My name is Ali Demir, and I was born in Istanbul, Turkey. Like many others, I dreamed of becoming a citizen of the European Union. In 2023, I finally achieved this goal by obtaining Romanian citizenship through repatriation. My journey was not easy, but thanks to persistence and the right guidance, I was able to succeed. Here, I want to share my story with anyone considering the same path.
Why I Chose Repatriation
At first, I thought about applying for residency and waiting years before being eligible for citizenship. However, I discovered that Romania offers a repatriation program for those who can prove their local heritage or connection to the state. This path is much faster and more efficient compared to more common residency route such as naturalization.
For me, the benefits of Romanian citizenship were clear:
- The right to live and work anywhere in the EU
- Visa-free travel across Europe
- Opportunities for my children’s education
- A new base for expanding my business activities
Repatriation gave me the chance to access all of these benefits more quickly.
The Process I Followed
The repatriation procedure was detailed and required accuracy. Here’s how my journey looked:
- I translated and legalized Turkish documents, such as my birth certificate and clean criminal record.
- I worked with a professional company that guided me through each step, ensuring no mistakes were made.
- I submitted my application to the Romanian authorities through the National Citizenship Authority.
- After waiting for approval, I attended an interview and took an oath of allegiance.
Thanks to professional support, the process was smooth, and I avoided many common errors.
Challenges Along the Way
Although repatriation is faster than naturalization, I still faced challenges:
- Document collection – it took time to find and prepare the necessary papers.
- Legal formalities – translations and apostilles were complicated, but the company handled them.
- Waiting period – patience was required while authorities reviewed the application.
Without guidance, I might have struggled more, and I believe there is no need to explain why, as this is a fairly common issue among immigrants.
Life After Obtaining Citizenship
When I finally held my Romanian passport in my hands, I felt an incredible sense of freedom. Today, I live part-time in Bucharest, running an import-export business between Turkey and the EU. My children are already enrolled in Romanian schools, and our family is enjoying new opportunities every day.
Conclusion
Looking back, I can say that choosing the repatriation route to Romanian citizenship was the best decision for me. With careful preparation, patience, and professional help, I achieved my goal much faster than I ever imagined.
