Changes in the Romanian citizenship framework: new measures strengthening the formalities for acquiring the Romanian citizenship

In the current international security climate—characterized by increased geopolitical instability and significant levels of irregular migration—Romanian authorities have sought to reinforce the safeguards surrounding the acquisition of Romanian citizenship. At the same time, these legislative developments occur in the broader context of Romania’s anticipated accession to the United States Visa Waiver Program. Against this background, lawmakers considered it necessary to adopt additional measures aimed at protecting the integrity and credibility of Romanian citizenship. These measures were introduced through Government Emergency Ordinance No. 100/2024 (“GEO no. 100/2024”).

One of the most notable amendments introduced by GEO no. 100/2024 concerns the requirement for applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the Romanian language when applying for citizenship under Articles 10 and 11 of Law no. 21/1991. Under the new provisions, applicants must provide proof of Romanian language knowledge through one of the following means:

• a certificate of language proficiency issued by accredited Romanian higher education institutions offering the “Preparatory Year for Romanian Language” program, by the Romanian Language Institute, the Romanian Cultural Institute, or Romanian cultural institutes abroad. The certificate must confirm Romanian language knowledge at a minimum level of B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); or

• a notarized copy of an academic transcript issued by a secondary or higher education institution in the applicant’s country of citizenship or residence, confirming that the applicant completed at least three years of studies conducted in Romanian.

  
  

However, certain categories of applicants are exempt from this requirement. Specifically, proof of Romanian language proficiency is not required for individuals who previously held Romanian citizenship and are seeking its reacquisition under Articles 10 or 11, or for applicants who have reached the age of 65 at the time of submitting their application.

Another important change concerns the procedure for submitting citizenship applications. Previously, in certain circumstances, applicants could submit their requests through a proxy, such as a lawyer or another authorized representative. Under the amended provisions of Article 13 of Law no. 21/1991, citizenship applications must now be submitted personally by the applicant. Applications may be filed either at the National Citizenship Authority or, for individuals residing abroad, at the competent Romanian diplomatic missions or consular offices.

GEO no. 100/2024 also modifies the timeframe within which applicants must take the oath of allegiance. After the President of the National Citizenship Authority issues the decision granting citizenship, applicants now have one year to take the oath before the competent Romanian authorities, compared with the previous six-month deadline. The oath represents the final step in the process of acquiring Romanian citizenship.

Furthermore, the ordinance introduces additional administrative requirements designed to ensure more reliable identification of applicants. Prior to taking the oath, applicants must comply with biometric identification procedures. In addition to the personal data previously collected under Article 20 of Law no. 21/1991, applicants’ fingerprints and facial images must now be recorded by authorized officials of the National Citizenship Authority or by representatives of Romanian consulates or embassies at the time the citizenship application is submitted.

The ordinance also introduces measures aimed at modernizing and streamlining administrative procedures. Notably, GEO no. 100/2024 regulates, for the first time in Romanian legislation, the issuance of both a citizenship certificate and a citizenship card. After taking the oath, the applicant receives a Romanian citizenship certificate, which is valid for up to 60 days.

Within the same 60-day period following the oath, the Romanian authorities must personalize and issue the citizenship card. This card will contain advanced security features, including secure storage of the holder’s biometric and personal data.

In essence, GEO no. 100/2024 aims to reinforce the procedural framework governing the acquisition of Romanian citizenship. By introducing stricter verification mechanisms and biometric identification requirements, the ordinance seeks to ensure the authenticity of applicants’ identities while minimizing potential risks and vulnerabilities related to national security.