How to qualify for Romanian citizenship in 2025 — naturalisation, descent & marriage

Romanian citizenship in 2025 grants the right to live and work in the European Union, obtain a Romanian passport, and enjoy visa-free access to more than 170 countries. The procedure is regulated by the National Authority for Citizenship (Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie — ANC) and is available through three main routes: naturalisation, descent, and marriage. This guide explains each pathway, the integration requirements, necessary documents, and what changed in 2025.

Key terms to know

• Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie (ANC) — the National Authority for Citizenship managing applications and decisions.
• Ordin de redobândire — decree of reacquisition for those reclaiming Romanian citizenship by descent.
• Naturalizare — naturalisation, based on long-term residence and integration.
• Permis de ședere permanentă — permanent residence card, often a pre-condition for naturalisation.
• Declarație pe propria răspundere — sworn statement confirming good conduct and loyalty to Romania.

Routes to Romanian citizenship in 2025 (overview)

Step-by-step: naturalisation process

1. Check eligibility. Ensure you meet the required residence years or qualify for reduced terms by marriage.
2. Prepare documents. Collect residence permits, income proofs, criminal record certificates, and civil-status papers.
3. Language and culture test. Schedule the Romanian language and civic knowledge exam at ANC or an authorised institution.
4. Submit application. File the dossier at ANC with biometrics, sworn declaration, and application fee.
5. Attend interview. Demonstrate integration, knowledge of Romanian culture, and commitment to civic life.
6. Receive decision. If approved, attend oath ceremony before ANC.
7. Register citizenship. Obtain Romanian ID and passport.

Citizenship by descent

Romania is one of the few EU countries that actively supports reacquisition of citizenship for descendants of Romanians, including those from former territories such as Moldova and parts of Ukraine. Applicants provide birth, marriage, and lineage certificates to prove ancestry, and once approved, they regain full Romanian and EU rights.

Citizenship by marriage

Foreign spouses of Romanian citizens can apply after 5 years of residence, reduced from the standard 8 years. Authorities place emphasis on proof of cohabitation and genuine relationships, requiring interviews and supporting documents. Language and integration checks still apply.

Integration & language in 2025

Applicants must demonstrate practical Romanian language skills and knowledge of history, culture, and the Constitution. The ANC has updated its test in 2025 with more questions on civic participation and EU membership. Preparatory courses are recommended.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport and residence permits
• Birth and marriage certificates (legalised/apostilled)
• Proof of income and stable housing
• Criminal record certificates from Romania and home country
• Language test certificate
• Sworn declaration of good conduct
• Biometric photos
• Application fee receipt

Costs & timelines (approximate)

Application fees are generally in the low hundreds of euros, depending on the route. Additional costs for translations, apostilles, and exams may reach several dozen to a few hundred euros. Processing usually takes 6–12 months for descent cases and 12–24 months for naturalisation, subject to ANC workload.

What changed in 2025

• Updated language and culture exam with more civic topics.
• Expansion of online filing tools at ANC for document tracking.
• Tighter checks on marriage-based applications to prevent fraud.

Did you know?

Romania is home to the world’s heaviest building — the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest. Fun facts like this are often used in integration courses and cultural exams.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying too early, without meeting residence years.
• Underestimating the Romanian language and culture test.
• Submitting incomplete lineage proofs for descent claims.
• Assuming marriage automatically grants citizenship.

FAQ — Romanian citizenship in 2025

• How many years of residence are required? Normally 8, or 5 if married to a Romanian citizen.
• Does Romania allow dual nationality? Yes, Romania generally permits dual citizenship.
• What level of Romanian language is needed? Practical ability, usually equivalent to A2–B1.
• Can I regain Romanian citizenship if my ancestors lost it? Yes, through descent and reacquisition procedures.
• How long does the process take? Between 6 and 24 months depending on route and documentation.

Expert opinion

“Romanian citizenship in 2025 is especially attractive for descendants from Moldova and other historic regions, offering a direct EU passport route.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team

Next steps

Take the next step toward your Romanian passport today. Browse our detailed residency and citizenship resources, or connect directly with our experts through the main platform and the Residency & Citizenship hub.