Repatriation to Romania: who can benefit from the program?

Obtaining Romanian citizenship has become simpler since 2009, thanks to the repatriation program. This program offers an opportunity for those with Romanian roots to reacquire citizenship without needing to live in Romania for 10 years or make significant financial investments.

In this article, we explain what the repatriation program is, who can benefit, and the steps to obtain Romanian citizenship.

What is the repatriation program?

Repatriation means returning to one’s historical homeland. In the context of Romania, the program is aimed at those who, for historical or political reasons, lost their Romanian citizenship.

This program gives them the chance to reacquire Romanian citizenship and enjoy the rights of a European Union citizen.

Who can benefit from repatriation to Romania?

To participate in the repatriation program, you must demonstrate Romanian roots. This means presenting documents that confirm your parents, grandparents, or other close relatives lived in Romania before 1940.

The main requirements are:

• Documentary proof of relatives’ residence in Romania before 1940

• Willingness to integrate into Romanian society

• Presentation of family civil status certificates (birth, marriage, death, divorce)

Current name, place of residence, or current citizenship does not matter. The essential requirement is proving Romanian origin through official documents.

Steps to obtain romanian citizenship through repatriation

The repatriation process involves several mandatory steps:

1. Preparation of the necessary documents

2. Submission of the application to Bucharest (Ministry of Justice) or to territorial offices

3. Registration of the application and waiting for the decision

4. Taking the oath of allegiance to the Romanian state

5. Receiving the citizenship certificate and Romanian passport

Documents required for repatriation to Romania

To apply, you will need:

• Passport and international passport

• Criminal record certificate (no criminal history)

• Birth, marriage, death, or divorce certificates of direct relatives

• Scanned copies and originals of documents

• Authorized translations for documents in another language

The application can be submitted at:

• National Office for Citizenship in Bucharest

• Territorial offices in Romania

• Romanian embassies and consulates abroad

Benefits of romanian citizenship

Obtaining Romanian citizenship through the repatriation program opens many opportunities:

• The right to live and work in all 27 EU countries

• Consular protection within EU member states

• Transmission of Romanian citizenship to children and spouse

• Improved standard of living and access to European services

Thus, the repatriation program represents a true “gateway to Europe” for you and your family.

Repatriation to Romania is a real opportunity for those with Romanian roots to reacquire citizenship and enjoy all the benefits of EU membership. With the correct documents and patience, the process can be successfully completed.

If you have Romanian origins, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this program and secure a better future for yourself and your family.