The interim President of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, has signed a decree making the process of obtaining citizenship stricter and more accessible at the same time.
The recent changes show that Romanian citizenship law has undergone significant changes, Schengen.News reports.
Among the key changes is the complete digitalisation of the procedure through an online application that permits applicants to monitor the status of their request as well as the introduction of a citizenship card with biometric data in order to replace the printed certificate.
The new changes are expected to enhance security, according to a report from EVZ.
The new law, that is yet to enter into force, stipulates that Romanian citizenship can only be acquired through birth, adoption, or application, excluding any automatic right for stateless persons or foreign citizens.
Significant New Changes
The law highlights that those interested in acquiring citizenship in Romania can do so through several options, among them through birth, adoption or application. It excludes any automatic right.
In addition, the process of obtaining citizenship also consists of clear conditions, such as a legal residence in Romania for a period of at least eight years, or five years if the applicant is married to a Romanian citizen, proficiency in the Romanian language, loyalty to the Romanian state and impeccable behaviour.
Under the new law, facilities are applied for those actively involved in Romanian society or who show significant achievements, such as reducing the required residence period.
The new changes aim to make the process of obtaining citizenship more transparent, while also adapting to the current needs.
Introducing Biometric Data
Since September 1, 2024, the conditions to obtain or reacquire citizenship in Romania include the mandatory collection of biometric data, following the changes to the Romanian Citizenship Law no. 21/1991.
At the same time, in July 2024, Romanian authorities introduced biometric data collection for those planning to obtain citizenship in this country.
The measures adopted through an emergency ordinance aim both at the introduction of biometrics into the procedure for granting Romanian citizenship, as well as measures that will ensure the security of the entire process through advanced IT and security systems.
Authorities in Romania argued the new changes came to stay in line with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and also accelerate the entry process into the US Visa Waiver Program.
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