How to Live, Work, and Apply for Citizenship When Married to a Romanian Citizen
Many foreign citizens search for “Romania spouse visa” when they want to move to Romania after marrying a Romanian citizen. In reality, the procedure depends on your nationality. Some non-EU citizens must apply for a visa before coming to Romania, while others can enter without a visa and apply directly for a residence permit. In this article, I explain both options, the rights you obtain, and the path towards citizenship.
As an immigration lawyer, I will summarize below the most important aspects for non-EU citizens married to Romanians.
1.Romania Spouse Visa (family reunification visa) – When a Visa Is Required
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Romania, the first step is to apply for a long-stay visa for family reunification (D/FR).
* This application is made at the Romanian consulate in your home country.
* Once granted, the visa allows you to travel to Romania and stay legally while you submit your residence permit application.
* After arriving, you must apply at the Immigration Office (IGI) for a residence permit for family reunification.
This is the situation for most non-EU countries that do not have a visa-free agreement with Romania.
2. When No Visa Is Needed
If you are from a country whose citizens can travel to Romania without a visa for short stays (for example, the United States, Canada, Japan, etc.), you do not need to apply for a spouse visa before entering.
* You can enter Romania without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.
* Before this period expires, you must apply at IGI for the residence permit for family reunification.
* Once approved, this residence permit is issued for up to 5 years.
3.Work Rights for Non-EU Spouses
One of the most important benefits of being married to a Romanian citizen is that you do not need a separate work permit.
With your residence permit, you have the right to:
* Work in Romania under the same conditions as Romanian citizens
* Sign an employment contract directly with an employer
* Access social security and public healthcare
4. Residence and Permanent Stay
The residence permit for family reunification is issued for up to 5 years and after five years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence in Romania.
* Permanent residence offers stability and almost the same rights as Romanian citizens, except for voting rights.
5. Required Documents
To apply for the residence permit, you usually need:
* Marriage certificate registered in Romania (if concluded abroad, it must first be transcribed)
* Valid passport
* Proof of accommodation in Romania
* Health insurance
6. Romanian Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage with a Romanian citizen also creates a faster route to citizenship.
* Normally, citizenship by naturalization requires eight years of residence.
* For non-EU spouses of Romanian citizens, the period is reduced to five years.
* You must also show knowledge of the Romanian language, culture, and constitutional principles.
This pathway is often called “Romanian citizenship by marriage” and is one of the main long-term goals for many couples.
Important Notes from Practice
Only a civil marriage registered in Romania produces legal effects for residence rights. Religious or symbolic ceremonies are not enough.
The Immigration Office carefully verifies the genuineness of marriages to prevent fraud. Each case is reviewed individually, so complete and accurate documentation is essential.
As an immigration lawyer, I have assisted many non-EU spouses in Romania with both the visa and residence permit procedures. My role is to guide you step by step: from registering your marriage in Romania, to applying for the long-stay visa if needed, to obtaining the residence permit and later citizenship.
If you are looking for clear and reliable legal guidance on what is commonly called the “Romania spouse visa,” I am here to assist you.
Why Choose RT Legal Office for Your Residence Permit Romania
At RT Legal Office, we provide complete immigration support:
Personalized consultation in English- Full preparation, verification of documents and assistance through the process
- Assistance at the Immigration Office (IGI)
- Assistance with renewals, permanent residence, and citizenship
- Transparent fees and step-by-step guidance
Contact us today:
RT Legal Office – Immigration & More
contact@rtlegaloffice.com | 
+40 725 743 213
www.rtlegaloffice.com
