What does Romanian Citizenship by Descent mean?
The Romanian Citizenship Law no. 21/1991 establishes as ways of acquiring Romanian citizenship birth, adoption and granting upon request.
The main way of acquiring Romanian citizenship is by birth, based on the principle of (right of blood), whereby a child whose parents or only one of them is a Romanian citizen automatically acquires Romanian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth.
Countries that adhere to the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood) in their nationality laws have the ability to grant citizenship to foreign individuals who can demonstrate familial ties to that country. Therefore, if at least one of your parents or grandparents hails from a foreign nation with jus sanguinis citizenship laws, you may qualify for citizenship in that country.
Reacquiring Romanian Citizenship
The Romanian Citizenship Law facilitates the re-acquisition of Romanian citizenship, either by individuals who have lost the citizenship, as well as by their descendants up to and including the second degree, OR by persons who were Romanian citizens but lost Romanian Citizenship for reasons not attributable to them or from whom this citizenship was taken away without their will, as well as by their descendants up to and including the third degree. These qualifying individuals benefit from a simplified procedure and conditions for re-acquisition of Romanian Citizenship.
In order to remove some of the unfortunate consequences of history, as a form of historical reparation, the Romanian Citizenship Law No 21/1991 has, since its adoption, provided for the possibility of regaining Romanian Citizenship for persons who have lost this citizenship, as well as for their descendants, i.e. for individuals who were Romanian citizens but lost Romanian citizenship for reasons beyond their control or whose citizenship was taken away from them without their will, as well as for their descendants.
Romanian Citizenship – ART 10
This concerns individuals who left Romania during dictatorial regimes, when this led to the loss of Romanian citizenship, and their descendants up to and including the second degree.
Romanian Citizenship – ART 11
The legislator has separately regulated the regaining or granting of Romanian citizenship to individuals who have lost their citizenship for reasons not attributable to them or who lost the citizenship without their will, as well as to their descendants up to and including the third degree.
This category is made up, for the most part, of former Romanian citizens who lost the citizenship with no fault of their own as a result of territorial losses suffered by Romania during the Second World War, and their descendants. The greater Romanian region in the 20th century included parts of Moldova, Ukraine, and even Bulgaria.
Benefits of Obtaining Romanian Citizenship by Descent
#1. Romania is an EU Member State
As a member of the EU, Romanian citizenship provides opportunities to reside, study, and pursue employment across all EU countries. Additionally, Romanian citizens enjoy access to top-tier universal healthcare and an affordable education system for being a member of the EU.
In addition, Romania will join the Schengen area as of March 31, 2024. This will mean greater freedom of movement for Romanian citizens within the Schengen area, allowing easier travel between participating countries without passport controls at internal borders. This could encourage greater economic and cultural exchanges between Romania and other Schengen member states.
#2.The Romanian Passport is strong
Romanian passport is a robust travel document, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of countries. With enhanced security features and adherence to international standards, Romanian passport provides their holders with the freedom to explore the world with ease and confidence.
#3. Romania is easy to tax and to live in
The favorable tax situation in Romania, among other factors, makes it an excellent place to start a business.
Most companies pay a flat corporate tax rate of 16%, while personal income is taxed at a flat rate of 10%. Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on goods and services at a standard rate of 19%, with reduced rates for certain essential items.
How to Apply for Romania Citizenship?
To apply for Romanian citizenship, individuals typically need to follow these general steps:
- Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Romanian law.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), proof of residency, and any other relevant paperwork. You may also need to obtain certificates of good conduct and prove your financial stability.
- Submit Application: Complete the citizenship application form and submit it along with all required documents to the Romanian authorities. This process typically takes place at the competent authority, such as the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence or the Romanian Citizenship Office in Romania.
- Await Decision: After submitting your application, wait for the Romanian authorities to review your case. The processing time can vary, but you will typically receive a decision on your citizenship application within a specified period
- Take Oath of Allegiance: If your application is approved, you may be required to take an oath of allegiance to Romania.
Check my previous article about Romanian citizenship: https://roimmigration.com/how-to-obtain-romanian-citizenship-a-comprehensive-guide/
Romanian Citizenship by Descent – FAQs
Who is eligible for Romanian Citizenship by Descendent?
You are eligible for Romanian Citizenship by Descent:
- if one or both of your parents and grandparents were Romanian citizens, who lost their citizenship; or
- if one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents was a Romanian citizen who lost their citizenship without their will.
Do my children obtain Romanian Citizenship by Descent?
Yes, children under 18 can obtain Romanian citizenship together with their parents.
See my article about Romanian citizenship for children: https://roimmigration.com/romanian-citizenship-for-children/
Will my spouse receive Romanian Citizenship with me?
No, the spouses don’t get the Romanian citizenship together with the applicant. If they meet the requirements, they can be naturalized according to the article 8 of the Romanian Citizenship Law.
Do I need to know the Romanian language?
The current legislation does not require to speak the language for Romanian citizenship applications based on ART 10 and ART 11.
However, there is a relative (legal) presumption of knowledge of the Romanian language by those who apply for Romanian citizenship, a presumption that also results from the provisions of Art. 20 para. (3) of Law No 21/1991, which provides for the submission of the oath in Romanian. Moreover, the taking of the oath of allegiance implies understanding and assumption of its content, which is a prerequisite for knowledge of Romanian.
There are discussions to amend the citizenship Law making the language requirement mandatory also for ART 10 and ART 11 Romanian citizenship applicants.
Can I have my Romanian passport right after receiving the Romanian Citizenship Certificate?
No. You must first register your foreign civil status documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or any court orders for name changes, with the relevant Romanian authorities. Only when you have the corresponding Romanian civil status documents can you successfully apply for a Romanian passport.
How can I prove the Romanian Citizenship?
You can prove your Romanian Citizenship with:
- The Romanian Citizenship Certificate
- The Romanian Passport – must be valid
- The Romanian Identification Card – must be valid
- The Romanian Identification Card – provisional
- Certificate from the General Directorate of Passports
Secure dual citizenship for you and your children
If you believe you qualify to regain Romanian Citizenship by Descent, I am here to guide you every step of the way until you have the Romanian passport in your hands.
Whether you’re a grandchild, great-grandchild, or descendant of a Romanian citizen, I am here to assess your eligibility and provide personalized assistance tailored to your unique circumstances.
Let’s explore your options and start your journey back to Romanian citizenship. Simply fill out the contact form: https://roimmigration.com/contact/ or send me an e-mail to: corina@roimmigration.com
