12 Benefits of Romanian Citizenship
1. Full European Union Citizenship
Automatic right to live, work, study, and retire in any of the 27 EU member states plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Over 30 countries with complete freedom of movement.
2. Visa-Free Travel to 177 Countries
Romanian passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 177 destinations worldwide including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and all of Europe. Ranked in top 20 passports globally (82% global reach).
3. Three-Generation Eligibility
One of Europe's most generous programs – accepting parent, grandparent, OR great-grandparent connections. Broader eligibility than most EU citizenship programs.
4. Includes Former Romanian Territories
Qualify if your ancestor was born in territories that were historically Romanian: parts of modern-day Hungary (Transylvania), Bulgaria, Ukraine (Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina), or Moldova. Romania's historical borders extended far beyond current boundaries.
5. Holocaust Reparations Pathway
Direct descendants (children and grandchildren) of Romanian Holocaust victims can apply for citizenship as reparations for Nazi alliance persecution.
6. 100% Online Process
Complete the entire application remotely. No need to visit Romania during the process.
7. Fast 6-Month Processing
Official processing time: 6 months from application submission to citizenship approval. One of the faster EU citizenship programs.
8. Dual Citizenship Permitted
Romania allows dual citizenship without restrictions. Keep your current nationality while adding Romanian/EU citizenship.
9. Low Cost of Living in EU
Romania offers one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union while providing modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and quality education. Ideal for retirees, remote workers, or entrepreneurs.
10. Strategic Location
Romania bridges Eastern and Western Europe with access to Black Sea ports, growing tech sector, and expanding economy.
11. Tax-Friendly
10% flat income tax rate (if you relocate) – one of Europe's lowest. Simply becoming a citizen doesn't trigger Romanian tax residency.
12. Rich Cultural Heritage
Reconnect with Romanian language, traditions, and history. Beautiful Carpathian Mountains, Black Sea coast, medieval towns, and vibrant culture.
Eligibility – Two Pathways
Romania offers two distinct routes to citizenship by descent:
Pathway 1: Citizenship by Romanian Descent (Standard)
You qualify if you have an ancestor born in modern-day Romania or former Romanian territory who was a Romanian citizen:
✓ Up to Third Degree: Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (including those adopted as minors)
✓ Geographic Scope:
- Modern-day Romania, OR
- Former Romanian territories now part of:
- Hungary (Transylvania)
- Bulgaria (Southern Dobruja)
- Ukraine (Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina)
- Moldova (formerly part of Bessarabia)
Language Requirement: Must demonstrate intermediate Romanian language proficiency (B1 level) under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
How to satisfy language requirement:
- Language certificate from accredited institution, OR
- Evidence of at least 3 years of studies conducted in Romanian
Language Requirement Exceptions:
- Former Romanian citizens reapplying
- Applicants aged 65 or older
- Minor children (under 18)
Pathway 2: Citizenship as Reparations for Holocaust
You qualify if you are a direct descendant of a Romanian Holocaust victim:
✓ Up to Second Degree: Children and grandchildren (including those adopted as minors)
✓ Purpose: Reparations for persecution during Romania's Nazi alliance period
✓ No Language Requirement for this pathway
Required Documentation
Core Documents:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Proof of marital status (marriage certificate or single status declaration)
- Police records (criminal background check)
Ancestry Proof:
- Romanian ancestor's birth certificate (showing birth in Romania/former territory)
- Complete generational chain (birth and marriage certificates connecting you to ancestor)
- Any Romanian citizenship documents from ancestor
Language Proof (if applicable):
- B1 Romanian language certificate from accredited institution, OR
- Transcript showing 3+ years of Romanian-language education
The CitizenX Process
Step 1: Eligibility Consultation (Week 1)
Contact us for detailed assessment. We evaluate your Romanian ancestry, determine which pathway you qualify for, and assess language requirement status.
Step 2: Romanian Archival Research (Months 1-3)
Our Romanian researchers access National Archives, civil registration offices, and church records to locate your ancestor's citizenship documents. Critical phase for proving Romanian connection.
Step 3: Foreign Document Collection (Months 1-2)
Simultaneously, we help you gather all required documents from your country – birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records.
Step 4: Language Requirement (If Needed)
If B1 Romanian proficiency required, we connect you with online Romanian language courses or testing centers. Exemptions apply for those 65+, former citizens, and minors.
Step 5: Document Authentication & Translation (Month 3-4)
All documents apostilled from countries of origin and officially translated to Romanian by sworn translators.
Step 6: Application Submission (Month 4)
We prepare comprehensive citizenship reacquisition application and submit to Romanian National Citizenship Authority.
Step 7: Government Processing (Months 5-10)
Romanian authorities review application and conduct verification. Official processing time: 6 months from submission to approval.
Step 8: Citizenship Certificate & Passport (Month 10-11)
Upon approval, receive Romanian citizenship certificate. Apply for Romanian passport and national ID card. Passport processing: 2-4 weeks.
Total Timeline: 10-12 months from initial consultation to Romanian passport, including preparation time. Official government processing: 6 months.
Investment
CitizenX Service Fee: $15,000
Includes:
- Complete eligibility assessment for both pathways
- Romanian archival research and document retrieval
- Foreign document collection assistance
- Language requirement guidance and resources
- Document authentication, apostille, and translation
- Application preparation and submission to National Citizenship Authority
- Government liaison and application monitoring through 6-month processing
- Romanian passport application assistance
- Post-citizenship support
Government Fees (paid separately):
- Romanian application fees: €200-€500
- Archival search fees: €300-€800
- Document copies and certifications: €200-€500
- Romanian passport fee: €100-€150
- Total government costs: €800-€2,000
Language Certification (if required):
- B1 Romanian language course/exam: €500-€1,500 (if you need to obtain certification)
Total Investment: Approximately $17,000-$19,000 for complete service.
100% online. 6 months official processing. Three generations accepted.
Why Choose CitizenX?
- Romania Specialists: Expert knowledge of Romanian citizenship law and both pathway options
- Archive Access: Established network of researchers throughout Romania and former territories
- Language Support: Connections to Romanian language learning resources for B1 requirement
- 100% Online Service: Complete everything remotely
- Fast 6-Month Processing: Official government timeline among fastest in Europe
- Comprehensive Support: End-to-end management of entire process
Start Your Romanian Citizenship Journey
Romania's three-generation policy and inclusion of former territories make EU citizenship accessible to millions in the diaspora. Whether through standard descent or Holocaust reparations, your Romanian roots can open doors throughout Europe.
Take action now: Contact us for a free preliminary assessment. We'll evaluate your Romanian ancestry and pathway eligibility within one week.
177 visa-free countries. Three generations accepted. 6 months to citizenship