Reclaiming Romanian citizenship allows Australians of Romanian descent to strengthen ties with their heritage while gaining all the benefits of belonging to the European Union. Alongside the cultural connection, successful applicants can enjoy visa-free travel across Europe, employment opportunities in any EU country, and access to healthcare and education within the Union. For many, it’s a meaningful step that blends identity with new possibilities.
In this blog, we’ll outline the pathways available to Australians seeking Romanian citizenship, explain what documents you’ll need, and guide you through the application process from start to finish.
Eligibility for Romanian Citizenship
Understanding your pathway to Romanian citizenship is crucial for a successful application. Romania recognises several routes to citizenship, with descent being the most common for Australians with Romanian heritage:
Romanian Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis) – Romanian citizenship by descent is available if you have an ancestor who was born in modern-day Romania or in former Romanian territories. You may be eligible if:
- One or both of your parents were Romanian citizens at the time of your birth
- You have Romanian ancestors (parents, grandparents, or further back) who were Romanian citizens
- Your ancestors lived on the territory of the Kingdom of Romania from 1918 to 1940, which nowadays includes parts of Ukraine and the entirety of Moldova
- Your ancestor was born in former Romanian territories (modern-day Bukovina, parts of Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, and Ukraine)
○ Handy Tip: If your ancestor was born in territories that were part of the historical Kingdom of Romania but are now in other countries, you may still be eligible. However, the application process might require additional documentation to prove the historical connection.
Romanian Citizenship by Birth – All persons born in Romania to at least one Romanian citizen parent are granted Romanian citizenship by birth.
Romanian Citizenship by Marriage – Foreign nationals married to Romanian citizens may apply for citizenship after residing in Romania and being married for at least five years.
Please note that we are not Migration Agents, nor do we provide migration advice. We encourage you to contact the Romanian Embassy in Canberra for specific guidance on your individual circumstances.
Required Documents for Romanian Citizenship
The documentation requirements for Romanian citizenship applications are comprehensive and must meet strict authentication standards. All documents submitted must be original or certified copies, and any documents in English must be professionally translated into Romanian.
Essential Documents for Romanian Citizenship by Descent
Birth Certificate with Apostille Stamp Translated – An official birth certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory, authenticated with an Apostille stamp. Both the birth certificate and the apostille stamp must be translated into Romanian by a NAATI certified Romanian translator.
○ Handy Tip: This should be an official Birth Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages, not a baptismal certificate issued by the church.
Marriage Certificate with Apostille Stamp Translated (if applicable) – If applicable, your official marriage certificate with Apostille authentication, also requiring Romanian translation.
Police Clearance Certificate Translated – A Criminal Record Check, which is typically a National Police Certificate issued by the AFP (see link here). This will need to then have an Apostille stamp affixed to it and both the Police Check and Apostille translated into Romanian by an official certified Romanian translator.
○ Handy Tip: This document must not be older than 6 months from the date of issue. If you were not born in Australia, then you will also need a second Criminal Record Check from the country of your birth, also Apostilled and translated into Romanian.
Valid Identity Document – Current Australian passport or driver’s licence as proof of your current identity and citizenship status.
Proof of Romanian Ancestry – This is the cornerstone of your application and may include:
- Birth certificates of your Romanian ancestor(s)
- Marriage certificates from Romania
- Romanian citizenship documents
- Church records or parish registers
- Military records showing Romanian citizenship
- Immigration documents showing departure from Romania
- Historical documents proving residence in former Romanian territories
Romanian Language Study Documentation – Applicants must also demonstrate intermediate Romanian language proficiency (B1 level) by providing either:
- A language certificate from an accredited institution, OR
- Evidence of at least three years of studies conducted in Romanian
Exemptions from language requirement:
- Minor children included in a parent’s application
- Former Romanian citizens reapplying
- Applicants aged 65 or older
Completed Application Form – The specific Romanian citizenship application form you need to complete will depend on your personal situation and family circumstances. You can find all official application forms on the Romanian Ministry of Justice website here and additional consular forms on the Romanian eConsulat portal here.
○ Handy Tip: These forms must be filled out in the Romanian language. If you are unable to do so, then we can translate them for you and assist with completing the forms in Romanian.
Additional Documents for Minors (14-18 years) – If you are applying for Romanian citizenship for your children as well, you will need to additionally provide the following documents for each child:
- Parental consent for the citizenship application – This must be a notarized declaration from both parents (or legal guardians) stating their consent for the minor to apply for Romanian citizenship
- Minor’s consent – A notarized statement from the minor (aged 14+) consenting to acquire Romanian citizenship, given in the presence of at least one parent
- Both parents’ signatures on formal consent declarations (or legal guardian consent if applicable)
These consent documents are legal affidavits that must be properly notarized. We recommend consulting with a Romanian immigration lawyer or the Romanian National Citizenship Authority to ensure the correct format and wording is used.
Document Authentication Requirements
All Australian documents submitted must have an Apostille stamp affixed to them. This internationally recognised certification verifies that your documents are authentic and official.
Apostille stamps should be obtained before submitting your documents for translation, as the stamp itself must also be translated into Romanian.
○ Handy Tip: You can obtain an Apostille stamp by contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through their Notarial Services here. You can book an appointment or send your documents by post through the Australian Passport Office website here.
Professional Translation Requirements
All English documents require translation by a NAATI certified Romanian translator. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the official body in Australia that certifies professional translators and interpreters, ensuring their work meets strict quality and accuracy standards.
At Balkan Translations, we provide NAATI-certified Romanian translations that meet all embassy requirements. Our experienced translators ensure your citizenship documents are accurately translated and properly formatted for your Romanian citizenship application.
○ Handy Tip: You can verify a translator’s certification by checking their credentials on the official NAATI website here to ensure they are currently accredited.
Where to Apply for Romanian Citizenship in Australia
Romanian citizenship applications must be submitted in person at the Romanian diplomatic mission serving your location:
- Embassy of Romania in Canberra – Serves residents of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and also processes citizenship applications for all Australian residents. Located at 4 Dalman Crescent, O’Malley, ACT 2606.
- Consulate General of Romania in Sydney – Covers New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), and the Northern Territory (NT).
- Honorary Consulate of Romania in Melbourne – Covers Victoria (VIC), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), and Tasmania (TAS). Located at Suite 10.01A, Level 10, 5 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004.
- Honorary Consulate of Romania in Perth – Serves residents of Western Australia (WA). Located at 30 Aughton Street, Bayswater, WA 6053.
While honorary consulates can provide assistance, most citizenship applications are processed directly by the Embassy in Canberra. Always contact the Embassy first to confirm current procedures and to book your appointment, as requirements can change.
Benefits of Romanian Citizenship
Obtaining Romanian citizenship opens doors to numerous practical and personal benefits that extend far beyond heritage recognition.
European Union Advantages
Romania allows dual citizenship, so you typically don’t have to renounce your Australian passport to become a Romanian citizen. As a Romanian citizen, you automatically become a citizen of the European Union, granting you:
Healthcare Access – Access to European healthcare systems when living or travelling within the EU
Freedom of Movement – Live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member countries without visa restrictions
Education Benefits – Reduced tuition fees and access to European universities and educational programs
Business Opportunities – Establish businesses and invest freely throughout the European Union
Travel Benefits
A Romanian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries worldwide, including popular destinations throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Cultural and Personal Connection
Romanian citizenship provides formal recognition of your heritage and deepens your connection to Romania’s rich cultural traditions, history, and language. It offers opportunities to participate more fully in Romanian community life both in Australia and Romania.
Additional Considerations
Application Fees
Administrative fees apply to all Romanian citizenship applications. These fees vary based on the application type and processing location. Current fee information is available directly from the Romanian Embassy.
Processing Timeframe
Romanian citizenship applications typically take between 12-24 months to process completely, depending on the complexity of your case and the completeness of your documentation.
○ Handy Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all submitted documents for your records. This can be invaluable if follow-up questions arise during the processing period or if any documents need to be resubmitted.
Economic Opportunities
As a Romanian citizen, you gain the right to work, invest, and own property in Romania without restriction, opening doors to business and investment opportunities in a developing EU market with significant growth potential.
How Balkan Translations Can Help
At Balkan Translations, we specialise in supporting your Romanian citizenship journey with comprehensive translation services:
NAATI-Certified Romanian Translations – All our translations meet the rigorous standards required by both Australian and Romanian authorities.
Document Package Preparation – We can prepare your entire document package, ensuring all translations maintain consistent terminology and formatting.
Digital Translation Services – Submit your documents electronically and receive professional translations without leaving your home.
Direct Communication – Speak directly with the translator. No need to engage with middlemen or agencies.
We speak your language! – Vorbim româna!
Final Thoughts
Applying for Romanian citizenship from Australia is more than just a bureaucratic process—it’s a meaningful bridge connecting you to your ancestral homeland while opening doors to countless opportunities across Europe. The recent changes to language requirements may seem daunting, but they reflect Romania’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage amongst the diaspora.
While the documentation requirements are extensive and the process can take up to two years, thousands of Australians have successfully navigated this journey before you. The key to success lies in meticulous preparation and understanding that each document tells part of your family’s unique story.
○ Handy Tip: Start your application process well in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel to Europe or make life changes that depend on your Romanian citizenship. The investment in time and proper documentation preparation will pay dividends when you receive that Romanian passport.
Ready to begin your Romanian citizenship journey? Our team at Balkan Translations understands the intricacies of Romanian documentation requirements and can provide the professional NAATI-certified translations you need to make your application as smooth as possible.
Please note that we are not Migration Agents nor do we provide migration advice. We recommend contacting the Romanian Embassy in Canberra for specific guidance regarding your individual circumstances and the most current application requirements.
