Romanian citizenship offers many advantages, such as the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union. For those of Romanian descent, regaining citizenship is not only about reclaiming legal status, but also reconnecting with heritage and family roots. This is especially relevant for many Israeli citizens whose parents or grandparents were Romanian citizens and lost their citizenship over the years due to historical circumstances.
Under Romanian Citizenship Law (Law No. 21/1991), individuals who lost their Romanian citizenship, as well as their descendants up to the third generation, have the right to restore it. Here is an overview of the process:
Eligibility for Regaining Romanian Citizenship
Descendants of Former Romanian Citizens
If your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Romanian citizens, you may be eligible to regain citizenship. This includes descendants who were born abroad after the original loss of citizenship by their ancestors. This applies to many Jewish families who emigrated from Romania to Israel.
Loss of Romanian Citizenship
Many individuals lost their Romanian citizenship during the communist regime, often when they emigrated to Israel or other countries. The law allows for the restoration of citizenship under these circumstances.
Steps to Regain Romanian Citizenship
Gather Required Documents
The first step in the process is collecting the necessary documents that prove your connection to Romania. The documents generally required include:
- Birth certificates of the applicant and their ancestors.
- Marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Proof of Romanian citizenship of your ancestors (such as old Romanian passports or other legal documents).
- Apostilled and translated documents (where necessary).
- Submit the Citizenship Application
Applications for citizenship restoration can be submitted either in Romania or at the Romanian consulate in Israel. The documents should be filed in person and you may also be required to undergo an interview.
- Language Proficiency
Although fluency in Romanian is not mandatory, having basic knowledge of the language may help in the process, especially during the interview or for future interactions with Romanian authorities.
- Waiting Period
The processing time can vary, but it usually takes 12 to 24 months for the application to be processed. Once the citizenship is restored, you will be issued a Romanian passport, allowing you full rights as an EU citizen.
Benefits of Regaining Romanian Citizenship
EU Citizenship
As a Romanian citizen, you will automatically gain European Union citizenship. This grants you the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state without the need for additional visas or permits.
Travel
Romanian passport holders have access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 170 countries worldwide, making international travel much easier for Israeli citizens.
Economic Opportunities
With EU citizenship, you can explore employment opportunities across Europe, including in Romania, which has growing economic sectors in IT, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Education
Romania and other EU countries offer a range of educational opportunities for students, including lower tuition fees for EU citizens at many top universities.
Special Considerations for Israeli Citizens
For Israeli citizens, reclaiming Romanian citizenship is not only a legal process but also a way to reconnect with their family history. Many Israelis have roots in Romania due to the significant Jewish community that once existed in the country. During the 20th century, many Jewish families fled Romania due to persecution and political instability, but the ties to Romania remain strong.
Today, the Romanian government is committed to facilitating the process for those who wish to regain citizenship. Israeli applicants may find additional support through legal services that specialize in Romanian citizenship claims and through the Romanian Embassy in Israel.
Final Thoughts
Regaining Romanian citizenship can be a meaningful journey, offering not just legal and economic benefits, but also a personal connection to your heritage. The process is straightforward, though it requires careful preparation and patience. For Israeli citizens of Romanian descent, this is a valuable opportunity to unlock the benefits of EU citizenship while honoring family roots.
If you believe you are eligible, consider reaching out to an attorney specializing in Romanian citizenship law to guide you through the application process.
