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.
How Long Does It Take to Get Romanian Citizenship by Naturalization?
If you’re a UAE resident applying for Romanian citizenship, the standard requirement is 8 years of legal and continuous residence in Romania. If you’re married to a Romanian citizen, this period is reduced to 5 years from the date of marriage.
Once your application is submitted to the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC), the processing time typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the accuracy of your documents and overall case load.
🔔 Important: Time spent living in the UAE (or any country outside Romania) does not count toward the required residency period. You must physically reside in Romania with a valid residence permit throughout the entire qualifying period.
To qualify, UAE applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements:
-
Legal, continuous residence in Romania for at least 8 years, or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen
-
A valid residence permit and proof of domicile in Romania
-
No serious criminal record or legal offenses
-
Evidence of financial stability and the ability to support yourself in Romania
-
Demonstrated integration into Romanian society
-
A written declaration of loyalty to the Romanian state
Romanian language proficiency
You must pass an oral interview conducted by the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) to demonstrate basic fluency in Romanian (equivalent to A2 level), as well as general knowledge of the Romanian Constitution, national anthem, and civic culture.
📌 Note: Time spent residing in the UAE or any country outside Romania does not count toward the naturalization residency requirement. You must physically reside in Romania with a valid legal status during the qualifying period.
Fast-Track Naturalization Routes
In some cases, the path to Romanian citizenship can be shorter than the standard 8-year route. If you’re a recognized refugee, an EU citizen, or someone who has made significant contributions to Romania, you may qualify for an accelerated naturalization process.
Important Clarification:
Romanian law does not have a formal “investment citizenship” program with guaranteed timelines like Malta or Portugal. However, under Article 8(2) of Law no. 21/1991, the government may reduce the required residency period at its discretion in exceptional cases, such as for investors, EU nationals, or individuals contributing meaningfully to Romania’s development.
This fast-track route still requires you to:
-
Reside legally in Romania
-
Demonstrate Romanian language proficiency
-
Show integration into society
-
Maintain a clean legal record
One of my clients, a tech entrepreneur based in Dubai, invested in a Romanian startup incubator and was granted citizenship after just 4 years of residence. While fast-track approvals aren’t guaranteed, strategic investment combined with strong documentation can significantly improve timelines.
As a licensed immigration consultant in Dubai, I’ve guided multiple UAE residents through both standard and accelerated citizenship paths—each case requires careful planning, but results are achievable with the right approach.
Legal Delays and How to Speed Up the Process
Although Law no. 21/1991 states that the Romanian citizenship authority (ANC) should issue a decision within 5 months of receiving a complete application, this deadline is often exceeded in practice. Delays of 12 to 24 months—or longer- are common, due to high application volumes and limited administrative capacity.
Important Note: The National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) does not consistently comply with the 5-month legal timeframe. As a result, applicants often face long periods of inactivity unless they pursue legal action.
Under Article 8(3) of Law no. 21/1991, combined with Law no. 554/2004 on Administrative Litigation, applicants have the right to file a lawsuit in a Romanian court to compel the ANC to issue a decision. Legal intervention can significantly reduce waiting times.
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 for UAE Residents
If you’re applying for Romanian citizenship by naturalization from the UAE, be prepared to gather a detailed set of documents. These will need to be officially translated into Romanian and, in most cases, legalized or apostilled.
Key Documents You’ll Need:
-
A valid passport (UAE-issued or otherwise)
-
Proof of legal residence in Romania (residence permit, rental contract, etc.)
-
Your birth certificate, officially translated and legalized
-
Criminal background checks from both Romania and the UAE
-
Documentation proving Romanian language proficiency
-
Financial documents showing you have stable income or sufficient means
-
Marriage certificate (if applying under the 5-year rule through a Romanian spouse)
The Legal Process:
-
Submit your complete application and documentation to the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC).
-
Attend an interview, where you’ll be asked about Romanian history, culture, and the Constitution.
-
If approved, you’ll receive a written decision and an invitation to take the citizenship oath.
-
After taking the oath, you can apply for your Romanian passport and national ID.
📌 Tip for UAE applicants: Make sure your UAE documents are properly notarized and authenticated before sending them to the Romanian authorities. This can speed up processing and reduce the chance of delays.
Dual Citizenship and Travel Benefits
Romania officially recognizes dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while enjoying the full rights of Romanian citizens. This is especially attractive for UAE-based applicants who don’t want to give up their current citizenship or regional residency status.
Suppose you’re a non-Emirati UAE resident (such as an Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Lebanese, or European expatriate). In that case, there are no legal barriers on the UAE side that prevent you from holding dual nationality. You can freely pursue Romanian citizenship without impacting your UAE residence visa or legal status.
For Emirati citizens, the situation is more complex. While the UAE has traditionally restricted dual citizenship, Federal Law No. 17 of 2021 introduced exceptions. Under this law, UAE nationals may be granted dual citizenship by decree if they meet certain criteria, such as being an investor, doctor, engineer, or other skilled professional. In such cases, Romanian citizenship may be accepted without requiring renunciation of Emirati nationality, provided official permission is granted.
With a Romanian passport, the benefits are significant:
-
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including Canada, the UK, and most of Europe
-
Full rights to live, work, and study in any EU country, including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy
-
The ability to own property, start businesses, and access healthcare and education within the EU
For many UAE residents, especially frequent travelers or international business owners, the ability to hold dual citizenship offers greater mobility, flexibility, and security. Whether you’re looking to expand your global opportunities, ensure long-term residency rights in Europe, or simply gain a stronger travel document, Romanian citizenship is a strategic and future-proof choice.
Expert Support for UAE Residents Applying for Romanian Citizenship
Having worked with dozens of UAE residents, from investors to families to skilled professionals, I understand the unique documentation, timelines, and legal nuances involved in the Romanian citizenship process.
If you’re unsure where to start or facing delays, our Dubai-based office is here to help. We’ll guide you step-by-step:
✔️ Build a personalized roadmap
✔️ Prepare and translate your complete file
✔️ Navigate Romanian legal requirements, including interviews, court filings, and fast-track eligibility
Start Your Romanian Citizenship Journey Today
📞 Book a free consultation with our expert team in Dubai
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.
