How a Californian Can Become a Dual Citizen of Romania: Step-by-Step Guide

🇷🇴 How a Californian Can Become a Dual Citizen of Romania: Step-by-Step Guide

✅ Overview

Romania allows dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your U.S. citizenship while acquiring Romanian nationality. As a Californian, the process involves proving Romanian descent, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting your application to a Romanian consulate in the U.S. or directly in Romania.

✳️ Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Romanian Citizenship

➤ You may qualify through:

1. Descent (“Citizenship by descent” – cetățenie prin descendență):

• You have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Romanian citizen.

• Romania recognizes jus sanguinis (right of blood).

2. Naturalization:

• Long-term legal residence in Romania (usually 8 years).

• Marriage to a Romanian citizen (5 years of residence required).

3. Restoration of Citizenship:

• If your ancestors lost Romanian citizenship involuntarily (e.g., during Communist era), you may restore it under Article 10 or Article 11 of the Romanian Citizenship Law.

📘 Official source:

Romanian Citizenship Law – Law No. 21/1991 (English version)

📂 Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

For Citizenship by Descent or Restoration:

You’ll need to provide authenticated and apostilled copies of the following:

• Your U.S. birth certificate

• Your U.S. passport

• Romanian birth/marriage certificates of your ancestors

• Proof of relationship (family tree, marriage records)

• Evidence that your ancestor held Romanian citizenship

• Proof they lost it involuntarily (Article 10/11 applicants only)

All documents must be translated into Romanian and notarized.

🔗 Apostille your U.S. documents:

California Apostille – Secretary of State

🔗 Notarization services in California:

Your Local Notary Public

🖋️ Step 3: Translate and Authenticate Your Documents

All foreign documents must be:

1. Translated into Romanian by a certified translator.

2. Notarized in California.

3. Apostilled under the Hague Convention (recognized by Romania).

🔗 Find certified Romanian translators (ATA directory):

American Translators Association – Romanian

🏛️ Step 4: Submit Your Application

You have two options:

Option A: Apply through the Romanian Consulate in Los Angeles

• Address: 11766 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 560, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Email: losangeles@mae.ro

• Website: https://losangeles.mae.ro

• Appointments are required via online scheduling.

🔗 Romanian Consulate Los Angeles – Citizenship Info

Option B: Apply in person in Romania

• You may file at the Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie (ANC) in Bucharest.

• Ideal if you have supporting family in Romania or want to expedite the process.

🔗 ANC official site:

📑 Step 5: Fill Out and Submit the Application Forms

You’ll need:

• Application for Romanian citizenship (specific to Article 10/11)

• Declaration of your intent

• Proof of Romanian language proficiency (for naturalization)

📄 Download forms here:

Romanian Citizenship Application Forms – MAE

Note: If you are applying via ancestry, no language test is required.

🕐 Step 6: Wait for Processing

The processing timeline can vary:

• 12–24 months for most citizenship by descent or restoration cases.

• You may be asked to submit additional documents or attend an interview.

• The decision will be published in the Monitorul Oficial (Official Gazette).

🔗 Monitorul Oficial:

📜 Step 7: Take the Citizenship Oath (if required)

If approved, you may be invited to a swearing-in ceremony in Romania or at a consulate in the U.S.

• You will receive your Romanian citizenship certificate.

• Then, you may apply for a Romanian passport and Romanian ID number (CNP).

📕 Step 8: Apply for a Romanian Passport

After receiving your Romanian citizenship certificate:

• Submit a passport application at the Romanian Consulate.

• Provide proof of citizenship, a Romanian birth certificate (based on your U.S. birth), and your Romanian ID (CNP).

🔗 Romanian Passport Application Guide:

⚠️ Important Notes

• Romania does not require you to renounce U.S. citizenship.

• Romanian law allows dual or multiple nationalities without restrictions.

• You may pass Romanian citizenship to your children born abroad.

• If applying via naturalization, you’ll need to show stable income, clean criminal record, and 5–8 years of residency.

👨‍⚖️ Need Professional Help?

If you’re unsure about the process or want legal assistance, consider consulting:

• Romanian immigration lawyers in the U.S.

• Legal support in Bucharest (especially for restoration claims)

🔗 Romanian Citizenship Lawyers:

🔗 Immigration Law Office of Chris Ingram (U.S./Romanian dual citizenship):

✅ Summary Checklist

🇺🇸🇷🇴 Ready to Begin?

Becoming a dual citizen of Romania as a Californian is completely possible — especially if you have Romanian heritage. With patience and the right documentation, you can gain access to:

• The European Union (via Romanian passport)

• Lower tuition rates in Europe

• Visa-free travel to 170+ countries

Need help getting your U.S. documents notarized or apostilled?

📌 Visit: Orange County Apostille

📌 Notary + marriage services: Your Local Notary Public

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