Hunting License in Romania: Procedures and Regulations

Published on May 4, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a hunting license in Romania is a process that may seem daunting for outdoor enthusiasts, but it is essential to understand the specific regulations in order to practice this sport legally and safely.

This article explores the necessary steps to obtain this valuable permit, from legal requirements and mandatory training to submitting the application.

Navigating the administrative maze, it is crucial to consider the strict rules governing hunting in this biodiversity-rich country, as well as the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Discover how to effectively prepare for hunting in Romania and explore the unique opportunities this territory offers for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

Required Authorizations to Obtain a Hunting License in Romania

Types of Authorizations and Required Documents to Obtain a Hunting License in Romania:

• Valid hunting license (issued by Romanian authorities or recognized if issued abroad)
• International accident insurance covering the hunting period
• Valid firearms permit in the country of residence
• Signed hunting contract
• Copy of passport or ID card
• Personalized invitation letter (for non-EU citizens, to be presented at the border)
• Proof of payment of administrative fees

License Acquisition Process

1. Gather all required administrative documents.
2. Sign a contract with an authorized hunting company or association.
3. Submit the complete file to the competent authorities or through an authorized intermediary.
4. For foreigners, obtain an invitation letter if needed and apply for a temporary permit for importing weapons (valid for up to 90 days).
5. Pay the fiscal duties and fees related to the file.

Government entities involved:

• Romanian national authority responsible for game management
• Authorized local hunting associations/companies

Specific Legal Obligations

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be an active member of a recognized hunting association/company
• Mandatory participation in theoretical and practical training on safety, legislation, and hunting ethics (for residents; not systematic for foreigners)
• Pass an official exam on weapon handling, knowledge of huntable species, and local regulations

Main Categories of Available Licenses

Category	Type(s) of Game	Geographic Area	Specifics
Large Game License	Deer, wild boar, roe deer	Rural forest areas	Minimum energy required for weapons
Small Game License	Rabbit, pheasant	Agricultural plains	Smoothbore shotguns only
General License	All types	National	Combination possible

Differences by type/game/region:

• Some regions impose annual quotas per species.
• Regulations on caliber/minimum energy vary depending on the chosen type.

Average Processing Times & Associated Fees

Indicative list:

Usual timelines for full acquisition:

• Between 15 days (complete file + professional intermediary) and 30 working days

Estimated fees:

• Mandatory accident insurance: between €10 and €25/hunter/day depending on duration
• Fiscal duties/license: variable (€30–€100) depending on chosen category
• Deposit often required upon booking: typically 30% of the total estimated amount

Keep in mind: any incomplete application or one not complying with local rules may result in refusal or substantial delay in issuing the necessary authorizations.

Hunting Regulations for Expatriates in Romania

Expatriate hunters wishing to hunt in Romania must obtain specific hunting licenses, follow precise administrative procedures, comply with local laws, and meet various legal and practical requirements.

Required Hunting License and Administrative Steps:

Mandatory temporary Romanian hunting license, issued for the duration of the stay.

The hunter must provide:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
• European Firearms Pass (sections 1, 2, 3, and 5 or SIA record).
• National or international recognized hunting license.
• License validation for the current season.
• International accident insurance covering hunting-related risks on Romanian territory.
• Proof of membership in a national hunting society or federation.

Main steps:

1. Booking with an authorized organization at least 40 days before the stay (for official registration).
2. Payment of a deposit (usually around 30% of the estimated cost) to confirm your request.
3. Advance submission of necessary documents via the organizer or directly to local authorities (minimum 15 days before arrival).
4. Obtaining an official invitation to import your personal weapon; specific import permit required (approx. €120).

Summary Table of Required Documents

Document	Deadline/Condition	Remarks
Passport	Validity >6 months	Mandatory
European Firearms Pass	Required sections/SIA	For import
National/International License	Current season	Official proof
Accident Insurance	Internationally valid	Covers third parties and own risks

Specific Rules Applicable to Expatriates:

Seasonal restrictions: Authorized periods vary by species; any violation exposes you to severe penalties.

Harvest quotas:

• Small game: taxes per harvested piece (hare, grey partridge, pheasant…)
• Migratory game: unlimited harvest without specific tax
• Large game: strict quotas set annually

Authorized species:

• Local small game & migratory game
• Certain protected species are prohibited

Indicative list – Taxes per species

• Hare: €25/piece
• Grey partridges: €15/piece
• Pheasants: €10/piece

Migratory game: unlimited shooting without additional tax

Legal Requirements for Insurance & Safety:

Mandatory civil liability insurance covering all potential damages during practice on Romanian soil.

Strict compliance with international health regulations; health-veterinary certificate required for accompanying animals (dogs vaccinated against rabies between one month and twelve months before entry).

Practical safety tips

• Mandatory transport in a hard case for personal weapons
• Wearing a fluorescent vest provided by the organizer during all activities
• Full adherence to the recommended traditional dress code

Bilateral Agreements & Special Exemptions:

Certain agreements exist between Romania and various European countries allowing partial simplification of administrative procedures (e.g., partial mutual recognition of the European license). No total exemption is currently recorded, but it is always advisable to check with national embassies.

Table – Potential Impact of Bilateral Agreement

Country of Origin	Agreement/Exemption
France	Partial recognition
Germany	Standardized procedure

Systematic verification recommended with the relevant consulate.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Romanian Legal System & Useful Resources:

• Systematically contact a specialized local agency that handles all administrative formalities related to your hunting stay
• Contact official bodies such as:
  Romanian Hunters’ Federation, French/German or other embassy/consulate depending on country of origin
• Regularly check legislative updates published on their official website to incorporate any recent changes affecting rights/fees/procedures

List of Official/Useful Resources

• Local national federation / French/German national club, etc.
• Competent embassy
• Authorized professional organization

Important new regulations recently adopted mainly concern:

• Strengthening prior administrative control
• Gradual increase of individual taxes according to established annual quotas
• Increased requirements regarding animal health traceability for accompanying animals

Practical Steps to Obtain a Romanian Hunting License

Eligibility Conditions

• Minimum age: 18 years for Romanian citizens wishing to obtain a hunting license.
• Residence: The applicant must be a resident of Romania or, for foreigners, hold a valid hunting license from their country of origin and be a member of a recognized hunting society.

Required Documents

• ID document (ID card or passport).
• Hunting training certificate or proof of passing an official exam.
• Medical certificate attesting physical and mental fitness for hunting.
• Criminal record or equivalent (certificate of good conduct).
• Proof of payment of application and license fees.
• Accident insurance covering the hunting period.
• For foreign hunters: national hunting license, international insurance, and proof of membership in a hunting society.

Registration Process

1. Obtain the application form from the local Environmental Agency or the competent hunting association.
2. Submit the complete file with all required documents.
3. Pay the fees (often a 30% deposit is required for reservations, with the balance due before the license is issued).
4. For foreigners, send the information at least 40 days before the planned hunting date.

Exams and Validation

• Theoretical exam on hunting regulations, wildlife, safety, and weapon use.
• Practical exam on safe weapon handling and game recognition (for new hunters).
• Certificate of completion to be attached to the file.

Processing Times and Follow-up

Step	Typical Timeline
File submission	As soon as complete
Administrative validation	2 to 4 weeks
Receipt of license	After approval, within 1 to 2 additional weeks
Follow-up/activation	Annual verification, payment of validation sticker for each season

Key Points to Remember

• The hunting license is valid for one season, renewable each year with validation and payment of the sticker.
• The license can be replaced every ten years for registered hunters, at the initiative of the administration.
• Every hunter must always be able to present their valid license, insurance, and, if applicable, the authorization for the introduction of weapons and ammunition.