The Constitutional Court of Romania has approved key amendments to the Romanian citizenship law, dismissing all previous objections. These changes are expected to take effect soon, impacting those applying for or reclaiming Romanian citizenship under Articles 10 and 11 of Romanian Citizenship Law.
🆕 Language Proficiency Requirement
Under the revised law, applicants now have up to one year after submitting their citizenship application to provide proof of Romanian language. This change gives applicants more time to fulfill the language requirement without delaying the start of their citizenship application process.
Pros and Cons of the New Amendments
➡️ Pros:
- Preparation Time: The one-year period allows applicants more time to prepare for the language exam, making the process less stressful.
- Easier Path for Many Applicants: Descendants of former citizens and senior applicants benefit from a more streamlined process with either relaxed or waived language requirements.
- Age Flexibility: Applicants over 65 are fully exempt from proving language proficiency, making the citizenship process more accessible to older individuals.
➡️ Cons:
- Language Requirement Still Needed for Most Applicants: While the law provides more time, most applicants will still need to meet the language requirement eventually, which remains a significant step.
- Certificate of language for B1 level: Certificate of language proficiency issued by accredited higher education institutions in Romania for the „Romanian Language Preparatory Year” study program, by the Romanian Language Institute, the Romanian Cultural Institute, or Romanian cultural institutes abroad, certifying Romanian language knowledge at a level no lower than B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
🔑 Still there are also some key benefits for applicants :
- Flexibility: Anyone can submit the application without the language certificate upfront, giving more time to study and prepare for the language test.
- Simplified Process for Descendants of Former Citizens: This adjustment is particularly beneficial for descendants of former Romanian citizens, making it accesible for them to regain citizenship.
🚫 Exceptions from Language Proficiency Requirement
Some applicants are exempt from the language requirement altogether:
- Former Romanian citizens who are applying to regain citizenship under Articles 10 or 11.
- Applicants aged 65 or older at the time of their citizenship request, under Articles 10 or 11.
Long story short:
❗️The amendments to Romania’s citizenship law provide flexibility and accessibility, especially for older applicants and descendants of former Romanian citizens.
While the language requirement remains an obstacle for some, the extra time allowed should make it accesible for many. This change is particularly relevant for Romanian descendants in Israel 🇮🇱 and other countries ( e.g. USA, Canada, Australia and other) 🌎.
Ref. Romanian Constitutional Court decision ( in RO language) https://www.ccr.ro/comunicat-de-presa-29-octombrie-2024/
Contact for more informations:
Catalina Staniu Attorney At Law +40720 037 305
e-mail avocat@staniu.ro
