Romanian Citizenship: The Definitive Guide for Descendants

Reclaiming your Romanian heritage is more than a tribute to your ancestors—it is a strategic move toward a European future. Discover if you qualify for one of the most powerful passports in the world.

The search for European citizenship has led thousands of people to look toward Romania. As a member of the European Union, Romania offers descendants the chance to restore their ancestral rights through a process known as Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis).

Whether your goal is global mobility, career opportunities in the EU, or preserving family legacy, this guide covers everything you need to know about the process in 2026.

1. Who is Eligible? (The 3rd Generation Rule)

Unlike many countries that limit citizenship to children or grandchildren, Romanian law is remarkably generous. Under Article 11 of the Romanian Citizenship Law, the right to "restore" citizenship extends up to:

• Children (1st generation)

• Grandchildren (2nd generation)

• Great-grandchildren (3rd generation)

If your ancestor (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) was a Romanian citizen or was born in former Romanian territories (including parts of modern-day Moldova and Ukraine) and lost their citizenship involuntarily, you likely have a claim.

2. The Legal Framework: Article 10 vs. Article 11

The process generally follows two main paths:

• Article 10: For those whose ancestors renounced citizenship or lost it but remained within the current borders of Romania.

• Article 11: For descendants of those who lost citizenship due to historical border changes or political upheaval (e.g., during the 1918–1940 period). This is the most common route for the global diaspora.

3. Mandatory Documentation

To build a successful case, your documentary dossier must be impeccable. Key requirements include:

• The Ancestor's Proof: Birth or marriage certificates issued by Romanian authorities or from the relevant historical archives.

• The Unbroken Chain: You must provide birth, marriage, and (where applicable) death certificates for every generation between you and the Romanian ancestor.

• Recent Records: Note that Romanian authorities now require certificates to be issued within the last 2 years, properly apostilled and translated by accredited professionals.

4. Urgent Update: The 2026 Language Requirement

For applications submitted starting April 2026, Romania has introduced a new requirement: proof of Romanian language proficiency at the B1 level.

Strategic Note: If you are beginning your process now, speed is of the essence. Applications filed before the deadline may follow the previous, less stringent rules regarding language knowledge.

5. Why Partner with Alpha Cidadania?

The Romanian bureaucracy is notoriously complex, involving old archives, specific legal nuances, and high standards for document authentication.

At Alpha Cidadania, we don't just find documents; we architect your path to the EU. From deep genealogical research in regional Romanian archives to the final oath ceremony, our experts ensure your application is processed with maximum efficiency and legal security.

Take the first step toward your European Passport. Contact Alpha Cidadania for a professional eligibility assessment and start your journey today.