Why “Romanian citizenship in 3 months” is a trap: real timelines and risks

Romanian citizenship by repatriation has become one of the most popular programs among people from the CIS countries. However, its popularity has led to the emergence of many dubious intermediaries promising a passport in just three months. In this article, we explain why such offers are a red flag, what the real procedure looks like, and how to avoid fraud.

The process of obtaining Romanian citizenship by origin is strictly regulated and includes several mandatory stages:

1. Preparation of the case file — from 2 to 6 months.
2. You must collect documents confirming Romanian origin (parents, grandparents), obtain apostilles, and arrange certified translations into Romanian.
3. Submission to the ANC — 1 day, but the appointment itself may require several months of waiting.
4. Review by the ANC — 1–2 years.
5. Authorities verify documents, Romanian ancestry, and legal compliance.
6. Oath-taking and ID issuance — 1–2 months, with mandatory personal presence in Romania.
7. Passport issuance — 5–10 days after biometric data submission.

Even with perfectly prepared documents, the process takes 1.5 to 2 years. Acceleration is impossible, as the procedure is governed by state regulations.

Schemes advertising “a passport in 3–6 months” are often accompanied by advance payments ranging from €4,000 to €75,000. Clients typically face the following risks:

• Financial losses — money is paid, but the service is never delivered.
• Criminal liability — the use of forged documents or fictitious proof of Romanian roots may lead to criminal proceedings in Romania and the EU.
• Refusals and revocation — even legal applications may be rejected due to inaccuracies; if fraud is discovered, citizenship can be revoked and the passport confiscated.
• Reputational consequences — entry bans to the EU and serious complications when applying for visas or other legal statuses.

In 2026, additional control measures were introduced:

• Romanian language proficiency at B1 level is required for most applicants.
• Enhanced document and background checks.
• All “fast-track” routes eliminated — investments now provide only residence permits (from €400,000), with citizenship possible after 5–8 years.
• Higher refusal rates — approximately 8.5% of applications are rejected.

If you have Romanian roots (Romania or Bessarabia before 1940), you can legally apply for citizenship by origin. A reliable pathway includes:

• Legal audit of documents and eligibility assessment
• Preparation of a complete case file with apostilles and translations
• Submission to the ANC with professional support
• Full assistance through the oath and issuance of ID/passport

The cost of services from verified companies starts from €3,000, with an official contract.

Alternative routes:

• Naturalization — 8 years of residence (or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen), plus language proficiency and exams.
• Investments — provide only residence permits, with permanent residence and citizenship possible only after several years.

Offers of “Romanian citizenship in 3 months” are a trap. The real path requires time, legal transparency, and strict compliance with all requirements. Do not risk your money or freedom by trusting unknown intermediaries.

Contact Visa Dan — we conduct eligibility audits, prepare case files, and support you at every stage until you receive your passport.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!