Romanian Visas & Residency Permits Guide (2025)
Complete guide for EU and Non-EU citizens seeking Romanian visas and residency permits. Updated requirements, costs, and step-by-step procedures for 2025.
π Table of Contents
Quick Start: Find Your Path in 60 Seconds
π― Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen?
YES: You have the RIGHT to live in Romania. Process = Registration (easier)
NO: You need PERMISSION to live in Romania. Process = Visa + Permit (more complex)
This single question determines your entire journey. Everything else - documents, costs, timeline, offices you visit - depends on your citizenship.
β What You'll Get From This Guide
By the end, you'll know exactly: which documents to prepare, which office to visit, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what mistakes to avoid. We've helped over 10,000 expats successfully get their Romanian permits.
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Your Complete Journey
Good news! As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you have automatic right to live in Romania. The process is about registration, not asking for permission.
The 90-Day Grace Period
You can live in Romania for 90 days with just your passport/ID. No paperwork needed. This gives you time to find housing and prepare documents.
β οΈ Why Register Before 90 Days?
While you can stay 90 days without registration, you'll need proof of residence for banking, phone contracts, employment, and healthcare. Start the process as soon as you have a permanent address.
Registration Certificate Process
Gather Documents
Prepare all required documents (see list below). Make 3 photocopies of everything - Romanian bureaucracy loves copies!
Visit IGI Office
Go to your local General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). In Bucharest: Strada Apolodor 17. Arrive early - queues can be long.
Submit & Pay
Submit documents, pay 65 RON (~β¬13), get receipt with pickup date. They'll help you fill the application form.
Collect Certificate
Return on specified date (5-10 working days) to collect your Registration Certificate. Bring your receipt!
Non-EU Citizens: From Visa to Residence Permit
Your journey has two phases: getting a Long-Stay Visa (Visa D) from your home country, then applying for a Residence Permit in Romania.
β οΈ Critical: Start from Home Country
You CANNOT apply for a Long-Stay Visa while in Romania as a tourist. You must apply from your country of residence before traveling.
Phase 1: Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)
Apply at Romanian consulate/embassy in your country. Main types:
- D/AM (Work): For employment with Romanian company
- D/AS (Studies): For university/educational programs
- D/AP (Business): For starting business/investment
- D/AF (Family): For joining family members
- D/AV (Other): For other long-term purposes
Phase 2: Residence Permit in Romania
Once in Romania with Visa D, you have 30 days to apply for your Residence Permit at IGI.
β οΈ 30-Day Deadline
Missing this deadline can result in fines or deportation. Mark your calendar immediately upon arrival!
Required Documents (Updated for 2025)
For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
π Registration Certificate Documents
- Valid EU/EEA/Swiss passport or national ID (original + 3 copies)
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, property deed, or host declaration)
- Proof of financial means (employment contract, bank statements β¬500+/month, pension)
- Health insurance (EHIC card or private insurance covering Romania)
- Recent passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background) - 2 pieces
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, for family members)
For Non-EU Citizens
π Long-Stay Visa Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) - 2 pieces
- Criminal record certificate from home country (apostilled)
- Medical certificate (issued within 3 months)
- Proof of accommodation in Romania
- Financial proof (bank statements, employment contract, sponsorship)
- Travel insurance (β¬30,000+ coverage)
- Purpose-specific documents (work contract, university acceptance, etc.)
2025 Costs & Timeline Breakdown
| Process | Cost | Processing Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Registration Certificate | 65 RON (~β¬13) | 5-10 working days | 5 years (renewable) |
| Non-EU Long-Stay Visa | β¬120 | 30-60 calendar days | 90 days (for entry) |
| Non-EU Residence Permit | 300 RON (~β¬60) | 30 calendar days | 1 year (renewable) |
| CNP Application | Free | Same day | Lifetime |
π‘ Pro Tip: Budget Extra
Add 20-30% to official costs for document translations, notarizations, travel to offices, and potential expedited processing fees.
CNP (Personal Numeric Code): Your Key to Romanian Life
The CNP is your Romanian social security number. You need it for:
- Opening bank accounts
- Signing employment contracts
- Accessing healthcare
- Registering utilities
- Getting phone contracts
- Any official procedure
β Good News: Automatic Process
You get your CNP automatically when you register your residence. No separate application needed. It's printed on your Registration Certificate or Residence Permit.
CNP Format Explained
Your CNP is 13 digits: SYYMMDDJJNNNC
- S: Gender & century (7/8 for foreigners)
- YY: Year of birth
- MM: Month of birth
- DD: Day of birth
- JJ: County code (40 for Bucharest)
- NNN: Sequential number
- C: Control digit
Avoid These Costly Mistakes
β Mistake #1: Wrong Document Format
Problem: Bringing documents in plastic sleeves or loose papers.
Solution: Buy a "dosar cu ΘinΔ" (plastic folder with rail) from any stationery shop. Romanian officials expect this format.
β Mistake #2: Insufficient Copies
Problem: Bringing only originals or 1 copy.
Solution: Always bring originals + 3 photocopies of every document. Romanian bureaucracy loves copies.
β Mistake #3: Wrong Translation
Problem: Using Google Translate or non-certified translations.
Solution: Use only authorized translators. Get documents translated and notarized in advance.
β Mistake #4: Missing Deadlines
Problem: Applying after 90 days (EU) or 30 days (Non-EU).
Solution: Set calendar reminders immediately. Start the process early.
β Mistake #5: Wrong Office
Problem: Going to City Hall instead of IGI.
Solution: All residence matters go to IGI (General Inspectorate for Immigration), not City Hall.
After Getting Your Permit: Your Next Steps
Congratulations! You now have legal residence in Romania. Here's what to do next:
Immediate Priorities (First Week)
- Open a bank account - Now you have CNP, banks will accept you
- Get a Romanian phone number - Easier with residence proof
- Register with a family doctor - For healthcare access
- Update your address - With any existing services
First Month Tasks
- Register rental contract - With ANAF (tax authority)
- Get public transport card - Cheaper than daily tickets
- Explore your neighborhood - Find grocery stores, pharmacy, etc.
- Learn basic Romanian - Even basics help enormously
π You Did It!
You've successfully navigated Romanian bureaucracy - one of Europe's most complex systems. The hardest part is behind you. Welcome to Romania!