Living and Doing Business in Romania: A Guide for Foreign Citizens and Investors

Your Essential Guide to Visas, Residency, and Business Opportunities
August 28, 2025 by Paul-George Căta

Romania has become an increasingly attractive destination for tourists and investors alike. It offers beaches on the Black Sea, the Danube Delta, forested mountains, cities with rich cultural heritage, and significant opportunities for business in tourism, real estate, renewable energy, and agriculture.

Entry and Residency Rules

EU citizens can travel to Romania without restrictions using a valid identity card or passport. For stays exceeding three months, they must apply for a registration certificate. Non-EU citizens may require visas, and long-term stays require a long-stay visa.

Types of Long-Stay Visas

Long-Stay Visa for Conducting Economic Activities: For foreign citizens carrying out organized economic activities regulated by special laws (banking, energy, health services, transport, telecommunications).

Long-Stay Visa for Professional Activities: For foreign citizens practicing regulated liberal professions (doctors, lawyers, certified accountants, architects, psychologists).

Long-Stay Visa for Conducting Commercial Activities: For shareholders or associates with management responsibilities of Romanian legal entities. Requirements include a detailed business plan and proof of at least 100,000 Euros (LLC) or 150,000 Euros (joint-stock company) in available funds. The investment must create at least 10 new jobs (LLC) or 15 new jobs (joint-stock company) within 12 months.

Long-Stay Visa for Employment: For foreign citizens to be employed by a Romanian employer. Requires a work permit issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration. Employers must have been operating for at least one year, have no tax debts, and not have been convicted of labor law violations.

Long-Stay Visa for Studies: For foreign citizens pursuing educational programs including undergraduate, master's, doctoral studies, or professional internships.

Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunification: For spouses and minor children of foreign citizens holding valid Romanian residence permits.

Digital Nomads: Foreign citizens working remotely can apply if they earn at least three times the average gross monthly wage in Romania and work exclusively remotely using information and communication technology.

Conclusion

Romania positions itself as a strategic destination through economic opportunities and its location at the border of the Schengen area. Our team of lawyers supports investors and individuals seeking legal presence in Romania.

For more information contact Al Safar and Partners on 0527583267.

For further assistance or information please find out how our experts at Al Safar & Partners can help. Call +971 4 4221944 or email reception@alsafarpartners.com to get started.