In an effort to enhance the security and integrity of the Romanian citizenship acquisition process and to mitigate the risk of fraudulent activities through the submission of false documents, the Romanian Government has adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 100/2024. This ordinance modifies and supplements Romanian Citizenship Law No. 21/1991, as well as other normative acts, and it came into effect on July 29, 2024.
The measures introduced by this emergency ordinance focus on incorporating biometric data into the Romanian citizenship application process and strengthening the entire procedure through the development of verifiable processes based on secure information systems.
The new legislation establishes procedures to ensure the certainty of identity for individuals applying for Romanian citizenship by collecting biometric data (facial images and fingerprints of two fingers) at the time of application. These data will be compared during the oath of allegiance to Romania and again at the time of issuing identity or travel documents.
Biometric data collection for applicants can be conducted either at the headquarters of the National Citizenship Authority or at its regional offices within Romania, or at Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad where applications are submitted.
Implementing these biometric identification measures is crucial not only for ensuring the integrity of the citizenship acquisition process but also for Romania’s anticipated accession to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025. Consequently, each citizenship applicant will have their identity verified biometrically before receiving Romanian citizenship, thereby contributing to the overall security of the process.
Additionally, the ordinance stipulates the replacement of the current paper-based citizenship certificate with an electronic citizenship card. This card, issued to individuals who have been granted or have reacquired Romanian citizenship, will be provided within a maximum of 60 days following the oath of allegiance. It will feature a high-security storage medium containing the biometric and personal data of the holder, collected in accordance with the provisions of this law. Following the oath, the National Citizenship Authority will take the necessary steps to personalize the Romanian citizenship card and issue a provisional citizenship certificate valid for 60 days.
Another significant modification introduced by the new legislation is the extension of the deadline for taking the oath of allegiance to Romania from six months to one year from the date of the notification of the National Citizenship Authority’s president’s order.
In conclusion, the adoption of Emergency Ordinance No. 100/2024 marks an important step towards modernizing and securing the Romanian citizenship acquisition process, reflecting Romania’s commitment to ensuring a robust legal framework adapted to current global security requirements.
An article by Alina Tanache, Client Advisor @ ImmigrationinRomania.com