Published: 28.11.2025
Amendments to Romania’s Citizenship Act reduced the mandatory residence period for refugees who actively integrate into society. Applicants for citizenship or reacquisition must provide proof of Romanian-language proficiency at least at B1 level, while certain stateless and third-country applicants may benefit from reduced residence requirements based on significant contributions to the economy, culture, sports or volunteering.
According to sources, the path to citizenship may become shorter for some applicants, while a B1 Romanian-language certificate becomes a formal requirement for citizenship or reacquisition applications. The change is particularly relevant to refugees, stateless people and third-country nationals seeking naturalisation through professional, cultural or civic contributions. Over the longer term, applicants will need to plan for both the residence period and language certification. This matters substantially for people relocating with citizenship as their end goal, but it does not change ordinary short-term entry or temporary-residence rules.