Have an existing Romanian citizenship application? Read how the 2025 law affects you

The 2025 Romanian citizenship law has introduced significant changes in how citizenship applications are processed. However, it affects not only new applicants, but also existing applicants, who submitted their files under the old rules. Read below how this might apply to your case.

A. What is an "existing citizenship application"?

An existing citizenship application is one where you have submitted your paperwork at the National Citizenship Authority, or Consulate, and got a file number (either in the NCA style, or in the Consulate style).

Applications that you are currently putting together, but have not been submitted, as well as situations where you have submitted requests for preparatory documents (such as citizenship database checks) are not existing applications. They are future applications and are subject entirely to the new rules.

B. Does the language requirement apply for existing citizenship applications?

Yes. You are required to speak fluent Romanian.

In the final version of the 2025 citizenship Law, you are exempt from providing a language diploma. However, at any moment, the NCA may invite you to a hearing and find that you actually do not speak Romanian. Finally, at the moment of taking the Oath, the consul may also find that you do not speak Romanian. In either case, your application will then be rejected.

C. Does the document freshness rule apply for existing citizenship applications?

The document freshness rule, whereby all civil status documents need to be less than 2 years old, at the time of submitting the application, was by definition not in force when you sent in your application.

However, if the NCA considers that there are doubts as to the validity or authenticity of your documents, they can request, individually, by letter or email, a new document, issued less than 2 years before the date of the request. You then have 4 months to bring in that document.

D. Does the NCA inquiries rule apply for existing citizenship applications?

Yes, the NCA may order any of the new inquiries (such as, confirming your documents with the state that issued them, or inviting you or someone else to a personal hearing) at any time.

E. Does the "no right" rule apply to existing citizenship applications?

Yes. There is no right to citizenship by applications. It is a strictly discretionary decision of the Romanian authorities.