USR, PNL and UDMR lawmakers propose citizenship for foreign spouses of Romanians in the diaspora after ten years of marriage and cohabitation

Foreign spouses of Romanian citizens settled in the diaspora could obtain Romanian citizenship without establishing domicile in Romania, according to a legislative bill registered in Parliament. The initiative is backed by USR, PNL and UDMR lawmakers and provides for a period of at least ten years of marriage and cohabitation.

The bill amending Citizenship Law No. 21/1991, registered under numbers Bp. 433/2026 and L 540/2026, would allow the periods during which the spouses lived together in Romania and abroad to be combined. Applicants would still have to meet the requirements concerning knowledge of the Romanian language, culture, Constitution and national anthem, as well as undergo administrative and security checks.

The initiators argue that domicile abroad should not prevent the acquisition of citizenship when there is a genuine family relationship and ties to Romania.

The government led by Ilie Bolojan does not support the bill in its current form. The Executive warns of the risk of sham marriages, difficulties in verifying cohabitation and criminal records abroad, and potential security risks. The government also points to differences in treatment compared with foreign spouses living in Romania, as well as the need for additional staff and funding for consulates.