How much does it cost to live in Romania as an expat?
Monthly living costs in Romania vary by city:
💰 Detailed Monthly Cost Breakdown
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment) €300-600
- Food and groceries €200-300
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water) €100-150
- Internet and mobile €25-40
- Public transport €15-30
- Healthcare insurance €50-100
- Entertainment and dining €150-250
💡 Money-Saving Tips
Shop at local markets for fresh produce (30-50% cheaper), use public transport (very affordable), cook at home (restaurants are 3-4x more expensive), and consider living outside city centers for significantly lower rent.
What are the visa requirements for Romania?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and length of stay:
🇪🇺 EU/EEA Citizens
- Short stays (up to 90 days) No visa required
- Long stays (90+ days) Registration required
- Registration deadline Within 30 days of arrival
- Required documents Passport, proof of accommodation
🌍 Non-EU Citizens
- Tourist visa (Type C) 90 days in 180-day period
- Long-stay visa (Type D) Required for 90+ days
- Processing time 15-30 calendar days
- Cost €80 (Type C), €120 (Type D)
📋 Essential Documents for Non-EU Visa Application
Required for all applications: Valid passport (6+ months), completed application form, passport photos (3.5x4.5cm), travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, bank statements (last 3 months), purpose-specific documents (invitation letter, employment contract, enrollment letter).
Which banks are best for expats in Romania?
Top Romanian banks for expats, ranked by expat-friendliness:
🏆 Best Traditional Banks
- ING Bank Romania - Excellent English support, modern mobile app ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- BCR (Banca Comercială Română) - Largest network, good for rural areas ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Banca Transilvania - English customer service, expat programs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Raiffeisen Bank - International experience, premium services ⭐⭐⭐
💳 Best Digital Alternatives
- Revolut - Multi-currency, low fees, instant transfers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) - Best for international transfers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- N26 - German digital bank, EU coverage ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📄 Documents Needed to Open Bank Account
Essential documents: Valid passport, Romanian residence permit or registration certificate, proof of income (employment contract or bank statements), proof of Romanian address (rental contract or utility bill). Some banks may require additional documents or minimum deposit (€50-100).
Is healthcare free in Romania for expats?
Romanian healthcare is not completely free for expats, but coverage options exist:
🇪🇺 EU Citizens Healthcare
- EHIC card coverage Emergency care only
- Full coverage requirement Register with CNAS
- Employment-based Automatic through employer
- Self-employed/unemployed Voluntary contributions required
🌍 Non-EU Citizens Healthcare
- Mandatory requirement Health insurance for visa
- CNAS registration After residence permit
- Private insurance Alternative option
- Emergency care Free for everyone
💊 Healthcare Costs
- CNAS voluntary contributions €50-100/month
- Private health insurance €30-150/month
- Private doctor consultation €30-80
- Prescription medications €5-50
🏥 How to Access Healthcare
Step-by-step process: 1) Get residence permit/registration, 2) Choose between CNAS or private insurance, 3) Register with local CNAS office or insurance provider, 4) Select a family doctor, 5) Receive health insurance card. Emergency services (112) are free for everyone regardless of insurance status.
How long does it take to get Romanian residence permit?
Processing times vary by citizenship and permit type:
📋 Required Documents
- Valid passport Original + copy
- Completed application form Signed and dated
- Passport photos Recent, 3.5x4.5cm
- Proof of accommodation Rental contract/ownership
- Financial means proof Bank statements
- Health insurance Valid coverage
- Purpose-specific documents Work/study/family
⚡ Tips for Faster Processing
Speed up your application: Submit complete documentation (incomplete applications cause delays), use certified translations for foreign documents, apply early (don't wait until visa expires), follow up regularly but respectfully, consider using legal assistance for complex cases.