Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a VISA to enter Romania?

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

• No visa required: Citizens of the EU (European Union), EEA (European Economic Area), and Switzerland can enter Romania without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for tourism, business, or family visits.

• Documents required: A valid national ID card or passport is sufficient for entry.

Non-EU Citizens (Visa Requirements)

• Short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period): Citizens of non-EU countries must typically apply for a visa to enter Romania, except for nationals of certain countries with visa-exemption agreements.

• Long stays (over 90 days): Non-EU nationals who intend to stay for more than 90 days (e.g., for work, studies, or family reunification) must apply for a long-stay visa and, later, for a residence permit.

If you are citizens of countries whose nationals need a visa, you can enter Romania without a visa if you find yourself in one of the following situations:

  • you are the holder of a uniform visa, valid for two or multiple entries, of long-stay visas or residence permits issued by Schengen states, you can enter Romania for an uninterrupted stay or for several stays whose duration do not exceed 90 days during any period of 180 days preceding each day of stay on the territory of Romania, if the documents presented are within their validity period and the number of entries and the duration of the authorized stay have not been exhausted.

  • you hold a valid long-term residence permit issued by an EU member state – for an uninterrupted stay or for several stays whose total duration does not exceed 90 days during any 180-day period preceding each day of stay on the territory of Romania.

Visa Exemptions for Short Stays

• Citizens from the countries that have visa exemption agreements with Romania (United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Israel, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United Arab Emirates U.A.E, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and others) can enter Romania without a visa for short stays, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period. (www.mae.ro)

• Countries like the UK, after Brexit, follow specific guidelines and may need a visa, depending on the type of visit.

Other Special Categories

• Diplomatic or Official Passport Holders: Diplomats and those traveling on official government business may have different entry requirements and privileges.

• Transiting Romania: If you are just transiting Romania, some nationals can pass through the country without requiring a visa, provided they meet the relevant criteria and have a valid visa for the destination country.

Is Romania part of the Schengen area?

As of 31 March 2024, Romania joined the Schengen area which comprises 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Can foreigners (non EU)  buy real estate in Romania?

Foreigners can freely purchase, rent out, and sell properties in Romania. The sale of land to non-EU citizens is prohibited. A land plot with a house can be bought for a legal entity if it’s a Romanian company.

Can foreigners (non EU) open a company in Romania?

Yes, a foreigner can open a company in Romania. Romania allows both EU and non-EU citizens to establish and own businesses with full ownership, and there are no specific restrictions based on nationality. Foreigners can typically set up a limited liability company (SRL) or other business types.

What are the steps to open a company in Romania?

  1.  Choose a Business Structure: The most common is a Limited Liability Company (SRL), which is similar to an LLC.

  2.  Register a Company Name: Select a unique company name and verify its availability with the Romanian Trade Register.

  3.  Prepare Documents: Necessary documents include a copy of your passport, articles of incorporation, and proof of address, among others. All documents are provided in both Romanian and English.

  4.  Deposit Share Capital: The minimum share capital for an SRL is RON 200 (about EUR 40).

  5.  Register with the Trade Register: Submit the incorporation documents to the Romanian Trade Register, which manages all company registrations.

  6.  Obtain a Tax ID: Register with the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) to obtain a tax identification number.

Do foreigners (non EU) need to be present to open a company in Romania?

Foreigners don’t need to be physically present to complete the setup, as many services offer remote assistance. Once established, a Romanian company owned by a foreigner is subject to the same regulations and tax requirements as a locally owned company.

What are the taxes in Romania for companies?

1% revenue tax and 8% dividend tax for your LLC., one of the EU’s lowest tax rates.