Tourist Accommodation in Romania: Procedures and Regulations

Published on May 2, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Romania, with its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is becoming a top destination for travelers seeking authenticity and diversity. However, venturing into the tourist accommodation sector in this country requires navigating a multitude of specific regulations and legal requirements.

Whether you want to transform a countryside house into a charming guesthouse or create a modern hotel complex, understanding the administrative and legal steps is crucial for success. This practical guide aims to demystify the essential steps and provide you with the keys to a thriving establishment that complies with current standards in Romania.

Administrative Procedures for Tourist Accommodation in Romania

To operate tourist accommodation in Romania, several administrative steps are necessary, involving procedures with local and national authorities, as well as compliance with specific standards.

Main Steps to Obtain Licenses and Authorizations

1. Property Registration
   • Declaration of the property as a tourist residence with the Land Registry (if the property is registered).
   • Verification of any restrictions in condominium contracts, lease agreements, or with the mortgage lender.
   • Signing a written rental contract if the property is registered with the Land Registry.
2. Required Documents for Local Registration
   • Tax registration certificate (mandatory for income declaration).
   • Proof of ownership or lease agreement.
   • Certificate of compliance with fire safety standards (see below).
   • Floor plan and description of the activity.
   • Liability insurance certificate.
3. Fire Safety Certifications and Standards
   • Obtaining a fire safety certification issued by the fire department or the competent local authority.
   • Submitting a compliance report with safety standards (from the inspection).
   • Compliance with evacuation, signage, and firefighting equipment standards.
4. Tourist License Application
   • Submitting a request for a classification certificate to the Ministry of Economy and Development – Department of Tourism.
   • The request can be made by email or mail, generally free of charge.
   • Providing supporting documents (registration certificate, fire safety certificate, floor plan, etc.).
   • Processing time: generally a few weeks, but varies by region and case complexity.
5. Posting and Information Obligations
   • Mandatory display of the General Directorate of Tourism’s phone number in the accommodation.
   • Providing regulatory information to tenants.

Summary Table of Documents and Procedures

Procedure/Document	Authority/Body	Estimated Time	Fees
Land Registration	Land Registry/Locality	1-2 weeks	Variable
Tax Registration Certificate	Local Tax Administration	1 week	Low
Fire Safety Certificate	Fire Department/Local Authority	1-3 weeks	Moderate
Liability Insurance	Insurance Company	Immediate	Per contract
Tourist License (Classification)	Ministry of Tourism	2-6 weeks	Generally free
Information Display	On-site	Immediate	None

Zoning Regulations and Sanitary Standards

• Compliance with municipal zoning regulations: some residential areas may prohibit or limit tourist accommodation.
• Compliance with national sanitary standards: hygiene of premises, waste management, ventilation, water quality, etc.
• Specific requirements for guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and collective accommodations.

Periodic Inspections and Penalties

Regular inspections may be conducted by:

• Local authorities (for sanitary and urban planning compliance)
• The fire department (for compliance with fire safety standards)
• The Ministry of Tourism (for compliance with classification)

Frequency: annually or upon report

Possible penalties for non-compliance:

• Administrative fines
• Temporary or permanent revocation of the tourist license
• Mandatory temporary closure of the establishment
• Legal action in case of serious safety or hygiene violations

Key Takeaways:

To secure the operation of tourist accommodation in Romania, it is essential to anticipate administrative procedures, thoroughly document each step, and remain vigilant about constantly evolving local and national regulations.

Practical Tips

• Systematically consult the local town hall and, if possible, a specialized lawyer.
• Keep rigorous accounting of rental income.
• Stay updated using resources from the Ministry of Tourism and local professional associations.

Understanding Seasonal Rentals in Romania for Expats

Specific Regulations for Seasonal Rentals in Romania

• Every expat, whether a tenant or owner, must comply with specific tax and administrative rules.
• For short-term rentals (e.g., via Airbnb), the law has required since 2023 that owners issue tax receipts using an electronic cash register, even for renting a single room. They must also declare this income to the tax authorities and apply a 10% tax on net income.
• The tax regime differs based on the number of properties rented: between 1 and 5 properties, or more than 7 properties, which may entail additional obligations.
• EU expats can stay in Romania without formalities for up to 3 months. For stays exceeding 183 days in 12 months, it is mandatory to declare residence with the authorities and obtain a temporary residence certificate (valid for up to 5 years).
• For non-EU expats, a visa or temporary residence permit is required, with proof of resources, accommodation, and health insurance.

Types of Properties Available for Seasonal Rentals

Property Type	Description	Advantages for Expats
Urban Apartments	Furnished, all sizes, city center or residential areas	Proximity to services, easy mobility
Single-Family Homes	Villas or village houses, with or without garden	More space, ideal for families
Studios	Small spaces, often economical	Suitable for short stays, students
Vacation Residences	Country houses, mountain chalets	Quiet, nature, local tourism
Shared Apartments	Apartment shared among expats or locals	Social atmosphere, reduced cost

Administrative Steps for Renting or Listing a Property

• To rent: signing a written rental contract (often in Romanian), a common security deposit (1 to 2 months), and a recommended move-in inspection.
• To list: registering the lease with the tax authorities, declaring rental income, and mandatory issuance of tax receipts for seasonal rentals.
• Registration with the town hall or ANAF (National Agency for Fiscal Administration) may be required depending on the duration and type of rental.
• For long stays, declaring residence with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) to obtain a temporary residence certificate.

Rights and Obligations of Tenants and Owners

• Tenants: must comply with contract terms, pay rent and utilities on time, and return the property in good condition.
• Owners: must provide a compliant property, carry out major repairs, declare income, and issue tax receipts for seasonal rentals.
• Tenant protection is less regulated than in France: there is no legal rent cap or strict regulation of owner-initiated evictions.
• For expats, the contract language and understanding of clauses are essential: it is advisable to have the contract translated or to use a local expert.

Market Opportunities and Popular Geographic Areas

Geographic Area	Attractiveness for Expats	Special Features
Bucharest	Dynamic capital, large expat community	Many modern apartments, coworking spaces
Cluj-Napoca	University hub, IT, startups	Young population, nightlife
Brasov, Sibiu	Proximity to mountains, tourism, heritage	Many vacation homes
Constanța, Coastline	Beaches, seaside lifestyle	Pronounced seasonality, high summer demand
Timișoara	Multicultural city, tech sector	Quality of life, renovated housing

Practical Tips for Expats

• Ideal time to rent: spring and autumn for cities, summer for the coast and mountains.
• Reliable platforms: Airbnb, Booking.com, OLX, Imobiliare.ro, recognized local agencies.
• Language and communication: most owners speak Romanian; English is common in large cities. Arrange for translation of contracts if needed.
• Check legality: demand a written contract, ensure the property is declared, verify payment compliance (tax receipt).

Recent Legislation or Directives Impacting Seasonal Rentals

• Since 2023, seasonal renters are required to provide electronic tax receipts and declare all income from seasonal rentals, even through international platforms.
• Increased controls by ANAF on income from short-term rentals.
• Possible evolution of rules regarding the classification of short-term rentals and obtaining additional licenses or authorizations depending on the city or region.

Essential Regulations for Year-Round Rentals in Romania

Main Legal Regulations for Year-Round Rentals in Romania:

Regulated Aspect	Detail	Competent Body
Contract Type	Mandatory written contract, including address, duration, rent, obligations, and rights of the parties.	ANAF, Local Town Hall
Contract Registration	Declaration of the contract with ANAF (National Agency for Fiscal Administration) within 30 days.	ANAF
Termination	60-day notice for monthly payment. Termination possible after 3 months of non-payment.	Court, ANAF
Tax Declaration	Annual declaration of rental income in the “single declaration” to ANAF.	ANAF
Taxes and Duties	Property tax (0.1 to 0.5%), income tax on rental income (gross, deductions removed since 2023).	ANAF, Local Town Hall
Permits/Inspections	Technical inspection required for some old or renovated buildings, permit needed for property conversion.	Local Town Hall, Local Inspection
Tenant Protection	Right to peaceful enjoyment, prohibition of abusive eviction, right to information and safety.	Court, Town Hall, ANPC

Owner Obligations:

• Draft a contract compliant with Romanian legislation.
• Declare the contract to ANAF within 30 days of signing.
• Declare property ownership and rental income annually.
• Maintain the property in good condition and carry out major repairs.
• Respect the tenant’s right to peaceful enjoyment of the property.
• Pay property taxes and income tax on rental income.
• Immediately inform the tax authorities of any changes (sale, extension, change of use).

Tenant Obligations:

• Pay rent on the due dates.
• Use the property responsibly (“as a good family man”).
• Not sublet or transfer the property without the owner’s written consent.
• Inform the owner of any significant damage.
• Respect neighbors and condominium regulations.

Applicable Taxation on Rental Income:

Type of Tax	Rate/Calculation
Income Tax	Taxation on the full rent received, without deduction (removal of the 40% allowance).
Property Tax	0.1% (residential) to 0.5% (non-residential), calculated on the taxable value of the property.
Land Property Tax	Variable depending on the zone and use, set by the town hall.

Registration and Declaration Process:

• Submit a copy of the contract to ANAF within 30 days.
• Declare property ownership and rental income annually (using the “single declaration” form).
• In case of substantial changes, immediately notify the town hall and ANAF.
• Keep proof of payment and evidence of property maintenance/inspection.

Permits or Inspections:

• Some municipalities require a technical compliance certificate for old or renovated properties.
• For renovations, a building or renovation permit must be obtained from the town hall.
• Compliance with health and safety standards (e.g., gas, electrical installations).

Fundamental Tenant Rights:

• Right to a safe and sanitary property.
• Right to notice in case of termination (except for serious fault).
• Right to protection against eviction without a court decision.
• Right to information on contractual obligations and charges.

Competent Government Bodies:

• ANAF (National Agency for Fiscal Administration): contract declaration, rental income, taxes.
• Local Town Hall: property taxes, permits, inspections, social housing.
• Court: disputes and forced terminations.
• ANPC (National Authority for Consumer Protection): tenant protection in case of abuse.

Practical Tips for Compliance and Profitability:

• Always establish a written, precise contract compliant with the Romanian Civil Code.
• Systematically declare rental income to avoid tax penalties.
• Stay informed of legislative changes and consult a local tax expert to optimize taxation.
• Invest in property maintenance and renovation to increase its value and attract reliable tenants.
• Regularly check local requirements for permits, taxes, and inspections.
• Maintain clear and documented communication with the tenant to limit disputes.
• Keep a record of all payments and interventions carried out on the property.

To maximize profitability while remaining compliant, it is highly recommended to consult a local tax expert and conduct regular legal monitoring.

Practical Guide for Foreign Investors in the Romanian Tourism Sector

Practical Guide for Foreign Investors in the Romanian Tourism Sector

Main Regulations Concerning Foreign Investment in the Tourism Sector

• Investment Control: Since Government Emergency Ordinance No. 108/2023, any foreign direct investment exceeding 2 million euros in sensitive sectors (including tourism, when it relates to national security or critical infrastructure) is subject to review and approval by the Commission for the Examination of Foreign Investments (CEISD).
• Definition of Foreign Direct Investment: Any contribution allowing participation in the management or control of a Romanian company, including the creation or acquisition of a tourist accommodation structure.
• Licenses and Permits: Any tourist accommodation structure (hotel, guesthouse, hostel, campsite) must obtain a tourist operating license from the competent ministry (Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism) as well as local authorizations (urban planning, fire safety, sanitary).

Administrative Steps for Registering a Tourism Business

1. Choice of legal form (LLC, JSC, etc.).
2. Reservation of the company name with the Trade Registry.
3. Drafting the articles of association and depositing the share capital.
4. Registration with the Trade Registry with:
   • Signed articles of association
   • Proof of registered office
   • Proof of capital deposit
   • Copies of shareholders’ identity documents
   • Tax registration application
5. Obtaining specific authorizations:
   • Building permit (if applicable)
   • Sanitary authorization
   • Fire safety authorization
   • Tourist license issued by local authorities and the Ministry of Tourism

Example: To open a guesthouse in Brașov, you will need to register the company, obtain a tourist license, a sanitary authorization, a fire permit, and comply with local urban planning standards.

Practical Recommendations for Foreign Investors

• Partner with local collaborators: This facilitates market understanding, access to local networks, and administrative management.
• Human resources management:
  • Recruit locally to benefit from local knowledge.
  • Provide specific training to ensure service quality.
• Market integration:
  • Adapt the offering to the expectations of international and local tourists.
  • Participate in professional associations and local trade fairs to increase visibility.
  • Prioritize communication in Romanian and English.

Tax Regimes and Government Aid

Type of Taxation	Rate or Specific Feature
Corporate Income Tax	16% of net profit
Micro-enterprise	Revenue up to 5M USD, partial exemptions

• Aid and Subsidies:
  • Possibility of subsidies or co-financing for projects in rural areas, ecotourism, heritage renovation, or sustainable development.
  • Access to European funds for modernization or innovation.

Trends and Opportunities in the Romanian Tourism Sector

Region/Type of Accommodation	Specific Opportunities
Transylvania (Brașov, Sibiu)	Cultural tourism, nature, city breaks
Danube Delta	Ecotourism, wildlife observation
Black Sea Coast	Development of beach hotels, resorts
Maramureș, Bucovina	Traditional accommodations, rural tourism
Thermalism and Wellness	Development of spas, treatment centers

• Strong Trend: Growing demand for eco-friendly accommodations, thematic tours, adventure tourism, and authentic experiences.

Best Practices for Sustainability and Compliance with Environmental Regulations

• Compliance with environmental standards during construction and operation: waste management, energy efficiency, minimizing impact on biodiversity.
• Obtaining ecological certifications (e.g., Ecolabel) to attract an international clientele sensitive to ecotourism.
• Integration of local populations in projects to strengthen social acceptance and heritage valorization.
• Examples:
  • Use of local and sustainable materials for accommodation construction.
  • Implementation of rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems.

Note:
To maximize chances of success, it is highly recommended to be assisted by specialized firms in Romanian business law and taxation, as well as local tourism development agencies.