With the introduction of Law No. 14/2025, Romania has taken a significant step toward reshaping its approach to citizenship. Whether you’re applying through naturalization, descent, or investment, understanding the new 2025 requirements is critical to a successful application. These updates reflect Romania’s push for greater security, digital efficiency, and stronger integration of newcomers into Romanian society. This article provides a clear breakdown of the latest rules of Romania Citizenship 2025, how they affect you, and how to prepare for a smooth citizenship journey under the new law.
Romania Citizenship 2025 Reform
The Romanian government has enacted Law No. 14/2025, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the country’s citizenship legislation in recent years. Coming into full effect on March 15, 2025, the new law is designed to tighten national security, modernize application procedures, and bring Romania’s citizenship process closer in line with European Union standards.
For international applicants and individuals claiming citizenship by descent, the Romania Citizenship 2025 reforms bring both significant opportunities and important challenges. At Stinwo, we specialize in guiding clients through the complexities of the Romania Citizenship 2025 process, offering expert support every step of the way. In the following section, we break down the key changes introduced by Romania Citizenship 2025 and how they may affect your application journey.
Romanian Language Requirement (B1 Level)
Starting in 2025, anyone applying for Romanian citizenship—whether through naturalization or ancestry—will be required to prove B1-level proficiency in the Romanian language. This includes:
- Individuals applying through naturalization
- Applicants claiming citizenship by descent
The language test must be taken at an accredited Romanian institution, and failing to meet this requirement could result in application rejection.
Biometric Data Now Mandatory
Beginning September 1, 2024, biometric data submission becomes a core part of the citizenship process. Applicants must provide:
- Fingerprints
- A facial image
- An electronic signature
This change is intended to improve identity verification and help combat fraud.
Residency Requirements Clarified
The existing 8-year residency requirement (or 5 years for spouses of Romanian citizens) still applies. However, accelerated paths are now available for those who can prove major contributions to Romanian society in fields like:
- Culture
- Science
- Business
- Civic engagement
Example: A foreign entrepreneur who has launched a business benefiting the local economy may qualify for a faster application process.
Fully Digital Application via RODUC
Romania is building a centralized digital platform called RODUC (Romanian Digital Unified Citizenship). Once fully implemented, it will allow applicants to:
- Submit applications online
- Track application progress in real-time
- Receive digital citizenship certificates
Expected full rollout: June 2026
Extended Time to Take the Oath
Once approved, applicants now have 12 months (instead of 6) to take the Oath of Allegiance. This gives candidates more flexibility to relocate or complete necessary preparations before finalizing their citizenship.
Stricter Document Rules
Applicants must now ensure that submitted documents (like birth or marriage certificates) are:
- Issued within the last 2 years
- Translated and legalized (apostilled if necessary)
Using outdated or improperly certified documents may cause serious delays or even application rejection.
Citizenship Approval Becomes Discretionary
Meeting all the outlined requirements does not guarantee citizenship. Authorities now have discretionary power to deny applications due to:
- National security concerns
- Unverified background information
- Inconsistencies in submitted materials
How Romania Citizenship 2025 Reforms Affect You
These reforms reflect a more rigorous but streamlined approach to immigration in Romania. Students and long-term workers should begin preparing early by scheduling Romanian language tests and ensuring that all necessary documents—such as birth or residency certificates—are up to date, translated, and properly legalized.
Under the Romania Citizenship 2025 reforms, applicants claiming citizenship by descent must meet the updated language proficiency and documentation standards, regardless of their Romanian ancestry. Romania Citizenship 2025 also introduces new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs—those who can demonstrate substantial contributions to Romania’s economic or social development may benefit from accelerated processing. These changes make it essential for all applicants to fully understand the updated requirements of Romania Citizenship 2025.
How Stinwo Helps
At Stinwo, our team offers end-to-end support to make your citizenship journey smoother:
- Guidance through the B1 Romanian language exam
- Assistance with biometric registration
- Help preparing and translating required legal documents
- Full support throughout the residency and citizenship process
Need help applying under the new rules?
Contact our team today for a personalized consultation.
Final Tip for Romania Citizenship 2025 Applicants
As Romania Citizenship 2025 reforms take effect, early preparation is more crucial than ever. To stay ahead, applicants should gather current legal documents, enroll in a Romanian language course to meet the B1 proficiency requirement, and schedule a consultation with our legal experts. With the right guidance, you can navigate the stricter process confidently—let Stinwo support you every step of the way toward becoming a Romanian citizen.