Who can apply
Article 11 of Romanian Citizenship Law No. 21/1991 allows Romanian citizenship to be regained or granted to people who were Romanian citizens and lost their citizenship for reasons beyond their control or had it withdrawn against their will, and to their descendants up to the third degree. In practice, former citizens, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren may apply.
A major advantage of this route is that applicants may keep their foreign citizenship and continue to live abroad. They must, however, meet the other conditions set by law, mainly relating to conduct and loyalty towards Romania.
The first practical step is to identify the ancestor who held Romanian citizenship and the documents that prove it. Sometimes the records are kept in the family; in other cases they have to be traced in civil status or other archives. It is worth settling this stage before spending time and money on translations and legalisation.
The Romanian language requirement
Law No. 21/1991 was amended in 2025, and one of the changes is a requirement to certify knowledge of the Romanian language, which now also applies to Article 11 applicants. Under the amendments, the required level is generally B1, meaning the ability to communicate correctly in everyday situations. The law also provides exceptions, for example for certain people who studied in Romanian or who are over a specified age.
Since the practical application of these new rules is still settling, it is worth checking early which certificate is accepted in your case and whether you qualify for an exception.
Documents usually required
The file must prove your link to the Romanian citizen you descend from, as well as your own identity. The exact list varies, but it usually includes:
- the standard application addressed to the National Citizenship Authority (ANC);
- civil status records of the ancestor who was a Romanian citizen, proving their birth or Romanian citizenship;
- civil status records proving the line of descent down to you (birth certificates, and marriage certificates where names changed);
- your identity document and passport;
- a criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship and, where relevant, your country of residence;
- the document certifying your knowledge of Romanian, or proof of an exception;
- certified translations and, where required, apostilles or legalisation of foreign documents.
Stages of the procedure at the ANC
The application is filed with the ANC or, for people living abroad, through Romanian embassies and consulates, under the conditions set by the authority. Once registered, the file receives a number and is examined. If documents are missing or unclear, the ANC may request additional documents, and responding within the time given is essential.
After review, the citizenship commission issues a report and the President of the ANC issues an order either granting or rejecting the application. A rejection order can be challenged in court within the time limit and under the conditions provided by law.
While the file is pending, its status can be followed using the registration number. Keep every document you receive from the ANC and report any change of address, because time limits run from the date of communication.
The oath and transcription of records
In principle, Romanian citizenship is regained on the date the oath of allegiance to Romania is taken. The oath is taken in person, at a ceremony organised by the ANC or at a Romanian embassy, within the period set by law after the order is communicated. A citizenship certificate is then issued.
Next, your birth certificate and, where relevant, your marriage certificate are transcribed into the Romanian civil status registers. Only after transcription can you apply for a Romanian passport or, if you settle in Romania, an identity card.
How long it really takes
The duration depends on the number of pending files, the complexity of the case and how complete the documents are. In practice the procedure can take a considerable amount of time, and firm estimates are not realistic. What matters most is submitting a complete file from the outset, to avoid requests for additional documents that extend the timeline. The information in this article is general, and every situation requires individual analysis.
The law office of Bocse Marian-Mihaita can assist you in preparing your application to regain Romanian citizenship, in correspondence with the ANC, in transcribing your civil records and, where needed, in challenging a rejection order. We work with applicants in Romania and abroad, in English and Romanian. Contact us for an initial review of your documents.
This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. For an analysis of your specific situation, contact a lawyer.
