Administrative Steps for Living in Romania

Published on May 6, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Settling in Romania is an exciting adventure but requires careful preparation. To ease this transition, it is essential to understand the key administrative procedures to follow in this rapidly modernizing country.

Whether you are drawn by the picturesque landscapes of the Carpathians, the thriving economic opportunities, or the rich cultural heritage, each step of the process, from obtaining your residence permit to opening a local bank account, plays a crucial role in the success of your project.

This article will guide you through the legal obligations and necessary formalities to live peacefully in Romania, so that your new life can begin with complete peace of mind.

Obtaining a Visa for Romania: Essential Steps

Types of Visas for Romania

Visa Type	Length of Stay	Primary Purpose	Key Observations
Schengen Visa (Short Stay, Type C)	Up to 90 days within 180	Tourism, business, mission, family visit, short studies	Valid for the Schengen Area (since March 2024)
Long Stay Visa (Type D)	> 90 days, renewable	Work, studies, family reunification, research, entrepreneurship	Requires a subsequent residence permit
Digital Nomad Visa	1 year, renewable	Remote work for a foreign company	No work permit needed

Required Documents by Visa Type

Visa Type	Main Required Documents
Short Stay (C)	Application form, valid passport, photo, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial proof, return ticket, invitation letter depending on purpose
Long Stay (D)	Application form, valid passport, photo, health insurance, financial proof, employment contract/university enrollment/official invitation, criminal record extract, proof of accommodation
Digital Nomad	Application form, passport, photo, insurance, proof of stable income (minimum required), remote work contract, proof of activity outside Romania, proof of accommodation

Visa Application Procedure

1. Identify the visa type suitable for your project (short or long stay, digital nomad, etc.).
2. Prepare all required documents (see table above).
3. Complete the application form online or on paper, according to the instructions of the consulate or visa center.
4. Schedule an appointment with the competent Romanian embassy or consulate (sometimes via an outsourced center).
5. Submit the complete file during the appointment and pay the processing fees.
6. Attend an interview, if required (mandatory for certain types of long-stay visas).
7. Wait for the application to be processed (indicative timelines: short stay, 15 working days; long stay, 30 to 60 days depending on complexity).
8. Collect the visa or receive a refusal notification.

Processing Times and Fees

Applicant Age	Schengen Visa Fee (Short Stay)	Long Stay Visa Fee (Type D)	Indicative Timelines
12 years and older	Full fee (check official rates)	Varies by purpose	15 to 60 working days
6 to 12 years	Reduced fee	Varies
Under 6 years	Free	Varies

Additional service fees may apply through outsourced visa centers.

Practical Tips for the Embassy/Consulate Interview

• Prepare your file: bring all originals and copies of required documents.
• Be punctual for the appointment.
• Review your stay project (reasons, duration, accommodation, financial resources).
• Be ready to answer questions about your ties to your home country and your return intentions.
• Stay consistent between the information on the form and your oral answers.

Compliance with Local Laws

• Strictly adhere to the stay and work conditions stated on your visa.
• Any unauthorized activity (working without a permit, overstaying) may lead to penalties and a ban on entry.
• Obtaining a residence permit is mandatory to stay beyond the duration of a long-stay visa.

Extending Your Stay and Residence Permit

• Residence permit application must be submitted to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) before the long-stay visa expires.
• Provide: proof of accommodation, financial resources, health insurance, employment contract or university enrollment, medical certificate, passport photo.
• The permit is generally issued for one year, renewable under conditions (maintaining status, resources, accommodation).
• Extending a short stay (Schengen) is only possible in exceptional cases (force majeure).

Useful Resources

https://www.mae.ro/en/node/2035
https://www.axa-schengen.com/fr/visa/schengen/roumanie
https://www.skuad.io/work-permit/romania
https://www.mae.ro/fr/romanian-missions

Finding the Ideal Housing in Romania

Key Elements for Finding the Ideal Housing in Romania

Types of Available Housing

• Apartments (from studio to 4+ rooms)
• Single-family or semi-detached houses
• Studios and micro-apartments (20 to 30 m², ideal solution for students and small budgets)
• Shared rooms

Type of Housing	Main Features	Target Audience
Studio / Micro-apartment	Space optimization, modular furniture, low entry cost	Students, young professionals
Apartment	Often located downtown or near amenities	Couples, families
Single-family/semi-detached house	Possible garden, peripheral or residential neighborhoods	Families
Shared housing	Private room + shared common spaces	Students

Recommended Neighborhoods in Major Cities

Bucharest:

• Dorobanți, Herastrau, Primăverii (high-end)
• Universitate, Tineretului, Grozăvești (near universities/center)
• Timpuri Noi, Drumul Taberei (more affordable prices)

Cluj-Napoca:

• Mănăștur, Grigorescu, Zorilor (proximity to university campus)
• Centrul Istoric / Piața Unirii (nightlife/culture)
• Mărăști (good price/amenities compromise)

Timisoara:

• Centrul Civic / Unirii Square (central, lively)
• Calea Aradului, Circumvalațiunii (modern residential)
• Sagului / Braytim (more affordable)

Popular Online Platforms

• OLX.ro
• Imobiliare.ro
• Storia.ro
• Publi24.ro
• Startimob

Average Rental and Purchase Prices by Region

City	Studio Rent/month (€)	Studio Purchase/m² (€)
Bucharest	~350–500	~2,000–2,800
Cluj-Napoca	~300–450	~1,900–2,700
Timisoara	~250–400	~1,600–2,200

For a family house/apartment in central neighborhoods: expect up to double these rates. Suburbs remain more accessible.

Tips for Interacting with Local Real Estate Agents

• Prefer recognized agencies or those recommended by expats.
• Always request a property visit before any commitment.
• Verify that the agent has a written mandate from the owner.
• Openly negotiate the agency fee amount; they are typically between half a month and one month’s rent.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Unverified listings on free platforms: risk of fraud.
• Incomplete or untranslated contracts: always require a bilingual version if necessary.
• Requests for payment without proof or official receipt.
• Hidden defects in the property: check electrical/plumbing installations during visits.

Specific Administrative Procedures

List of main steps:

1. Sign a detailed written contract with the full contact details of the landlord/owner.
2. Mandatory registration of the contract with the local tax authority (“ANAF”).
3. Obtain an official certificate to declare your new address with the Romanian authorities — essential, especially for obtaining temporary/permanent residence if you are a non-EU foreigner.
4. Legal verification of the property title during a purchase via the “Land Registry” (“Carte Funciară”); it is mandatory to use a notary who authenticates all real estate transactions.

Key Points on the Contract:

• Specified duration
• Mentioned security deposit
• Clearly defined terms for rent revision and ancillary fees

Cost of Living & Amenities by Neighborhood

Summary list:

• Central neighborhoods: immediate access to public transport, varied cafes/restaurants, supermarkets open late; higher cost but lively atmosphere.
• Suburbs/residential: guaranteed quiet, frequent green spaces, fewer shops but easy parking; lower cost with possible garden/spacious balcony.

Neighborhood	Public Transport	Amenities	Atmosphere	Rental Price
Central	+++	Restaurants/bar/supermarket ++	Lively	+++
Suburban/Residential	+	Green spaces/parking/garden +	Quiet	+

Additional Practical Tips

• Always request a digital/scanned copy of the contract before final signing
• Ask locally settled expats on Facebook or specialized forums (“Expat in Romania”, etc.)
• Schedule appointments with local administrations in advance to avoid long lines during official procedures

Renewing Your Residence Permit: A Practical Guide

Eligibility Conditions for Renewing a Residence Permit in Romania

To be eligible for renewal, you must:

• Be enrolled in a recognized institution (student, worker, investor…)
• Have sufficient means of subsistence for the entire period covered by the permit
• Provide proof of valid health insurance (public or private depending on the situation and type of application)
• Comply with the specific commitments related to the reason for stay (studies, work, investment)

Documents to Provide for Renewal

• Valid passport
• Current residence permit
• Proof of enrollment or professional contract/justification
• Proof of financial means:
  • For students: proof covering at least the Romanian minimum net salary for the entire requested period
  • For investors: bank statements or minimum monthly income required according to legal status and investment made
• Public health insurance certificate (for subsequent renewals; private insurance accepted only for the first application)
• Tax declaration related to health insurance if necessary

Document	Who Must Provide?	Specifics
Passport	Everyone	Must be valid
Current permit	Everyone	Original + copy
Proof of enrollment/work	Students/Workers	Official certificate
Financial means	Everyone	Bank statement/salary/minimum required by category
Health insurance	Everyone	Public mandatory from the second renewal
Tax declaration	Employees/Investors	To obtain CNAS certificate

Renewal Timelines and Costs

The application must be submitted at least one month before the current permit expires.

The average processing time for an application varies between 30 and 60 working days, but it is advisable to plan well in advance.

The cost generally includes:

• Administrative fees: approximately 120 EUR
• Annual public health insurance contribution: approximately 1980 RON (varies each year)

Practical Tips

To maximize your chances and avoid common mistakes:

Ensure all documents are recent, complete, and translated if necessary.

List of common errors to avoid:

• Forgetting an essential document (e.g., CNAS certificate)
• Not respecting legal deadlines
• Providing insufficient financial proof
• Submitting illegible or non-compliant copies

Prepare a complete file with originals + copies.

Schedule your appointment with the competent authorities in advance.

Always keep an accessible digital/scanned copy.

Regularly contact official institutions to check for any regulatory changes.

Competent Institutions & Online Platforms

Applications are mainly made at:

List of main institutions:

• Local “Foreign Affairs” section of the Romanian Police
• National Health Insurance House (CNAS) for obtaining/regularizing public insurance
• Official platform “Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări” via their website dedicated to foreigners

Some preliminary steps can also be done through local administrative portals or Romanian consulates abroad.

Implications of Delays in the Process

A late submission can lead to:

List of major consequences:

• Automatic expiration of temporary legal resident status
• Possible refusal of return to Romanian territory after a stay outside the EU
• Potential obligation to restart the entire procedure from scratch
• Increased risk of administrative fine or temporary ban

It is therefore crucial to plan your steps well before the deadline.

Understanding the Procedures and Laws for Settling Serenely in Romania

Administrative Procedures for Settling in Romania

European Union citizens do not need a visa to enter and reside in Romania.

Upon arrival, you must register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) within 15 days if the stay exceeds 90 days.

To obtain a temporary residence card (valid for one year), you need:

• To prove employment,
• Or sufficient financial means,
• Or enrollment in a Romanian educational institution.

After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for a permanent residence card (valid for up to ten years).

Health insurance is mandatory to obtain a residence permit or card.

Required Documents

List of documents generally required:

• Valid passport or ID card
• Proof of address in Romania
• Employment contract, bank statement, or school certificate depending on your situation
• Proof of health insurance
• Certified copies of important documents

Registration with Local Authorities

Steps to follow:

1. Report to the local foreigner service office within fifteen days of arrival.
2. Apply for the Romanian fiscal number (CNP/NIF), essential for all administrative procedures: bank, rental contract, employment.

Access to Public Services

Health

The public system is accessible to legal residents but sometimes suffers from a lack of resources; many choose private insurance and private clinics.

Education

Public education is primarily in Romanian.

• International schools exist in major cities with bilingual or French-language sections.

Tax Obligations and Rights of Foreign Residents

Main Rights	Main Obligations
Right to work	Annual income declaration
Access to public healthcare	Payment of social contributions
Social security registration	Compliance with local housing law
Possibility to open a bank account	Comply with local tax declaration

Note: Any person with their main residence or more than 183 days per year in Romania may become a tax resident. They must then declare their worldwide income according to Romanian legislation.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Legal Framework

• Prepare several certified copies for administrative procedures.
• Learn about specific local rules: co-ownership, energy consumption…
• Joining a local French-speaking association facilitates cultural integration and offers administrative support.
• Carefully compare bank offers before opening an account; some banks require the Romanian fiscal number.

Recent Developments

In recent years, digitalization has accelerated some procedures: online appointment booking possible at the local immigration office; downloadable documentation on official websites; however, be sure to check regularly as some forms change each year.

Regulations regarding mandatory health insurance have been strengthened: every applicant must prove their affiliation with a recognized public or private fund before the permit is issued.