The process of acquiring Romanian citizenship has seen major changes in recent years, and the numbers tell a striking story. From 2018 to 2024, application trends fluctuated, with an initial rise followed by a steep decline in approval rates—reflecting a shift toward stricter requirements.
In 2018, Romania received 93,787 citizenship applications, with an impressive 88% approval rate. However, by 2023, the landscape had drastically changed: only 0.37% of the 38,981 submitted files were approved, with the vast majority still under review.
In 2024, 50,350 applications were submitted, yet none were approved by year’s end. As of March 2025, the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) has received an additional 3,976 files, with no approvals issued to date, according to data provided by the Margarit & Associates Romanian Law Firm.
Among the most notable changes is the introduction of stricter language requirements, thus a certificate from a Romanian higher education institution or another accredited authority is mandatory to prove language competence, whether applying for naturalization or reacquisition of citizenship.
Romanian Citizenship by Birth: The Easiest Path to Nationality
For those eligible, acquiring Romanian citizenship by birth is the most straightforward route. The country’s citizenship laws grant automatic citizenship to individuals born on Romanian territory, with a few exceptions defined by specific legal provisions.
Children born abroad to at least one Romanian parent are also entitled to citizenship by birth, regardless of where they are born. In these cases, the process is significantly simpler compared to naturalization or reacquisition, as it does not require filing a full application or meeting language proficiency requirements.
How to Obtain Romanian Citizenship by Naturalization
Naturalization in Romania offers a legal pathway for foreign nationals to gain Romanian citizenship, but only if they meet specific criteria set by the state. Key requirements include living in Romania for at least 8 years (or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen), demonstrating proficiency in the Romanian language (minimum B1 level), and showing integration into Romanian society and culture.
To prove eligibility, applicants must submit supporting documents such as employment records, evidence of social integration, and proof of good legal standing. These documents are essential to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to actively engage in Romanian social and cultural life.
Reacquiring Romanian Citizenship
Individuals who previously held Romanian citizenship but lost it, either due to emigration or voluntary renunciation, can apply to reacquire their citizenship through the National Authority for Citizenship. The loss of citizenship may have been caused by older laws or personal choices, and each case must be reviewed before reinstatement.
Reacquisition of Romanian citizenship involves an administrative process that allows applicants to regain their status, provided they meet specific requirements. These include proving residency in Romania, undergoing background checks to determine the reason for the loss of citizenship, and demonstrating Romanian language proficiency.
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