Family Reunification Visa – Top 5 Questions

If you want to bring your family to Romania, you will need a family reunification visa. It is a type of visa that allows family members of a Romanian citizen or legal resident to join them in Romania for an extended period. The purpose of the visa is to reunite families who have been separated due to migration or other circumstances. In this article I am going to offer you answers to the main questions regarding:

1. Who is eligible for a family reunification visa in Romania?

The following family members are eligible for a family reunification visa in Romania:

• The spouse of a Romanian citizen or legal resident - you must provide a valid marriage certificate to prove the relationship.

• Minor children under the age of 18 of a Romanian citizen or legal resident, or of his/her spouse, as well as the adopted ones - you must provide a birth certificate or other proof of parentage.

• Unmarried adult children of a Romanian citizen or legal resident, in case they cannot support themselves due to medical reasons.

• Dependent parents of a Romanian citizen or legal resident - you must provide proof of dependency, such as financial support from the Romanian citizen or resident.

2. Who can ask for a family reunification?

• Foreign citizens holding a temporary residence permit valid for one year in Romania;

• Foreigners holding a Blue EU Card and foreigners conducting scientific research activities - even if the validity of the residence permit is less than one year;

• Those who have a long-term residence permit in Romania;

• Beneficiaries of refugee or subsidiary protection status.

3. Which are the steps for obtaining visa for family reunification?

A standard application is submitted to the territorial formation of the General Inspectorate for Immigration in whose area the applicant legally resides and will be accompanied by the documents required by law. It will be resolved within a maximum of 3 months from the date of submission.

The approval of the application is communicated in writing to the applicant, in order to transmit it to the interested family members, who present it to the diplomatic mission or the consular office within 60 days from the date of issue, together with the application for the granting of a long-stay visa for reunification the family. In case of rejection of the request, the reasons will be communicated to the foreigner in writing.

The visa is issued by the diplomatic missions or consular offices of Romania in the country where the family members have their residence or domicile.

4. What is the validity period of a family reunification visa in Romania?

The validity period of a family reunification visa in Romania depends on your specific case and the decision of the Romanian embassy or consulate processing your application. Generally, family reunification visas are valid for a period of up to one year. However, the exact validity period may vary based on factors such as the duration of your family member's residency in Romania, the length of your intended stay, and the decision of the embassy or consulate. It's important to note that a family reunification visa is usually a temporary visa, and if you wish to stay in Romania with your family for a longer period, you may need to apply for a long-term residence permit or other relevant documentation.

5. Can I work in Romania on a family reunification visa?

Yes, it is possible to work in Romania on a family reunification visa, but you will need to obtain a work permit too. You can apply for a work permit once you arrive in Romania and have registered with the local authorities. You will need to provide several documents to support your work permit application, including a valid employment contract, proof of qualifications, and proof of payment of social security contributions. The work permit application process can take several weeks, and you will need to renew your work permit annually. It's important to note that working without a valid work permit in Romania is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including deportation.

In conclusion, the process of obtaining a family reunification visa in Romania can be complex and requires careful attention to detail. The eligibility requirements, application process, and required documents can vary based on individual circumstances, making it difficult for those who are not familiar with the legal system to navigate. For this reason, you should consider seeking the assistance of a specialized immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and provide advice on the best course of action. A specialized immigration lawyer in Bucharest can ensure that all necessary documents are submitted correctly and on time, and can help avoid delays or denials of the visa application. In order to do this, you can schedule a consulting session by clicking here.