How to Apply for Asylum in Romania

Romania is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and offers international protection to people fleeing persecution, armed conflict, or serious harm. If you have arrived in Romania and wish to seek protection, this guide explains the key steps involved in the asylum process.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Express Your Intention to Seek Asylum

As soon as you arrive in Romania, you should express your wish to seek asylum to any border police officer, police officer, or official from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) — the Romanian authority responsible for asylum decisions. You can say: "Doresc să solicit azil" (I wish to apply for asylum).

It is important to do this as early as possible. Delaying your registration can complicate your case and may affect your access to housing and material support.

Step 2: Registration and Initial Interview

After expressing your intention, you will be referred to a regional IGI office or a reception center where you will be formally registered. During registration:

  • Your personal details will be recorded.
  • Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
  • You will receive a temporary identity document (tolerated stay document) that allows you to remain in Romania legally while your case is processed.
  • You will be assigned a case number and caseworker.

An initial interview will be scheduled to gather basic facts about your identity, nationality, and travel route.

Step 3: The Substantive Interview

This is the most important part of the process. A caseworker from IGI will conduct an in-depth interview about:

  • Why you left your country of origin.
  • What happened to you or what you fear will happen if you return.
  • Your personal and family history.

You have the right to an interpreter during this interview. You also have the right to have a lawyer or legal representative present. Take this interview seriously — be honest, detailed, and consistent. If you have supporting documents (such as police reports, medical records, or news articles), present them at this stage.

Step 4: The Decision

After the interview, IGI will assess your case against the criteria for:

  • Refugee status — if you face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group.
  • Subsidiary protection — if you do not qualify as a refugee but face serious harm (e.g., torture, death penalty, or indiscriminate violence from armed conflict).

The standard processing time varies but can range from a few months to over a year depending on case complexity and the current workload of the authorities.

Step 5: Appeals

If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision before the Administrative Court (Tribunal Administrativ) within a set deadline — typically 10 days for most cases. It is strongly advisable to seek legal assistance before lodging an appeal.

Documents You Will Need

  • Passport or any available travel document (if you have one).
  • Any identity documents (national ID, birth certificate).
  • Evidence supporting your claim (if available).
  • Photographs (for identity documents issued during the process).

Even if you have no documents at all, you can still apply for asylum. Lack of documentation is common and will not automatically result in rejection.

Need Help?

Several NGOs in Romania provide free legal assistance and can accompany you through the asylum process. Organizations such as UNHCR Romania, JRS Romania, and ICAR Foundation offer support services at no cost.