Introduction

If you are applying for Romanian citizenship by descent, one of the most important steps is preparing the correct set of documents. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the most common reason for delays or refusals.

This guide provides a complete checklist of documents required for Romanian citizenship based on ancestry, including practical tips and solutions for missing records.

Who Can Apply for Romanian Citizenship by Descent?

You may be eligible if you can prove that your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was born in territories that were part of Romania (including historical regions such as Bessarabia, now largely within modern-day Moldova).

The key requirement is proving your direct lineage through official documents.

Full List of Required Documents

The standard application file typically includes:

• Applicant’s passport (copy)
• Applicant’s birth certificate
• Applicant’s marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Criminal record certificate
• Declaration of intent (as required by Romanian authorities)

Documents for Ancestors (Key Requirement)

The most important part of the application is proving your ancestry. You must provide:

• Birth certificate of your Romanian ancestor
• Marriage certificate(s) (if applicable)
• Death certificate (in some cases)
• Documents confirming changes of name or surname

Additionally, you must demonstrate the full chain of lineage:

• Parent’s birth certificate
• Grandparent’s documents (if applicable)
• Proof linking each generation

All documents must be consistent and clearly confirm your direct descent.

Common Problems with Documents

Many applicants face serious challenges when preparing their documents:

• Missing birth or marriage certificates (especially from Soviet period)
• Different spellings of names in Russian and Romanian
• Lost or damaged archival records
• Lack of information about place of birth

These issues can delay the process or make it impossible to apply without professional assistance.

How to Obtain Missing Documents

If documents are missing, they can usually be obtained or restored through:

• Civil registry offices
• National and regional archives
• Court procedures (in case of missing records)

Many records from Bessarabia are now stored in Moldova, which means applicants often need to request documents from Moldovan archives.

👉 Learn more about obtaining documents in our guide: Getting Bessarabia Vital Records.

Document Requirements (Important Details)

• All documents must be officially issued
• Translations into Romanian are required
• Documents must be legalized or apostilled
• Names and dates must match across all records

Even small inconsistencies can lead to delays or rejection.

Why It Is Better to Work with Professionals

Preparing documents for Romanian citizenship is a complex legal process that requires precision and experience.

Working with professionals provides key advantages:

• Full verification of your eligibility
• Preparation of a complete and correct document file
• Obtaining missing documents from Moldova archives
• Restoration of lost or damaged records
• Certified translations and legalization
• Full remote support based on power of attorney

We provide comprehensive legal assistance for Romanian citizenship by descent, including document collection, archival searches, and full case preparation.

This significantly reduces the risk of refusal and allows you to complete the process faster and without unnecessary complications.

Get Professional Help

If you need assistance with preparing your documents or obtaining records from Moldova, contact us for a case evaluation.

We will guide you through every step — from document search to final submission.

FAQ

What documents are required for Romanian citizenship by descent?

You typically need your birth certificate, passport, criminal record, and civil status documents, as well as your ancestor’s birth, marriage, and sometimes death certificates. You must also prove the full chain of lineage.

Do I need documents from my parents and grandparents?

Yes. You must provide documents linking you to your Romanian ancestor, including birth and marriage certificates for each generation.

What if my ancestor’s documents are missing?

If documents are missing, they can often be obtained from archives or restored through civil registry offices or court procedures, especially for records from Moldova (former Bessarabia).

Can I apply without all documents?

No. A complete set of documents is required. Missing records must be obtained or restored before submitting the application.

Do documents need to be translated into Romanian?

Yes. All foreign documents must be translated into Romanian by an authorized translator and properly certified.

Do documents need apostille or legalization?

Yes. Depending on the country of origin, documents must be apostilled or legalized to be accepted by Romanian authorities.

How long does it take to collect all documents?

The timeframe varies depending on the case. It can take from a few weeks to several months, especially if archival searches are required.

Can I obtain Moldovan or Bessarabia records remotely?

Yes. Documents can be requested through a legal representative based on a power of attorney, without traveling to Moldova.

What are the most common mistakes in document preparation?

Common issues include inconsistent name spelling, missing records, incorrect translations, and incomplete document chains.

Can professionals help speed up the process?

Yes. Legal professionals can identify the correct archives, obtain missing documents, and prepare a complete application file, reducing delays and risks of refusal.