If you are married to a Romanian citizen or to a foreign national with a right of residence here, the procedure has two stages: the long-stay visa and then the permit. A guide to the documents required, how long it takes and where files usually stall.
At a glance
Who it is for: spouses and family members of a Romanian citizen or of a foreign national residing in Romania
The procedure: two stages, a long-stay family reunification visa, then the residence permit
First permit: valid for one year
Most overlooked condition: a marriage concluded abroad must be transcribed into the Romanian registers
Stage 1: the long-stay visa
The application is filed with the Romanian diplomatic mission or consular office in your country of residence.
The file must include the Romanian marriage certificate or evidence that the marriage has been transcribed in Romania. Without that recognition, the foreign record has no effect before the Romanian authorities and the application stalls at the first stage.
Stage 2: the residence permit
After arriving in Romania, the family reunification permit application is filed with the immigration office of the county where you live.
The file covers proof of accommodation, medical insurance, civil status documents and evidence of means of support. The first permit is normally granted for one year.
Renewal
On renewal, the permit can be issued for a longer period, up to five years, depending on the circumstances.
The application is filed before the current right of residence expires. Filing late is the most common reason why otherwise sound files receive a return decision.
Where files stall
Three situations recur: a marriage concluded abroad and never transcribed, proof of accommodation that does not meet the legal requirements, and civil status documents without an apostille or an authorised translation.
All three are fixed before filing. Once an application is refused, the lost time cannot be recovered.
Frequently asked questions
I married a Romanian citizen abroad. What comes first?
Transcribing the marriage certificate into the Romanian civil status registers. Only then can the family reunification visa application be filed.
Who can apply for family reunification?
A spouse, minor children and, on the conditions set out in Emergency Ordinance no. 194/2002, other dependent family members.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on the diplomatic mission and on how complete the file is. The visa and permit follow statutory deadlines, but preparing the documents, including transcription and apostille, usually adds several weeks.
Can I work in Romania on a family reunification permit?
Access to the labour market depends on the type of permit and on the sponsor's status. It should be checked in each case before signing an employment contract.
What happens if I divorce?
The basis for residence falls away and the permit can be revoked. In some situations the ground can be changed, for example to employment or commercial activities, but this has to be arranged in good time.
My visa or permit was refused. What can I do?
A refusal can be challenged administratively and in court. The deadlines are short, and for a return decision only 10 days from service.
Legal Tips & News
Case Studies
