On April 22, 2025, the Official Gazette no. 349 published the Procedure issued by the National Authority for Citizenship detailing the organization and conduct of the interviews required under the Romanian Citizenship Law no. 21/1991.
Key Points of the Procedure:
The procedure regulates the interview process conducted by the Citizenship Commission, being aimed at making more effective the verification of the applicants’ compliance with the conditions stipulated under Art. 8 (1) (f) and (g) of the Romanian Citizenship Law, specifically:
- proficiency in the Romanian language sufficient for social integration;
- basic knowledge of Romanian culture, civilization, history, geography, and the Romanian Constitution; and
- familiarity with the Romanian national anthem.
Eligibility:
Individuals subject to legal guardianship or other measures restricting their legal capacity will be excluded from this interview.
Interview Scheduling:
The Citizenship Commission will schedule the interviews within a maximum of six months as of the submission of the relevant applications. Candidates will be notified via registered mail and/or email regarding the interview date, time, location, required identification documents, and additional documentation as requested by the Commission.
Assessment Criteria:
The interview evaluates the applicant’s:
- ability to write in Romanian (dictation);
- ability to read and comprehend Romanian texts;
- verbal fluency and grammatical correctness;
- understanding of the Romanian Constitution (fundamental rights, duties, public administration);
- knowledge of essential aspects of Romanian history and geography;
- familiarity with significant cultural and historical Romanian figures, traditions, and landmarks;
- knowledge of the Romanian national anthem.
- The Commission may pose supplementary questions to better assess candidates’ understanding of Romanian culture, values, and their practical language skills.
Evaluation Method:
Each Commission member will individually grade applicants’ answers from 1 to 10, and the final score will be the average of these grades. Applicants must achieve at least a 5-point average score to pass. Results are published the same day on the National Authority for Citizenship website.
Reassessment Opportunity:
Applicants who wish additional preparation may request a rescheduling, but not later than the expiration of the six-month validity period following their eligibility confirmation.
The new Procedure has become effective immediately upon its publication on April 22, 2025.
For further information or personalized advice, please do not hesitate to contact our office.