For over ten years, Romania was completely closed to intercountry adoptions. In 2012, Romania relaxed its laws, although in a very tentative way. Relatives and Romanians residing abroad may adopt regardless of age or marital status, but prospective parents without ties to Romania have no avenue to adopt.
For more up-to-date information on adoption from Romania, visit the Romania Adoption page on the U.S. State Department’s website. Get parent-to-parent advice and support in the International Adoptive Families group in our online community, Adoptive Families Circle.
Romania Adoption Fast Facts
- 2016 Adoptions: 5 children
- Hague Country: Yes
- Estimated Total Cost: Unknown
- Profile of Children: Most children are older or in sibling groups.
- Parent Ages: Adoptive parents must be 18 years older than the child, or 16 years older in special circumstances.
- Family Status: Adoptive parents must either be relatives (to the fourth degree of kinship), or the spouse of a child’s birth parent. Romanians residing in the U.S. may adopt, provided either they or their spouse is a U.S. citizen. Same sex couples may not adopt.
- Travel: May require one to three trips, including a 30-day bonding period with the child.
- Timeline: Because Romanian adoption programs are still considered pilot programs, timelines have not yet been established.
