Restitution of Properties in Romania: What You Need to Know about ANRP Compensation, Appeals, and the Restitution Process in Romania

The process of restitution of nationalized or abusively taken properties by the state is carried out through the National Authority for Restitution of Properties (ANRP) and through CNCI (National Commission for Property Compensation), in accordance with the provisions of Law 165/2013 regarding the measures for the finalization of the restitution process, either in kind or by equivalent, of properties abusively taken during the communist regime in ANRP in Romania, of real estate in Romania abusively taken during the communist regime. Entitled persons submit property files for ANRP compensation, which are resolved through ANRP decisions that establish whether restitution will be granted in kind or, if not possible, through ANRP compensation in the form of compensation points. These points reflect a value determined based on a property evaluation procedure and are later converted into payment titles and ANRP compensation payments. This legal mechanism plays an essential role in protecting the right of ownership in Romania and ensuring that former owners or their heirs receive fair and lawful compensation.

Throughout this process, the intervention of a restitution lawyer or a property lawyer in Romania specializing in retrocessions is absolutely necessary. With their assistance, the validity of an ANRP decision can be analyzed, the accuracy of the property evaluation verified, and an appealing a decision can be formulated when compensations are undervalued or when procedural irregularities exist. Furthermore, Law 165/2013 sets out clear deadlines for resolving property files for ANRP compensation and regulates both the calculation of compensations and the mechanisms for converting compensation points into ANRP payments.

Thus, in order to effectively protect the right of ownership in Romania, each beneficiary needs a strong legal strategy that includes the specialized assistance of a restitution lawyer, constant monitoring of ANRP decisions, verification of evaluation reports, timely submission of an appealing a decision, and careful follow-up of the stages of turning payment titles into actual payments. Collaboration with a property lawyer in Romania specializing in retrocessions increases the chances of a correct and timely resolution, ensuring that the ANRP compensations granted reflect the real value and legal rights of the entitled persons.

The Romanian Law Firm Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates recommends resorting to the services of a restitution lawyer who can assist you with the formulation of an appealing a decision, filing it before the competent court, and representing you before all the institutions in charge, such as the National Authority for Restitution of Properties (ANRP) and CNCI. This ensures full compliance with all legal requirements related to the right of ownership in Romania. Moreover, the legislation concerning properties abusively taken has undergone numerous changes and interpretations, which may generate difficulties in understanding and applying it, particularly in matters involving real estate in Romania, without the assistance of a property lawyer in Romania specialized in retrocessions.

The role of the National Authority for Restitution of Properties

The National Authority for Restitution of Properties (ANRP) is the central institution responsible for resolving claims and property files seeking restitution in kind or, when this is not possible, through equivalent compensation for properties abusively taken by the Romanian state during the communist regime. ANRP in Romania plays an essential role in issuing ANRP decisions, applying and interpreting the provisions of Law 165/2013, and collaborating with CNCI, the body competent to analyze documentation in detail and to determine the amount of compensation and the method of granting it. When physical restitution is not possible, ANRP, through CNCI, establishes the amount of compensation points corresponding to the property through a valuation procedure based on the notarial grid and current evaluation standards. The notarial grid reflects minimum market values from the previous year, constituting one of the main causes of litigation against ANRP. Later, these compensation points are converted into payment titles, resulting in ANRP payments according to the calendar set by law. At every stage, the support of a restitution lawyer is crucial for interpreting ANRP decisions, verifying the valuation methodology, and challenging any irregularities.

In addition to its direct legal responsibilities, ANRP in Romania also manages property files for individuals or legal entities who, at the time of the abusive takeover, held property rights. The procedure is governed both by Law 10/2001 regarding properties abusively taken between March 6, 1945, and December 22, 1989, and by Law 165/2013, and the accuracy of supporting documents is essential. At this stage, a property lawyer in Romania or restitution lawyer has a key role: reviewing the file, structuring evidence, submitting supplementary documents when essential acts are missing, and filing an appealing a decision when ANRP decisions do not reflect the legal or economic reality of the property. In practice, many ANRP decisions are challenged before administrative courts, and success directly depends on the quality of representation and compliance with procedural deadlines. These procedures are particularly relevant in cases involving real estate in Romania, where ownership rights and fair compensation are at stake.

Moreover, ANRP in Romania collaborates constantly with CNCI for the analysis of each property file and for applying calculation methodologies regarding compensation points. These points reflect the property’s value, depending on surface, features, location, and the notarial grid. An incorrect valuation can result in significantly reduced ANRP compensation, which makes the involvement of a restitution lawyer specializedin real estate in Romania indispensable for challenging such results. Without professional intervention, beneficiaries risk receiving substantially lower ANRP compensations than the real value of the lost property, losing the chance to adjust through an appealing a decision. Only with specialized legal representation from a property lawyer in Romania can the process of turning compensation points into ANRP payments be effectively followed, ensuring just recovery of property rights.

ANRP Compensation: How it is calculated and how to obtain compensation for properties

The calculation of ANRP compensation is governed by clear mechanisms under Law 165/2013 and is based on essential criteria: property evaluation according to the notarial grid, the use category of the land or building at the time of the abusive takeover, surface, location in urban or rural areas, building quality, and the legal situation of the property. All these are assessed by CNCI, under the authority of ANRP in Romania, which has the exclusive competence to issue decisions in property files. When restitution in kind is not possible, CNCI grants compensation points to property owners equivalent to the lost property’s value. Thus, compensation points become the basis for converting compensations into money through payment titles.

After receiving an ANRP decision, the beneficiary has the right to know exactly the calculation method and applied criteria. The number of compensation points is determined by the property evaluation, and for their conversion into money, a payment title is issued, later used for ANRP compensation payments. However, practice has shown frequent delays or even suspensions of payments, for example, in 2025, ANRP in Romania temporarily suspended compensation payments for certain categories of nationalized properties. For this reason, applicants must constantly monitor deadlines for resolving and issuing ANRP decisions, while the involvement of a restitution lawyer or property lawyer in Romania becomes essential for assistance both in filing property files and in verifying valuations, or if necessary, filing an appealing a decision. This legal support is particularly important in cases concerning real estate in Romania, where delays or errors can significantly affect the value and timeline of compensation.

The calculation of compensation cannot be arbitrary or discretionary: a property evaluation must be done according to Law 165/2013 methodology, the notarial grid, and updated CNCI norms. In many recent cases, beneficiaries noticed considerable differences between the market value of properties and the ANRP compensation granted through ANRP decisions, which generated litigation and appeals. In such cases, a restitution lawyer specializedin real estate in Romania may request a reevaluation of the property, including through independent expert reports. Intervention by a property lawyer in Romania is therefore essential to adjust compensation values and ensure that the compensation points correctly reflect the real property value, guaranteeing fair distribution of ANRP compensation payments.

Appeals against ANRP: How to legally protect yourself against the authority’s decisions

Filing an appealing a decision against an ANRP decision is a crucial step for protecting the interests of persons who consider themselves prejudiced. According to Law 165/2013, the deadline for submitting an appeal is 30 days from the official communication of the decision. At this stage, the assistance of a restitution lawyer or property lawyer specializedin real estate in Romania is indispensable, as they can check whether the evaluation complied with the notarial grid and whether the number of compensation points correctly reflects the property’s real value. Through appealing a decision, one may request recalculation of compensation, annulment of the decision in whole or in part, or even restitution in kind, if legally possible.

In situations where beneficiaries consider that the granted compensation points are insufficient or that ANRP compensation is undervalued, the procedure may continue in court. If the administrative solution is not favorable, property files can be referred to the civil courts. In these litigations, the role of a restitution lawyer specializedin real estate in Romania is critical to supporting the evidence, verifying compliance with evaluation norms, and strongly arguing against inconsistencies in ANRP decisions. Court practice shows that in many cases judges have accepted recalculations and adjustments of compensation points, confirming the importance of specialized representation by a property lawyer in Romania.

An additional key aspect is CNCI’s obligation to resolve all property files within the deadlines set by Law 165/2013. Delays or the absence of clear solutions may justify the claimant’s recourse to court to compel the finalization of procedures. In such cases, a restitution lawyer specializedin real estate in Romania assists beneficiaries by correctly calculating compensation points, drafting lawsuits, and maximizing the chances of fair ANRP compensation payments. Specialized legal support ensures not only effective appealing a decision but also the use of all procedural tools to protect the right of ownership in Romania.

Property evaluation for restitution: What the process involves and how it affects compensation

A property evaluation is the basic stage in the restitution or compensation process, directly influencing the number of compensation points and the final ANRP compensation. Under Law 165/2013, the criteria include the notarial grid, the use category of the property, geographic area, surface, and condition of the construction at the time of the abusive takeover. CNCI, within ANRP, analyzes these data and issues decisions establishing compensation points. When the evaluation is underestimated, beneficiaries may be deprived of fair compensation, since restitution in kind is often impossible, leaving financial compensation as the only option.

Usually, a property evaluation is done based on the notarial grid valid at the time of takeover, correlated with market prices, in order to reflect a realistic value. Practice, however, shows differences between market values and the notarial grid, which may result in lower compensations than economic reality. In these situations, a restitution lawyer or property lawyer in Romania is essential for reviewing the evaluation, requesting independent expert reports, and comparing official values with market prices. Such intervention can fundamentally change the outcome of property files and secure ANRP decisions aligned with reality.

Errors in evaluation directly affect the amount of ANRP compensation payments. An undervaluation reduces the overall compensation and thus the number of compensation points, while a correct valuation may result in more advantageous payment titles. To correct such cases, a property lawyer in Romania can file an appealing a decision and request reevaluations through technical expertise. Cadastral documents, expert reports, property plans, and other evidence are indispensable to success. Without a solid evaluation, an appealing a decision risks being rejected as unfounded, affecting the right of ownership in Romania.

ANRP compensation points: What they are and how they affect your property rights

Compensation points under ANRP represent units of measure created by Law 165/2013, used when restitution in kind is no longer possible. These points reflect the market value of the property, based on evaluations carried out under the notarial grid and CNCI criteria. Each ANRP decision specifies the number of compensation points, which are central to the calculation of ANRP payments.

The total number of compensation points awarded in a property file depends on factors such as the property’s category of use, size, surface, geographic location, technical condition, and use at the time of takeover. In practice, reports by ANRP in Romania show that thousands of decisions granted high point values, yet many property files revealed undervaluations or discrepancies between market value and the administratively set value. In such cases, an appealing a decision is the legal remedy for requesting a recalculation. The expertise of a restitution lawyer or property lawyer in Romania is essential to verify calculation methods and maximize compensation.

Payment titles under ANRP in Romania allow the conversion of compensation points into money, either in full or in installments, depending on state resources and the established calendar. These compensations often relate to the restitution of properties concerning the right of ownership in Romania, especially in cases involving real estate in Romania that was abusively taken by the state. Correct calculation of compensation points directly affects the amount of these titles and, consequently, the level of ANRP compensation payments. A claimant awarded a high number of compensation points benefits from more substantial titles, which means significant financial compensation.

Law 165/2013: Essential rules for the restitution of land and properties in Romania

Law 165/2013 is the essential legal framework regulating the completion of restitution of properties abusively taken by the state, either in kind or by equivalent. It establishes property evaluation methodology, makes the notarial grid a mandatory benchmark, and imposes strict deadlines on CNCI and ANRP in Romania for resolving property files. It also confirms the right of any interested person to file an appealing a decision, regulates the conditions for granting ANRP payments, and the issuance of payment titles.

The establishment of deadlines is another important aspect of Law 165/2013: CNCI must issue ANRP compensation decisions within a maximum of 60 months for most cases, and 36 months for land restitution files. Failure to meet these deadlines allows beneficiaries to take legal action through an appealing a decision, assisted by a restitution lawyer, to obtain recognition of the legal compensation. In practice, administrative delays are common, and court actions become indispensable tools for protecting the right of ownership in Romania.

The law also sets penalties for delays, establishes how compensation points are calculated, the procedure for issuing payment titles, and the framework for ANRP payments. Without proper interpretation of these provisions, beneficiaries risk receiving undervalued ANRP decisions or facing significant delays in receiving compensation. For this reason, collaboration with a property lawyer in Romania or restitution lawyer is essential: they can verify if evaluations are accurate, if property files are resolved on time, and if ANRP payments reflect the real value set by law, ensuring full protection of right of ownership in Romania.

Thus, the restitution of properties in Romania is a complex process, and success depends on the accuracy of property evaluations, compliance of property files, and adherence to legal procedures, including careful monitoring of ANRP decisions and timely appealing a decision. The involvement of a restitution lawyer or property lawyer in Romania is essential to verify compensation points, challenge underestimated evaluations, and maximize ANRP payments, avoiding undervalued compensation and delays in implementing legal provisions. Full knowledge of the legal framework and a sound legal strategy enable efficient management of property files, conversion of compensation points into payment titles, and obtaining fair ANRP compensation payments. So, the involvement of a specialized restitution lawyer guarantees the respect of the right of ownership in Romania, correct application of the law, and completion of the restitution process efficiently, protecting beneficiaries’ interests at every stage, especially in the matters involving real estate in Romania.

Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm is one of the top law firms in Romania, providing high-quality legal services. The firm’s clients include multinational and domestic companies of great magnitude. In 2025, the law firm’s success stories brought it international recognition from the most prestigious international guides and publications in the field. As a result, Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm ranked 3rd in Romania in the Legal 500’s ranking of business law firms with the most relevant expertise. The law firm is internationally recognized by the IFLR 1000 Financial and Corporate 2025 guide. Additionally, Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm is the only law firm in Romania recommended by the international director of Global Law Experts in London in the Dispute Resolution practice area. All relevant information about Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm can be found on the website www.avocatpavel.com.