Immigration Update
A Short Guide to Immigration and Residence in Romania
Why Romania draws international talent
Romania has been an EU member since 2007 and part of the Schengen Area since 2024. For many professionals, it is an entry point to Europe with lower living costs than Western capitals and strong demand in IT, engineering, healthcare, and shared services.
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Brașov host a mix of global employers and fast-growing local firms. English is widely used in tech and multinational teams, though Romanian remains important for daily life and many public services.
Who can move without a visa
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens may live and work in Romania with minimal formalities, mainly registration with local authorities after arrival.
Non-EU nationals generally need a long-stay visa (Type D) issued by a Romanian embassy or consulate before travel, followed by a residence permit in Romania. Short tourist or business visits within Schengen rules are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period unless a visa waiver applies.
Common residence routes
- Employment A local employer typically sponsors the work authorization and residence permit; contracts and job descriptions must match immigration requirements.
- EU Blue Card For highly qualified roles meeting salary and qualification thresholds, similar in concept to other EU states.
- Study Enrollment at a recognized institution plus proof of funds and accommodation.
- Family reunification For spouses, children, or dependents of legal residents, with evidence of housing and stable income.
- Self-employment / business Possible for founders and independent professionals, but requires a solid business plan and capital proof.
Documents and practical tips
- Apply at the Romanian mission responsible for your country of legal residence, which is not always the nearest embassy.
- Apostille or legalize civil documents (birth/marriage certificates) and provide certified Romanian translations where required.
- Allow several weeks for visa processing; residence permits are applied for after entry, often within 30 days.
- Register your address with local authorities and obtain a personal numeric code (CNP process for foreigners) where applicable.
- Keep health insurance valid from day one. Public or private coverage is routinely checked at permit renewal.
How ExpatSure fits in
ExpatSure does not issue visas or residence permits. Official decisions are made by Romanian authorities and consulates. We help you understand typical routes, organize documents, and plan next steps alongside your employer or legal advisor.
If you are comparing options across Europe, including Germany and Romania, L.U.C.A can walk you through how ExpatSure supports job applications, document uploads, and platform navigation.