Romanian A2 exam guide 2027
From 1 January 2027, foreigners applying for long-term residence in Romania must show a Romanian language certificate at level A2. This guide explains who needs it, where to take the exam and how to prepare.
Who needs it
Non-EU citizens applying for long-term residence (rezidență pe termen lung) after 1 January 2027. Family members and special categories may have exceptions — always confirm with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Legal basis
The requirement comes from changes to the Romanian rules on the status of foreigners (Government Emergency Ordinance no. 194/2002, as amended). The A2 level follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Where to take the exam
Accredited institutions such as state universities with Romanian-for-foreigners departments (for example the UBB Cluj and Romanian Cultural Institute consortium) and the Romanian Language Institute organise the exams. Session dates vary and A2 sessions are not always open, so ask the centre before you plan.
Costs
Exam fees are set by each centre. Published 2026 examples: 522 lei for the assessment alone under Ministry of Education Order 4649/2026 (5,217 lei if you also take the course); 250 lei at the Romanian Language Institute (ILR) for its 2026 online sessions, which covered B1 to C2 and listed no A2 session in mid-October; and €100 for a university A2 session in Cluj. Fees are usually not refunded if you miss the exam. Ask the centre for the current price before registering.
Exam format
The format depends on the centre. At the ILR (Romanian Language Institute): reading 15 minutes (25%), writing 60 minutes (25%) and a 30-minute oral part (50%) made of a true/false listening task and a dialogue with the examiner, often based on a picture. At the UBB/ICR university consortium (RoExam): five parts worth 20 points each: listening, reading, grammar and vocabulary, writing (a 30–40-word message and a 50–60-word text) and speaking (a 1-minute interview, a 3-minute paired dialogue and a 2-minute talk from pictures). Always confirm the format with your centre.
How to prepare
Practise speaking every day, even for 10 minutes. Learn everyday vocabulary: family, work, shopping, health and housing. Do mock exams to get used to the timing. A2Ready gives you an AI examiner to practise with anytime.
Deadline
The requirement applies to applications submitted from 1 January 2027. Start preparing at least 3–6 months before you plan to apply, because exam dates fill up quickly.
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