Romanian Citizenship by Descent
Reclaim Your Heritage. Unlock Your Future.
Have Romanian roots? You may qualify for EU citizenship—no relocation needed. We help turn your legal right into real opportunity.
Why Romania — Why Now?
Why Romania — Why Now?In the past 20 years, Romania has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once viewed as a developing nation on the edge of Europe, it is now a thriving member of the European Union, with full Schengen Area access, growing diplomatic power, and one of the fastest-improving global reputations.As of 2025, the Romanian passport ranks 6th globally, according to the Henley Passport Index. Demand for legal citizenship through ancestry has surged, but Romania remains one of the few EU countries where you can still obtain citizenship by descent—even up to your great-grandparents.This isn’t just about reclaiming your past. It’s about building your future—with one of the most accessible legal routes to EU citizenship in existence today.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for Romanian citizenship by descent if:
- A parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was a Romanian citizen
- 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)
- Citizenship was lost involuntarily due to emigration, naturalization abroad, or border changes
- You can prove your lineage through civil documents (even partial files may be enough under Article 11)
Important :
You don’t need to live in Romania, or renounce your current nationality. Dual citizenship is fully allowed.
Legal Basis
Romanian citizenship by descent is governed by Law No. 21/1991, primarily under two legal articles:
Article 10 – Restoration of Citizenship (up to Grandchildren)
- For descendants of former Romanian citizens who lost citizenship by emigration or political events
- Applies to children and grandchildren
- No legal deadline, but applications often take 2–3 years
- Door to Romania can use court petitions to accelerate your case if delays are unreasonable
Article 11 – Ancestry from Former Romanian Territories (up to Great-Grandchildren)
- Applies if your ancestor was born in a region that was once part of Romania (e.g. Bessarabia, Bukovina)
- Eligible up to great-grandchildren
- Legally mandated review time is 5 months, but real cases often take 30–36 months
- Partial documentation may be accepted if territorial origin can be proven
Discover if You Qualify for Romanian Citizenship—Check Your Eligibility Now!”
How We Legally Accelerate Your Case
The average waiting time is 2–3 years. But under Romanian law, you don’t have to wait indefinitely.
Under Law no. 554/2004 (Administrative Litigation), we can petition the court to compel the ANC to finalize your case.
Here’s how it works:
- If your case hasn’t been resolved within a “reasonable timeframe” (6 months+), we file a legal motion
- No court appearance is required — we represent you fully
- The court often rules in favor of the applicant and orders the ANC to issue a decision in 30–90 days
- This legal strategy typically shaves 6 to 12 months off your total waiting time
- This is only possible through a licensed law firm. Most agencies cannot do this — we do it regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for Romanian citizenship if I was born abroad?
Yes. If you have Romanian ancestry—through a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent—you may qualify for citizenship by descent, even if you’ve never lived in Romania.
How long does the Romanian citizenship process take?
Timelines vary:
Citizenship by descent: approx. 12–18 months
Citizenship by naturalization:12- 16 months (depending on status)
Investment route: 3 years, available by request (limited to 8 clients/year)
Do I need to speak Romanian to apply?
Yes—as of 2025, basic Romanian language proficiency is required for all citizenship applications, including those by descent (Articles 10 & 11) and by naturalization.
But you’re not alone. We’ve partnered with certified Romanian language schools (tečaj providers) that will help you prepare and issue the official certificate needed for your file. These programs are flexible, beginner-friendly, and designed specifically for citizenship applicants.
For our investment-based route, language requirements may be waived on a case-by-case basis.
Can I keep my current citizenship?
Yes. Romania fully allows dual (and even multiple) citizenships. You won’t need to renounce your current nationality.
What if I don’t have all the family documents needed?
No problem. Our team can help locate or request missing records from Romanian civil archives, including birth, marriage, and citizenship documents.
Do I need to live in Romania to get citizenship?
It depends on your path.
If you’re applying by descent, you do not need to live in or even travel to Romania — the process can be managed remotely.
That said, we strongly recommend applying from within Romania whenever possible, as applications submitted through consulates abroad can sometimes take significantly longer.
If you’re applying through naturalization, then yes — you must live legally in Romania for 5–8 years to become eligible.
Ready to make the move?
Let’s talk. Fill out the form below for a free consultation call—no pressure, just clear answers. We’ll walk you through every step of the process and see if this path is the right fit for you.
Phone
+40769.839.861
office@doortoromania.com
office.doortoromania@gmail.com
Location
Strada Constantin Mille 18, București 030167, Romania
