Romania: Citizenship by Descent

Up to great-grandparent (3rd generation). Article 10 covers parent/grandparent; Article 11 extends to great-grandparent. Voluntary renunciation breaks the chain; communist-era forced loss does NOT. As of March 15, 2025 (Law 14/2025), a B1 Romanian language test is now required.

Territorial scope is important: Descendants of people from former Romanian territories (1918 to 1940 borders), including areas in modern Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria, are eligible.

• –Language requirement added March 15, 2025 (Law 14/2025): A B1-level Romanian language proficiency requirement is now mandatory. Applicants who don't yet speak Romanian should be told to learn first.
• –Former Romanian territories: This is a hugely underutilized eligibility angle. The 1918 to 1940 borders included large swaths of Bessarabia (now Moldova), Northern Bukovina (now Ukraine), Southern Dobruja (now Bulgaria), and parts of Serbia. Millions of descendants of people from these areas may qualify.
• –Intermediate generation rule: If claiming through great-grandparent, the intermediate grandparent does not need to have claimed citizenship themselves, but they must not have voluntarily renounced. The claim flows directly.
• –No residency requirement: Applicants can live anywhere and process via Romanian consulate.
• –Dual citizenship: Fully permitted.