29 Nov 2024
Are you planning to move to Romania? This country has become a go-to destination for expats and non-EU workers. Thousands of expats come to Romania every year to earn and send money home. The good news is that work permits for non-EU nationals tripled between 2014 and 2024. Recently, Romania granted 100,000 permits to workers from outside the European Union.
But before you pack your bags, it’s essential to understand immigration requirements. This guide simplifies Romania’s immigration rules so you can navigate the process smoothly.
Romania is a great place to work as its economy is stable and developed. The country’s economy has shown steady improvement, with a GDP growth of 2.2% in 2023, and it's expected to rise to 2.8% in 2024. This steady growth brings more job opportunities.
The employment rate in Romania is forecasted to reach 51.75% in 2024, which shows the increasing number of people employed there. Also, the cost of living in Romania is lower than that of other European countries.
With a growing job market and lower living costs, many expats find it easy to save and make money transfer to home quite easier. Thus, it is an appealing destination for both workers and entrepreneurs.
No. You can travel to Romania without a visa if you're an EU or EEA citizen. EU residents have the freedom to work and stay in Romania. For stays longer than 90 days, EU citizens must register with the local authorities for a residence certificate.
Non-EU citizens planning to enter Romania must meet certain visa requirements. Here’s a quick overview:
A short-stay visa is needed if you visit for tourism, business meetings, or short-term purposes (up to 90 days ). This visa doesn’t allow you to work or study in Romania.
Those planning to stay longer—whether for work, studies, or family reunification—will need a long-stay visa. This visa is inevitable for living in Romania for more than three consecutive months.
To meet the needs of different purposes, Romania offers several types of long-stay visas:
If you have a job offer in Romania, you need a work visa. First, your Romanian employer needs to secure a work permit for you. Romania has recently increased its work permit quota, which is good news for skilled non-EU workers who want to join.
Non-EU students accepted into a Romanian school need a student visa. You’ll need proof of admission and enough funds to support yourself while you study.
Close family members of Romanian residents or EU Blue Card holders can apply for this visa. The EU Blue Card is for skilled non-EU professionals. You’ll need proof of your relationship and evidence of financial stability from your family member in Romania.
Yes, if you're a non-EU citizen planning to stay in Romania for more than 90 days, you’ll need a residence permit. Here’s what you need to know:
This is the most common type of residence permit. It’s granted for work, studies, or family reunification. Depending on your visa type, you’ll need to renew it every 1 to 3 years.
You can apply for permanent residence after living in Romania for 5 years. This permit gives you more stability and allows you to live and work in Romania without frequent renewals. It’s perfect for those planning to stay long-term.
Romania has a few legal requirements to keep in mind:
Employers must register your work contract within 15 days of your arrival. This is important for legal work status.
Any changes in your status, a new job, address, or passport must be reported.
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Romanian is the official language, but many people speak English in a normal tone. Learning some basic Romanian to better integrate into everyday life is helpful.
Yes, non-EU citizens can open a bank account in Romania. You must provide identification (passport), proof of residence, and a Romanian tax identification number (CNP). Some banks may also ask for proof of employment or student status.
If you plan to stay longer than your visa allows, you may apply for an extension through the Romanian immigration office. Extensions are typically possible for work, study, or family reunification visas.
Yes, if you live and work in Romania for more than 183 days per year, you are considered a tax resident and are subject to Romanian taxes.
It depends on your profession. Romania’s job market is competitive, but there are more opportunities in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, teaching, and skilled work like electricians and plumbers.
Romania offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe. You’ll find that housing, utilities, and food are generally cheaper than in other European countries. Romania’s low cost of living means expats can save more and use global money transfer services to remit funds back home without excessive fees.
