Romania Now Requires Biometric Data from Citizenship Applicants

The Romanian government has implemented new measures regarding the use of biometrics in citizenship. Starting from September 1, 2024, applicants seeking to obtain or reacquire Romanian citizenship will be required to provide biometric data, which includes digital photographs and fingerprinting. 

The move is part of Romania’s efforts to enhance the security and efficiency of the citizenship process and align with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Romanian government also plans to replace the current paper-based citizenship certificates with electronic cards that store personal and biometric data. The change is intended to create a more secure and verifiable process for obtaining Romanian citizenship and permanent residency.

These measures are also part of Romania’s broader strategy to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which would allow Romanian citizens to travel to the United States without a visa. The introduction of biometric measures is seen as a step towards meeting the technical criteria required for that program.

Likewise, the measure could help to better align Romania with the European Union’s impending biometric Entry-Exit System for border control, which is expected to take effect this November.

Romania is actively involved in the EU’s internal market and benefits from the free movement of goods, services, capital, and workers within the EU. However, Romania is not yet part of the eurozone, as it has not adopted the euro currency, and it is also not fully integrated into the Schengen Area, although air and sea border controls were lifted as of March 31, 2024.

Source: Schengen News

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August 30, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith