Romanian citizenship by descent is a legal procedure for restoring previously lost citizenship to descendants of individuals who lived in the historical territories of Romania. From a legal perspective, this is not naturalization but recognition of the right to citizenship based on ancestry.

This opportunity is provided by Romanian law and allows applicants to obtain European Union citizenship without mandatory residence in Romania. The absence of a permanent residence requirement makes this route one of the most in-demand pathways to acquiring a European passport.

Who Is Eligible for Citizenship Restoration

The right to apply arises if an applicant can prove that their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Romanian citizens or lived in territories that were part of Romania before 1940.

In practice, this most commonly refers to the following regions:

• Bessarabia (modern-day Moldova).
• Northern Bukovina.
• Southern Bessarabia and certain areas of present-day Ukraine.

The key factor is documented proof of family lineage. It is not sufficient to simply know about Romanian ancestry — archival records must confirm the chain of descent from ancestor to parent to applicant. In addition, the applicant must not pose a threat to public order or national security.

Documents and Proof of Ancestry

The procedure largely depends on the quality and completeness of the documentation. The standard document package includes:

• birth certificates of the applicant and their ancestors;
• documents confirming name changes (if applicable);
• archival certificates confirming birth or residence of ancestors;
• a criminal record certificate;
• notarized translations and legalization of documents.

Special attention is paid to the consistency of personal data. Differences in surname spelling, errors in dates of birth, or missing archival records may significantly complicate the process. In some cases, preliminary restoration of documents through archives or court procedures may be required.

Processing Time and Procedure Stages

The average processing time ranges from 18 to 30 months. After receiving a positive decision, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance, obtain a citizenship certificate, and then apply for Romanian identity documents and a passport.

It is important to understand that the absence of a residence requirement does not mean the procedure is simplified. Romanian authorities carefully verify the authenticity of documents and the legal grounds of each application.

Advantages of Romanian Citizenship

Obtaining Romanian citizenship automatically grants European Union citizenship. This provides the right to:

• live and work freely in any EU country;
• conduct business within the European Union;
• access European education and healthcare systems;
• pass citizenship on to children.

As a result, a Romanian passport becomes a long-term strategic mobility tool for the entire family.

Potential Challenges and Legal Nuances

The main difficulties usually arise not at the submission stage, but during the preparation of supporting documentation. Missing archival records, gaps in the lineage chain, or improperly prepared documents can lead to delays or refusals.

For this reason, it is strongly recommended to conduct a legal review of all available documents before initiating the process and to assess the prospects of the case. An individualized approach helps minimize risks and reduce processing time.

Romanian citizenship by descent remains one of the most realistic ways to obtain a European passport without mandatory relocation. However, the success of the procedure directly depends on proper document preparation and strict compliance with legal requirements.

If Romanian ancestry can be documented, citizenship restoration may become a strategic step toward full European Union citizenship status.