Marriage is an option for non-Romanian partners who want to become Romanians. Romania has been a member of European Union since 2007. It offers its citizens many benefits, including the ability to live and to work in the EU. This article is a comprehensive guide to the requirements, process and benefits for obtaining Romanian Citizenship through marriage.
Legal Framework
The Romanian Citizenship Law (Law No. 21/1991) establishes the legal framework to obtain Romanian citizenship through marriage. 21/1991). This law sets out the requirements and procedures for foreigners who wish to obtain Romanian citizenship by various means including marriage with a Romanian.
Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be satisfied to be eligible for Romanian Citizenship by Marriage:
- Marriage with a Romanian Citizens The applicant must legally be married to a Romanian. The marriage must be acknowledged by Romanian authorities.
- Duration Marriage The couple must be married for a minimum of three years prior to the application. This period is reduced to only two years if the couple lives in Romania.
- Residence In Romania The applicant must be a Romanian citizen. The foreign spouse is still required to meet this requirement if the couple lives outside of Romania.
- Basic Knowledge of Romanian Language The applicant is required to demonstrate basic knowledge of Romanian.
- Good conduct: A candidate must be of good moral character and have no criminal records.
Application Process
Step 1: Gather the required documents
Gathering the required documents is the first step. The documents that are typically required include:
- Marriage Certificate A certified copy of the marriage certificate that must be accepted by Romanian authorities.
- Proofs of Residence Documents that prove the legal residence of the applicant in Romania.
- Identification Documents: Passports and national identification cards as well as other documents of identification.
- Language Proficiency proof: Proof of basic language knowledge, for example certificates of language courses.
- Criminal Record : Un certificate de police clearance from the country of origin as well as from Romania.
- Application form is the completed application for citizenship.
Step 2: Submit your application
The application should be submitted once all the required documents have been gathered to the Romanian authorities. Typically, this is done at the Directorate for Citizenship in the Ministry of Justice.
Step 3: Attend an interview
Upon submission of the application, the applicant is invited to an interview. The interview will be used to test the applicant’s understanding of Romanian culture and language, as well to confirm the validity of the marriage.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Processing time can vary but is usually between several months and a year. During this time, the authorities will conduct background checks and review the application.
Step 5: Take an Oath of allegiance
After the application has been approved, the applicant must swear allegiance to Romania. This ceremony is normally conducted at the Directorate for Citizenship, or the Romanian Consulate.
Benefits of Romanian citizenship
Right to live and work in the EU
As members of the European Union (EU), Romanians have the right, without additional permits or visas, to live, study, and work in any EU member state. It is one of many benefits that come with obtaining Romanian nationality.
Access to healthcare and education
Romanian citizens can access the healthcare and education system of their country. The public education and healthcare systems are more affordable for citizens than non-citizens.
Voting Rights
The right to vote is granted to Romanians in all local, national and European Parliament elections. They can therefore influence the future of Romania as well as the EU.
Social Benefits
Citizens of Romania are entitled to a variety of social benefits including pensions and unemployment benefits. These benefits are a safety net in times of crisis for the citizens.
Passport
The Romanian passport provides visa-free access or visa on arrival to many countries around the world, allowing Romanians to travel abroad more conveniently.
Challenges and considerations
Language Barrier
For many applicants, this may require them to take language courses and dedicate time to learning the Romanian. This may mean that many applicants will need to take language classes and dedicate time to learning the Romanian language.
Bureaucratic Process
The application process is often lengthy and involves a lot of paperwork. The applicant must be ready to navigate bureaucratic processes and provide detailed documentation.
Residency Requirement
For those who don’t already reside in Romania, the requirement of legal residence can be a challenge. It may be necessary to move to Romania, or travel frequently.
Cultural Integration
Understanding Romanian culture
Understanding and respecting Romanian culture is crucial to a successful integration into Romanian society. Learn about Romanian holidays and customs.
Social Networking: How to Build a Social Network
A social network can ease the transition to Romania and provide support. This process can be facilitated by engaging with local communities, joining organizations or clubs, and taking part in social activities.
Employment Opportunities
To meet the residency requirements and to support yourself, it may be necessary for you to find employment in Romania. Understanding the job market, and possible employment opportunities, can be helpful.
Case Studies
Successful Applications
- John and Maria’s Story John, an American, married Maria, who was a Romanian national, and they moved to Romania. John and Maria lived in Bucharest together for three years. During this time, John learned Romanian as well as integrating into the local culture. He has now been granted EU citizenship after successfully applying for citizenship.
- Anna’s and Adrian’s Journey. Anna, who is a Russian, married Adrian. The couple lived in Romania but often visited. Anna studied Romanian and maintained her legal residence in Romania. Anna obtained Romanian citizenship after meeting the requirement of three years marriage.
Challenges Faced
- Language Barrier Some applicants have difficulty with the language requirement. Michael, a British national married to a Romanian woman, found it difficult to learn Romanian. To meet the requirement, he invested in intensive courses and practice.
- Bureaucratic Delays : Delays can be frustrating. Sofia, a citizen of Italy, was delayed due to incomplete documents and had to submit certain documents again, which extended the processing time.
The conclusion
By marrying a Romanian, you can enjoy many benefits. These include the right to work and live in the EU, as well as access to education and healthcare. The process does require that you meet specific requirements for residency and legality, demonstrate your knowledge of Romanian, and navigate bureaucratic procedures. Understanding the eligibility criteria and gathering all the required documents and preparing for an interview will help applicants achieve Romanian citizenship.