Romania to Implement Stricter Citizenship Requirements in 2025
Romania is preparing to introduce tighter citizenship regulations, making it more challenging for foreign nationals to obtain Romanian citizenship. The government’s proposed changes include increasing the required residency period, tightening eligibility conditions, and enhancing background checks on applicants.
As Romania continues its integration into European Union policies, the stricter citizenship laws reflect the country’s efforts to align its immigration and naturalization framework with other EU member states. These new measures could impact thousands of foreign nationals, including investors, expatriates, and individuals with Romanian heritage who were previously eligible for fast-track citizenship.
What Are the Proposed Changes?
The Romanian government is expected to implement the following key modifications to its citizenship process:
1. Extended Residency Requirement
•Currently, non-EU nationals must reside in Romania for eight years before applying for citizenship.
• The new law could extend this period to ten years, making it one of the longest naturalization processes in the EU.
2. Stricter Language and Cultural Integration Tests
•Applicants will be required to demonstrate greater proficiency in the Romanian language.
• A more comprehensive test on Romanian history, culture, and constitutional principles will be introduced.
3. Enhanced Security and Background Checks
• Authorities will implement more rigorous screening of applicants, particularly for those seeking citizenship through investments or ancestry-based claims.
• Stricter checks aim to prevent fraudulent applications and misuse of the citizenship process.
4. Tougher Rules for Ancestry-Based Citizenship Applications
• Romania has historically offered fast-track citizenship to individuals of Romanian descent, particularly those from Moldova and Ukraine.
•The new reforms may introduce additional verification steps to confirm genuine ties to Romania.
Why Is Romania Changing Its Citizenship Laws?
There are several key reasons behind Romania’s decision to implement stricter citizenship requirements:
1. Alignment with EU Citizenship Policies
• Romania has faced pressure from the European Union to tighten its naturalization laws to prevent the misuse of citizenship for Schengen access.
• The EU has urged several member states to revise their citizenship-by-investment and ancestry-based programs.
2. Addressing National Security Concerns
•The Romanian government is increasing scrutiny on who gains citizenship, especially as security concerns grow across Europe.
• Authorities are particularly focused on reducing fraudulent claims and preventing organized crime groups from exploiting loopholes in naturalization laws.
3. Slowing the Surge in Citizenship Applications
• In recent years, Romania has seen a surge in applications, particularly from Moldovan, Ukrainian, and Russian nationals.
• By implementing stricter requirements, the government aims to control the number of new citizens and prioritize genuine applicants.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
The tightened citizenship rules will have a direct impact on several groups of foreign nationals:
📌 Foreign Investors – Those applying for citizenship through investment will face longer wait times and increased scrutiny.
📌 Expatriates and Long-Term Residents – Non-EU nationals living in Romania will need to wait longer to qualify for citizenship.
📌 Moldovan and Ukrainian Applicants – Individuals applying based on Romanian ancestry will undergo stricter verification procedures.
📌 Students and Professionals – Foreigners working or studying in Romania will need to meet higher language and cultural integration standards.
While these changes are aimed at improving security and preventing citizenship abuse, they also create additional hurdles for legitimate applicants who wish to integrate into Romanian society.
Will This Impact Romania’s Golden Visa and Residency Programs?
Romania has been an attractive destination for investors and skilled professionals due to its affordable real estate, growing tech sector, and EU membership. However, the tightening of citizenship laws could impact:
🏡 Residency-by-Investment Programs – Investors seeking Romanian citizenship through property or business investment may face longer timelines and additional financial requirements.
📈 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – Stricter immigration laws could deter foreign investors, making Romania less competitive compared to other EU nations with more flexible pathways.
🔄 Dual Citizenship Holders – Those applying for dual citizenship through ancestry may experience longer processing times and increased documentation requirements.
What’s Next? When Will the Changes Take Effect?
The Romanian government has not yet set an official implementation date, but 2025 is the expected timeframe for these new regulations to take effect.
📌 Applicants currently in the process of obtaining Romanian citizenship are advised to fast-track their applications before the new rules are fully enforced.
📌 Legal experts recommend that individuals considering Romanian citizenship through investment or ancestry-based applications consult with immigration specialists to ensure compliance with new policies.
Final Thoughts
Romania’s stricter citizenship rules mark a significant shift in naturalization policies, bringing the country in line with broader EU trends. While these changes aim to enhance security and reduce fraudulent applications, they also create additional challenges for legitimate applicants seeking Romanian nationality.
As the new regulations take effect in 2025, foreign investors, expatriates, and heritage-based applicants must navigate a more complex process to obtain Romanian citizenship. Those planning to apply should act swiftly before the stricter policies are fully implemented.
