Romania Merit CitizenshipRomanian citizenship by merit for internationally recognised contributors.
Legal Basis
Romania’s Citizenship Law (Law 21/1991, as amended by Law 14/2025) allows citizenship by merit, with reduced residence periods, for applicants of special interest to Romania, such as internationally recognised personalities. The former reduction for investors of more than €1 million was repealed in 2025.
Applications are decided by the National Citizenship Authority. Romania permits dual citizenship.
Who May Qualify
- Economic contribution – Contributions of special interest to Romania; the former €1M investor reduction was repealed in 2025.
- Science & research – Internationally recognised researchers and academics.
- Culture & arts – Artists and performers of international standing.
- Sport – Elite athletes, often to represent the national team.
Advantages
- EU citizenship
- Dual citizenship permitted
- Reduced residence period for exceptional applicants
- Decided by the National Citizenship Authority
Requirements
- Law 21/1991 as amended by Law 14/2025
- Dual citizenship permitted
- Decided by the National Citizenship Authority
Key Facts
- Decided by: National Citizenship Authority (ANC)
- Processing time: Case by case
- Residence: Residence in Romania normally required; reduced periods possible
- Family: Spouse and children – assessed case by case
About Romania
Romania is the largest country in South-Eastern Europe, stretching from the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea. A member of the EU and NATO and now part of the Schengen Area, it has one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU.
Romania is known for its strong IT sector, energy resources, agriculture and growing manufacturing base.
- EU and NATO member, part of Schengen
- One of the EU’s fastest-growing economies
- Strong technology and engineering talent
- Black Sea coast and Carpathian mountains
Citizenship by merit is discretionary: there is no fixed price or investment threshold, and every case is decided individually. See all citizenship by merit countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fixed price for the Romania Citizenship by Merit?
No. Citizenship by merit is granted at the government’s discretion, case by case, and there is no published price or investment threshold. Your advisor assesses your profile and achievements before any application is prepared.
How long does the Romania Citizenship by Merit take?
There is no fixed official timeline – processing is case by case. Your advisor gives you a realistic timeline after the pre-eligibility review.
Can I include my family in the application?
Family members who can be included: Spouse and children – assessed case by case. Your advisor checks each dependant’s eligibility before you apply.
Do I need to visit or live in Romania?
Residence in Romania normally required; reduced periods possible. Rules change from time to time, so your advisor confirms the current requirement in writing.
Source: National Citizenship Authority (ANC).
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