Romania · family · Leads to settlement
Family Reunification (Romania)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If a close family member already lives lawfully in Romania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - IGI settles reunification requests within a set period, then visas follow within a window; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - visa and residence-permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Generally aligned to the sponsor's residence and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Family reunification lets the spouse, minor or adopted children, and in some cases other dependants, of a non-EU national lawfully residing in Romania join them. The sponsor requests reunification with IGI, which decides within a set period; once approved, your family members have a window to obtain their long-stay (type D) visas. The relationship, accommodation and means of support are evidenced. It is a settlement-capable route, with lawful time counting toward EU long-term residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The sponsor is a non-EU national lawfully residing in Romania on a qualifying permit.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You have a qualifying relationship - typically spouse, or minor or adopted children.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓The sponsor can show adequate accommodation and means of support for the family.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and meet the general conditions for residence.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Common blockers
- !A sponsor whose residence status does not support family reunification.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- !Missing the window to obtain the long-stay visa after the request is approved.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- !Inability to evidence the relationship, accommodation or means of support.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the long-stay (type D) family-reunification visa.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Proof of the family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Proof of the sponsor's residence status and adequate accommodation.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Evidence of sufficient means of support and health insurance.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the sponsor's residence status supports reunification and that you have a qualifying relationship.
Build the evidence pack
Gather relationship certificates, the sponsor's status proof, accommodation and means evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Have the sponsor file the reunification request with IGI; once approved, obtain the type D visa within the set window.
After approval
Apply to IGI for the residence permit, renew alongside the sponsor, and track time toward EU long-term residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Family Reunification (Romania) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Family Reunification (Romania).
General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) · verified
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Compare Romania with
Related routes
Single Permit for Work and Residence
If you are a non-EU national with a Romanian job offer, the single permit is the main route - one document covering both your work and your residence.
EU Long-Term Residence (Romania)
If you have lived in Romania continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - a long-term right to stay with EU-wide mobility benefits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the request take?+
IGI settles family-reunification requests within a set period, after which your family has a window to obtain their long-stay visas. Confirm the current timelines on the official IGI page.
Who counts as family?+
It typically covers the spouse and minor or adopted children, and in some cases other dependants. Confirm who qualifies on the official IGI page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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