In the context of an increasingly dynamic and open society, obtaining Romanian citizenship is an important step for many foreign citizens and stateless persons who want to build a stable future in Romania. The process involves meeting certain legal conditions and following well-defined procedural steps. In this article, we detail the criteria and steps necessary to obtain Romanian citizenship, as well as the rights and responsibilities associated with this status.
Conditions for Granting Romanian Citizenship
According to Article 8 of the law, Romanian citizenship can be obtained by a foreign person or a stateless individual if they meet the following conditions:
- Duration of residence in Romania: The applicant must have legally resided in Romania for at least 8 years. If married to a Romanian citizen, this period is reduced to 5 years. Additionally, applicants may benefit from a reduction of this term by half in special situations, such as for citizens of EU member states, international recognition of the applicant, or making significant investments in Romania.
- Loyalty to the Romanian state: The individual must demonstrate loyalty to Romania through behavior, without having previously engaged in activities against the rule of law or national security.
- Minimum age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Financial stability: The person must have legal means of subsistence in Romania to ensure a decent life.
- Good conduct: The applicant must have a good reputation and must not have been convicted of offenses that could affect the dignity of becoming a Romanian citizen.
- Knowledge of the Romanian language and culture: A sufficient knowledge of the Romanian language and essential elements of Romanian culture is required for integration into society.
- Knowledge of the Constitution and the national anthem: The applicant must have basic knowledge about the Constitution of Romania and be familiar with the national anthem.
Steps in the Citizenship Granting Procedure
- Submission of the application: According to Article 13, the application for granting Romanian citizenship must be made in Romanian and submitted in person to the National Citizenship Authority (ANC). It must be accompanied by documents proving the fulfillment of legal conditions. At the time of application, biometric data of the applicant will be collected, including a facial image and fingerprints of two fingers.
- Completing the file: After the application is registered, if additional documents are needed, the Citizenship Commission may request the completion of the file. If the applicant does not submit the requested documents within 6 months, the application will be rejected.
- Interview: For those who meet all conditions, the Commission will schedule an interview to assess the level of knowledge of the Romanian language and culture. This interview is mandatory, and unjustified non-attendance may lead to the rejection of the application.
Final Decision:
- Approval of the application: If all conditions are met and the interview is passed, the Commission prepares a favorable report and submits the application to the president of the ANC for approval. Approval is granted by the president of the ANC's order, with no additional fees.
- Rejection of the application: If the legal requirements are not met or if the interview is not passed, the Commission may propose the rejection of the application. Individuals whose applications have been rejected may submit a new application after 6 months.
Appeal
The rejection order can be appealed within 15 days to the Bucharest Tribunal, and its decision can be challenged by appeal to the Bucharest Court of Appeal.
Implications and Responsibilities
Establishing Romanian citizenship is not only a personal decision but also involves a series of legal responsibilities. From respecting the Constitution and national legislation to cultural and linguistic integration, individuals seeking Romanian citizenship must be aware of these obligations.
This article provides an overview of the procedure, but it is important to consult official resources or a specialized attorney for assistance in this complex process and to avoid any potential errors.
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