How to apply for a Romania Family Reunification Visa

Do you want your family to join you in Romania? Romania has made it easy for you through the Romania Family Reunification Visa. Since you’re not an EU/EEA citizen or from those countries given visa-free access by Romania, you need to know that’s the best route. However, you can apply for it at the Authority for Foreigners only if you are a Romania permanent residence permit or an EU Blue card holder.

This article will explore the benefits and how to apply for a Romania family reunification visa. Additionally, it breaks down the process and those who need this type of Romania visa. So, sit back and enjoy this piece.

What is the Romania Family Reunification Visa?

The Romania family reunification visa is a long-stay Romania visa that allows non-EU legal residents of Romania to bring in their families from abroad. You must apply for the Romania type D/VF since the family stays for over 90 days. And the visa fee for a family reunification visa in Romania is €120.

Eligibility Criteria for Romania Family Visa

It’s not everyone living in Romania that can be a sponsor. A sponsor in this context is someone that wants to bring their family over to Romania under the family visa program. The following people are eligible to bring their families over under this program;

♯1. Romanian Citizens

A Romanian citizen who got married in their home country before traveling to Romania falls under this category. Additionally, those who have adopted foreign minors and want to bring them to Romania also fall under this category.

♯2. EU/EEA Citizens

You should know that European Union or European Economic Area member-country nationals who want to bring their family to Bulgaria fall under this class. Although EU/EEA nationals can visit Romania for up to ninety days and are exempt from Romania visa requirements, there are certain boundaries. They have to obtain a residence permit to bring their family over. It is why non-EU nationals married to EU nationals need a family visa to reunite with their family.

♯3. Residence Permit Holders or EU Blue Card Holders

Non-EU/EEA citizens and EU Blue Card Holders in Romania with a temporary residence permit holder of up to one year are under this category. Thus, holders of long-term residence permits can also assist their families in applying for a Romania visa through the family reunification visa program. Lastly, a refugee status or subsidiary protection beneficiary can do it too.

You should know that not all relatives are eligible to apply for the Romania family reunification visa. Romania is very strict about who they consider family under this program. The following family members are given recognition under this Romania visa program;

♯1. Spouses

A spouse in this context means a husband/wife married to a residence permit holder. First, however, there must be a marriage certificate to back this claim. Then the journey to the family reunion will start.

♯2. Minor/Dependent Children

Minor/Dependent children are those children whom you wish to bring to Romania from your home country. They can be your biological children or adopted children. They’re eligible if they can’t provide for themselves and depend on you financially.

♯3. Parents/Parents-in-law

Lastly, the Romania family reunification visa allows you to bring your parents or spouse’s parents to Romania. They can come on if they can’t provide for themselves due to medical reasons. Also, if they don’t enjoy family support in your home country, they can come in too.

Application Requirements for Romania Family Reunification Visa

First and foremost, you must receive authorization from the Romania General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) before applying for a long-stay Romania visa. Just like two sides to a coin, there are requirements for Romanian residents and non-EU citizens in their home country.

For the Romanian Resident

To obtain the IGI’s favorable opinion, you must submit several documents to the territorial units of the General Inspectorate for Immigration in the county where you live. It includes the following;

• Your completed official visa application form that you download from the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Documents proving your family relationship; competent authorities should issue it. Furthermore, it should be translated or transcribed according to the law. These documents entail Marriage certificates for spouses, Birth certificates for children and parents, and proof of kinship.
• An authenticated letter establishes that the family members will live with you (sponsor).
• Copy of document proving your right to stay in Romania.
• Proof of legal ownership of a house that will occupy your family in Romania.
• Submit proof of adequate financial means to support your family members.
• Proof of possessing insurance in the social health insurance system.
• Suppose the sponsor is applying to bring a minor child shared in joint custody. In that case, there should be a written statement from the other parent stating they agree.
• A copy of the international passport of the family member for whom you’re requesting the family reunification.

Please note that your family reunification Romania visa will be rejected if there is bigamy or polygamy.

For the Family in their Home Country

On the other hand, a family member coming to Romania must apply through a diplomatic mission or consular office of Romania in their country. They must submit the following documents;

1. Submit a copy of the approval letter from the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) for family reunification. You need this if the sponsor is a non-EU citizen.
2. A certificate of police clearance showing you’ll not be a danger to Romania’s national defense and security.
3. Submit two recent passport-sized photographs that meet Romania visa photo requirements. For instance, Applicants should take it on a white background.
4. A valid national passport recognized by Romania and issued in the past ten years. Additionally, it must have at least two blank pages. It will remain valid for up to three months beyond your stay in Romania.
5. Flight Ticket
6. Submit a copy of civil documents attesting to the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate and birth certificate.

Romania Family Visa: How to Apply

Congratulations, you have gotten all the required documents. What’s next? You must follow the following process to apply for a Romania family reunification visa.

1. You should submit your Romania eVisa application online. It’s accessible 24/7, and you must attach electronic copies of every required document.
2. Go to the Romanian diplomatic mission and submit the originals of the required documents.
3. Wait for your application to be valid, and the consular staff will contact you for the appointment date.
4. Get to the diplomatic mission on the date of your appointment on time.
5. Pay the visa fee for the family reunification visa in Romania. It costs €120.
6. While waiting for your application to be processed, you can check for progress on the online application portal.
7. After confirmation that your application is processed and approved, the consulate will inform you of the decision. Lastly, you’ll also know when you can receive the visa, which comes with your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a Romania family reunification visa?

The request for family reunification takes up to ninety days, and its approval will come in writing form to the applicant. After that, the applicant will send it to family members who present it at the diplomatic mission or the consular office. So, it’ll be done within 60 days from the date of issue, together with the application for the extended stay visa for family reunification.

How can I get permanent residence in Romania?

Everyone that wants to stay in Romania for more than ninety days must obtain a Romanian residence permit. Foreign nationals can get permanent residence in Romania if they possess a temporary residence permit. However, there are certain conditions to follow. These include proof of a continuous and legal stay of a minimum of five years on national territory.

Can I travel visa-free to Schengen countries with a Romanian residence permit?

You can’t travel visa-free to Schengen countries with Romanian residence permits. The residence permit is for migration and not for freedom to travel without a visa. Apart from that, Romania is not part of the Schengen agreement.

How to get an EU Blue Card in Romania?

You need a valid work contract for at least a year to apply for an EU blue card in Romania. Additionally, you should meet the minimum salary threshold and present a valid travel document.

How long does it take to become a citizen in Romania?

You can become a citizen in Romania after four years of residency in the country.

Conclusion

Conclusively, if you are interested in applying for a Romania Family Reunification Visa, conduct your research and follow the correct steps. The process can be long and time-consuming, but it is worth it in the end. Please note that you will need a lot of documentation to support your application, so start gathering everything you need as soon as possible. And finally, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer or immigration specialist if you have any questions or need help getting started.