The most common concern is the Romanian language certificate B1.
This is the key rule:
For Romanian citizenship by descent under Article 10 and Article 11, the Romanian language certificate B1 is mandatory in standard cases.
✅ Still, Romanian law provides clear exemptions. Some applicants can apply for Romanian citizenship by descent without a Romanian language certificate B1.
This guide explains exactly when the B1 language certificate is required and when it is not.
Romanian Citizenship by Descent Without Romanian Language Certificate B1 Under Article 10 and Article 11
This section applies strictly to:
✅ Romanian citizenship by descent (Article 10 and Article 11)
The categories below represent the main legal exemptions where the Romanian language certificate B1 is not required.
1) Former Romanian Citizens (Exemption Under Article 10/11)
If the applicant was a Romanian citizen in the past, the file may qualify without a Romanian language certificate B1.
Why?
Because the procedure restores a previous status. It is not a “new integration” case.
✅ Result: Romanian citizenship by descent without Romanian language certificate B1 is possible.
2) Applicants Aged 65+ (Automatic Exemption Under Article 10/11)
If the applicant is 65 years old or older at the time of submission, the exemption applies automatically.
This exemption simplifies the process for senior applicants.
✅ Result: Romanian citizenship by descent without a Romanian language certificate B1 is possible.
3) Minors Under 18 (Automatic Exemption Under Article 10/11)
Minors are fully exempt from language testing.
✅ Result: Romanian citizenship by descent without a Romanian language certificate B1 is possible.
4) Medical Exemption (Limited, Case-by-Case Under Article 10/11)
In limited cases, applicants may obtain exemption due to medical reasons. ANC evaluates each file individually.
Important
Medical exemption is not automatic.
A strong file should include:
- specialist reports,
- diagnosis and supporting documentation,
- evidence relevant to the ability to complete language testing.
✅ Result: Romanian citizenship by descent without a Romanian language certificate B1 may be possible (ANC decides).
Separate Route: Simplified Administrative Procedure (No Romanian Language Certificate B1 Required)
This section is NOT the standard Romanian citizenship by descent route under Article 10/11.
5) Simplified Administrative Procedure (No Romanian Language Certificate B1 Required)
A separate simplified administrative procedure may apply if:
- the applicant never lost Romanian citizenship, or
- the applicant’s parents never lost Romanian citizenship.
If your grandparents never lost Romanian citizenship, the process must follow the legal family line. First, the parent related to your grandparents (their child) must obtain Romanian citizenship. Only after that you can apply through your parent. Romanian law does not allow skipping more than one generation.
Why this matters
This situation is treated as a different administrative route. The Romanian language certificate B1 is not required.
✅ Result: Romanian citizenship without a Romanian language certificate B1 is possible under the simplified administrative procedure.
Quick Decision Guide: Do You Need the Romanian Language Certificate B1?
This is the most practical summary.
You NEED the Romanian language certificate B1 if:
- you apply for Romanian citizenship by descent under Article 10 or Article 11, and
- you are not part of exemptions 1–4, and
- you do not qualify for simplified administrative procedure.
You do NOT NEED the Romanian language certificate B1 if:
- you qualify for exemptions 1–4 under Article 10 or Article 11, or
- you qualify for the simplified administrative procedure (category 5).
That is the legal structure.
What To Do If You Qualify (Next Steps)
If you qualify for Romanian citizenship by descent without a Romanian language certificate B1, follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm the correct route
Do not mix routes. Confirm whether your case is:
- Article 10/11 exemption (1–4), or
- simplified administrative procedure (5).
Step 2: Prepare the citizenship file correctly
Most files require:
- birth certificates,
- marriage certificates,
- apostilles,
- certified translations,
- legal proof supporting the exemption.
Step 3: Submit a clean and consistent file
A well-prepared file reduces delays and avoids missing document requests.
FAQ: Romanian Citizenship by Descent and Romanian Language Certificate B1
Is the Romanian language certificate B1 mandatory for Article 10?
Yes. The Romanian language certificate B1 is mandatory in standard cases. Exemptions 1–4 apply where legally allowed.
Is the Romanian language certificate B1 mandatory for Article 11?
Yes. The Romanian language certificate B1 is mandatory in standard cases. Exemptions 1–4 apply where legally allowed.
Can I obtain Romanian citizenship by descent without the Romanian language certificate B1?
Yes, but only if you qualify for:
- exemptions 1–4 under Article 10/11, or
- the simplified administrative procedure.
Do children need the Romanian language certificate B1?
No. Minors under 18 are exempt.
Conclusion
Romanian citizenship by descent is a strong legal right, but applicants must respect the rules.
To summarize:
- the Romanian language certificate B1 is mandatory for Article 10 and Article 11 in standard files
- exemptions 1–4 apply within Article 10/11
- category 5 is a separate simplified administrative procedure
If you want a smooth process, the key is choosing the correct legal route and preparing the file properly from the start.
Complete the eligibility form or contact us to find the best solution for your case.