Thinking about becoming a Romanian citizen while living in Dubai? You’re not alone. With access to the EU, visa-free travel, and dual citizenship options, Romania has become a hot choice for expats seeking stability and mobility.
But how long does it actually take to get Romanian citizenship by naturalization? Let’s break it down clearly.
Romanian Citizenship by Naturalization: How Long Does It Take?
On average, Romanian citizenship by naturalization takes 8 years of legal residence in Romania, or 5 years if you’re married to a Romanian citizen. Refugees, investors, and EU nationals may qualify in just 4 years. After applying, expect 6 months to 2 years for final approval, though delays are common.
Eligibility Criteria for Naturalization
To qualify for Romanian citizenship by naturalization, applicants must meet several strict conditions. You’ll need legal residency in Romania for 8 years, or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen. The residence must be continuous and lawful, with no major gaps.
You’ll also need to prove proficiency in the Romanian language, understand the Romanian Constitution and national anthem, and demonstrate good behavior with no serious legal offenses. Authorities will assess your integration into Romanian society, your financial means, and your loyalty to the country.
A friend in Dubai once joked that learning Romanian was harder than waiting 8 years—until he realized both were equally doable with the right plan.
Standard Timeline for Citizenship Application
The default path to Romanian citizenship by naturalization requires 8 years of legal residence in the country. If you’re married to a Romanian citizen, the timeline shortens to 5 years. This countdown starts only after you receive permanent residency, not just a temporary visa.
In practical terms, most applicants spend 1–2 years gaining permanent residency, then count 5–8 years before they become eligible to apply. You’ll need to remain in Romania or have strong, traceable ties throughout this period.
I met a UAE entrepreneur who built a small business in Cluj. He thought 8 years sounded long—until his kids started calling Romania “home.” The years passed quickly than expected.
Fast-Track Naturalization Routes
In some cases, the path to Romanian citizenship is significantly shorter. If you’re a recognized refugee, a citizen of another EU country, or have made substantial investments in Romania, you may qualify in as little as 4 years of legal residence.
This fast-track route still requires proof of language skills, cultural knowledge, and a clean legal record. But it’s designed to reward those who contribute meaningfully to the Romanian economy or society.
A Dubai-based investor once shared how opening a tech hub in Bucharest sped up his application. He called it the “4-year EU passport plan,” and it worked.
Legal Delays and How to Speed Up the Process
Although Romanian law sets a 5-month deadline for citizenship decisions under Law 21/1991, real-world cases often take 2–4 years due to bureaucratic delays. High application volume and under-resourced authorities contribute to the slowdown.
According to Iorgulescu, if your application exceeds the official 5-month resolution period under Law 21/1991, you have the legal right to take the Romanian Citizenship Authority to court. This can often lead to results in just 8 to 10 months, significantly faster than waiting in administrative limbo.
If your case stalls, you can file a court lawsuit to push the Romanian Citizenship Authority to act. Many applicants report success with this legal route, reducing wait times by up to 10 months.
One UAE-based engineer joked that suing the government felt extreme, until his lawyer filed, and he got results within weeks. Sometimes, pressure works.
Required Documents and Legal Steps
To apply for Romanian citizenship by naturalization, you’ll need to gather and submit a detailed portfolio. This includes your passport, proof of legal residence, birth certificate, criminal background checks, and documents showing language proficiency and financial stability.
Once submitted, you’ll attend an interview to verify your knowledge of Romanian culture and the Constitution. If approved, you’ll receive an invitation to take the citizenship oath, the final step before your Romanian passport becomes a reality.
Dual Citizenship and Travel Benefits
Romania allows dual citizenship, which means you can hold your UAE passport alongside a Romanian one—no need to renounce either. This is a major advantage for expats who want to retain ties to their home country while gaining access to the European Union.
With a Romanian passport, you can live, work, and travel freely across all EU and Schengen countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. It also offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries worldwide.
For many, the mobility alone makes the wait worth it.
Ready to Start Your Romanian Citizenship Journey?
Whether you’re planning to live, invest, or simply expand your global mobility, The Open World in Dubai, UAE, is here to guide you through every step of the Romanian citizenship process. From document prep to legal filings, our experts make complex laws simple and timelines faster. Contact us today.
Final Thoughts
Gaining Romanian citizenship by naturalization is absolutely achievable—but it requires time, planning, and patience. Expect a timeline of 5 to 8 years, followed by 6 to 24 months for processing. While fast-track options exist, they apply only to specific categories.
For many UAE residents, partnering with an experienced immigration lawyer or citizenship consultant can help avoid delays, submit complete documentation, and even file a legal appeal if needed. This can make the process smoother and sometimes faster.
In the end, citizenship isn’t just about a passport. It’s about opening doors across Europe, building long-term security, and expanding your global mobility.
Common Questions for Dubai Residents
Can I apply for Romanian citizenship from Dubai?
Yes. While you’ll need Romanian residency to qualify, much of the document preparation and legal steps can be handled remotely through consulates or legal representatives.
Do I need to live in Romania during the entire residency period?
Yes, your residence must be continuous and lawful. Extended absences may reset your timeline or delay your eligibility.
Is dual citizenship recognized by the UAE?
UAE policy is evolving, but as of now, dual nationality is allowed under special cases. Many UAE citizens with Romanian heritage or long-term residency abroad maintain both nationalities.
How do I prove Romanian language skills?
You’ll need to pass an oral interview conducted by the Citizenship Authority to show basic fluency.
Can I fast-track the process from abroad?
Not directly. Fast-track eligibility depends on factors like EU citizenship, refugee status, or investments in Romania, not your location.
