How to Obtain a Second Passport from Romania

Obtaining a second passport from Romania involves acquiring Romanian citizenship. This guide will help you understand the process and steps required to secure a Romanian passport.

Eligibility for Romanian Citizenship

To obtain a Romanian passport, you must first become a Romanian citizen. Eligibility can be established through the following pathways:

1. Romanian Descent: If you have Romanian ancestors (parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents) who were Romanian citizens, you can apply for citizenship by descent.
2. Naturalization:
   • By Residency: You must have legally resided in Romania for at least 8 years, or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen.
   • By Marriage: Married to a Romanian citizen for at least 5 years.
3. Reacquisition: If you were a Romanian citizen but lost your citizenship, you may be eligible to reacquire it.
4. Investment Options: While Romania doesn’t offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program, you can obtain a long-term residency by investing in the country, such as establishing a company or purchasing real estate.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm Eligibility:
   • Determine if you qualify under one of the eligibility criteria above.
2. Gather Necessary Documentation:
   • Proof of Identity: Valid passport and birth certificate.
   • Proof of Romanian Descent: If applying by descent, provide birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documents linking you to Romanian ancestors.
   • Residency Documents: If applying by residency, provide proof of residence, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or other official documents showing your stay in Romania.
   • Language Proficiency: Certificate proving your knowledge of the Romanian language.
   • Criminal Background Check: Police clearance certificate from your country of residence and from Romania.
   • Marriage Certificate: If applying through marriage.
   • Financial Stability Proof: Bank statements or employment contracts showing you have sufficient financial resources.
   • Application Form: Completed and signed application for Romanian citizenship.
3. Submit Application:
   • Applications can be submitted at the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Romanian embassies, or consulates abroad.
4. Attend an Interview:
   • You will be required to attend an interview to assess your knowledge of Romanian language, culture, and history.
5. Citizenship Approval:
   • The review process may take several months. If approved, you will be granted Romanian citizenship.
6. Oath of Allegiance:
   • You must take an oath of allegiance to Romania in a formal ceremony.
7. Obtain Your Romanian Passport:
   • Once we have received citizenship certificate, We can apply for a Romanian passport.

Application for a Romanian Passport

After becoming a Romanian citizen, follow these steps to obtain a Romanian passport:

1. Prepare Documentation:
   • Romanian Citizenship Certificate: Proof of citizenship.
   • Proof of Identity: Current passport or identification document.
   • Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos.
   • Application Form: Completed passport application form.
   • Fee Payment: Receipt showing payment of the passport application fee.
2. Submit Application:
   • Submit your passport application at a Romanian passport office, consulate, or embassy.
3. Passport Issuance:
   • The passport will typically be issued within a few weeks. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Additional Considerations

• Dual Citizenship: Romania allows dual citizenship, so you can hold a Romanian passport alongside your original nationality.
• Legal Assistance: Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer who specializes in Romanian citizenship to ensure a smooth process.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated on any legal changes or requirements by checking Romanian government resources.

Investment Options for Obtaining Long-Term Residency in Romania

Although Romania does not have a direct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, you can still achieve long-term residency through investment, which is a crucial step towards eventually applying for Romanian citizenship. Here are the primary investment avenues:

1. Establishing a Company in Romania

1. Overview: One of the most common ways to obtain residency in Romania is by starting a business. Romania offers a favorable business environment, with relatively low corporate tax rates and access to the EU market.
2. Minimum Investment: There is no specific minimum investment amount required to establish a company. However, the amount should be substantial enough to demonstrate that your business is viable and will contribute positively to the Romanian economy.
3. Business Types: Common types of businesses foreigners start include Limited Liability Companies (SRL) or Joint Stock Companies (SA).
4. Residency Permit: Once your company is registered, you can apply for a residency permit based on business activity. You must demonstrate that your business is active and generating income or has a solid business plan.
5. Proof of Economic Activity: To renew your residency permit, you’ll need to provide evidence of the company’s ongoing economic activity, such as tax filings, employee contracts, and financial statements.
6. Advantages: Starting a business in Romania can provide a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous, active business operations.

• 2. Real Estate Investment

  1. Overview: Investing in real estate is another pathway to obtaining long-term residency in Romania. This option is attractive due to the relatively low property prices compared to other EU countries.
  2. Types of Real Estate: You can invest in residential, commercial, or industrial properties. Many foreigners choose to buy residential properties, especially in major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Constanța.
  3. Minimum Investment: There is no official minimum investment required, but significant investment in real estate can support your application for residency.
  4. Residency Permit: While owning property alone doesn’t automatically grant residency, it strengthens your case for a long-term residency permit. You may apply for residency under the category of “other purposes” if you can demonstrate financial stability and ownership of property in Romania.
  5. Real Estate Market: The Romanian real estate market has been growing steadily, making it an attractive option for long-term investment.
  6. Additional Considerations: In some cases, real estate investments might be coupled with the establishment of a business, such as owning rental properties or hospitality establishments, which can further solidify your residency application.

Additional Considerations for Long-Term Residency

1. Financial Stability: Regardless of the investment option, you must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Romania.
2. Legal and Compliance Requirements: It’s advisable to consult with legal professionals familiar with Romanian immigration and business law to ensure compliance with all regulations and to optimize your investment for residency purposes.
3. Path to Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous residency (with legal permits), you can apply for permanent residency, which is a key milestone before applying for citizenship.

Steps to Apply for Long-Term Residency via Investment

1. Choose an Investment Type: Decide whether to start a business or invest in real estate.
2. Legal Registration: Register your company or purchase the property, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
3. Apply for Residency Permit: Submit your application for a residency permit based on your investment.
4. Demonstrate Activity and Financial Stability: Provide evidence of your business operations or financial stability related to your real estate investment.
5. Renew Residency Permit: Ensure you meet all criteria for permit renewals, typically required annually.
6. Apply for Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous legal residency, apply for permanent residency.
7. Apply for Citizenship: Once you have held permanent residency for the required period (8 years in total), you can apply for Romanian citizenship.

Documents Required for Long-Term Residency Application 

For Company Establishment

• Business Registration Documents:
  1. Articles of Association (Act Constitutiv).
  2. Proof of registration with the Romanian Trade Register.
  3. Certificate of Incorporation.
• Proof of Economic Activity:
  1. Financial statements or business plan.
  2. Proof of office lease or ownership (if applicable).

Tax Records:

1. Tax identification number.
2. Proof of payment of taxes (if applicable).

Employment Contracts (if hiring employees):

1. Employment contracts for any Romanian or EU employees.

Proof of Financial Stability:

1. Bank statements showing sufficient funds for business operations and personal sustenance.

Health Insurance:

1. Proof of valid health insurance coverage in Romania.

For Real Estate Investment

1. Property Ownership Documents:
2. Property deed or title in your name.
3. Proof of property registration with the local Land Registry (Cadastru).

• Financial Documents:
  1. Bank statements showing funds used for property purchase.
• Real Estate Valuation (if required):
  1. A professional valuation report confirming the value of the property.
• Proof of Financial Stability:
  1. Bank statements showing sufficient funds for personal sustenance.
• Health Insurance:
  1. Proof of valid health insurance coverage in Romania.

This investment pathway is ideal for those looking to establish a long-term presence in Romania and eventually obtain citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of an EU member state

.