Protection orders in Romania in 2026: step by step, with everything that changed

Many people think a protection order is a piece of paper that is hard to get and comes too late. The law says otherwise. Its deadlines are counted in hours, not months, and the State is obliged to move fast. The problem is that the rules have changed several times in the last three years, and few people know them as they stand today. This guide follows the text of Law no. 217/2003 currently in force, checked on the Romanian Ministry of Justice legislation portal.

Two kinds of order

The emergency protection order (ordin de protecție provizoriu) is issued by the police, on the spot, when officers find an imminent risk that someone's life, physical integrity or liberty will be endangered by an act of domestic violence. It lasts 5 days, and the law specifies that the period is counted in hours: 120 hours from issue. The measures apply immediately, without notice. The police can, for example, order the abuser to leave the home temporarily, even if he owns it, and to keep a distance from the victim.

The protection order (ordin de protecție) is issued by a judge. It is stronger and lasts longer. The court can order, among other things, the abuser's eviction, a ban on any contact including by phone, a minimum distance from the victim's home, work or school, the surrender of weapons, an electronic monitoring device, where the children will live, and even a ban on the abuser collecting the children's State allowance.

What changed in December 2025

Until recently, once the 5 days of the emergency order ran out, a victim could be left unprotected if she did not manage to get to court on her own. Law no. 232/2025, in force since 19 December 2025, closed that gap. The emergency order goes to the prosecutor within 24 hours, and the prosecutor decides within 48 hours whether to maintain it. If confirmed, the prosecutor immediately sends it to the district court together with an application for a protection order, filed by the prosecutor on the victim's behalf. The emergency order is automatically extended until the court rules at first instance.

On 16 September 2026, Romania's High Court of Cassation and Justice settled a question that had arisen in practice: the victim may withdraw an application filed by the prosecutor on her behalf (Decision no. 82/2026). The final decision belongs to the protected person.

What changed in March 2026

Law no. 36/2026, in force since 28 March 2026, brought three changes. First, if there has already been an order against the same abuser that expired, and a new one is needed within the next 5 years, the judge can issue it for up to 24 months, whoever the victim is this time. Second, the application can be filed not only at the district court where the victim lives, but also where the violence took place. Third, the court orders the abuser to undergo psychological counselling or psychotherapy, in addition to the other measures.

The general rule has stayed the same since 2023: a protection order lasts at most 12 months, and if the ruling says nothing about duration, it lasts 12 months.

Step by step

• If you are in danger now, call 112. Say clearly that you fear for your life and ask for a risk assessment and an emergency protection order.
• If you want to go straight to court, the application is filed at the district court where you live or where the violence happened. There is a standard form annexed to the law, and no court fee is charged.
• You do not need money for a lawyer. The law makes legal assistance mandatory for the person asking for the order, so the court will appoint one if you do not have one.
• The deadline is short. The application is heard urgently, within 72 hours of filing at most. In very serious cases, the judge can issue the order the same day without summoning the parties.
• You do not have to do it alone. The application can be filed on your behalf by the prosecutor, by the local public social assistance service or, with your consent, by an accredited provider of services for victims.
• Gather what you can: a forensic medical certificate, photos, messages, names of witnesses, case numbers of earlier complaints.

If the abuser breaks the order

Breaching a protection order, whether issued by the police or by a court, is a criminal offence punishable by 6 months to 5 years in prison. Since December 2025, if the same person has breached an order before, the penalty limits increase by half. Report every breach to the police and ask for it to be recorded.

When the order expires, a new one can be requested if there are signs that the danger would return without protection. The protected person does not have to wait for a new act of violence to ask.

Where to get help

Romania's national helpline for victims of domestic violence, 0800 500 333, is free, confidential and open around the clock. It can tell you where the nearest shelter or counselling centre is.

This guide explains the law in force on the date it was checked. It is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer on your own situation.