RESIDENCY &
INVESTMENT IN ROMANIA
A CLEAR AND PRACTICAL PATHWAY FOR NON-EU INVESTORS
Romania offers a structured and legally established path for non-European investors to enter the European market through business and real estate.
While there is no direct "Golden Visa" program, residency can be obtained through company formation and active economic activity, creating a flexible and accessible route into the EU.
TWO MAIN PATHWAYS
TO RESIDENCY
Business & Employment-Based Residency
A practical and widely used option for investors who want to establish a company and operate it actively in Romania.
- No requirement to create jobs
- You can act as company administrator or employee
- Suitable for entrepreneurs, consultants, and active investors
- Lower operational complexity and more flexibility
Investment-Based Residency
A structured pathway for larger-scale investors.
- Minimum investment thresholds apply
- Job creation requirements (10–15 employees)
- Designed for larger business operations
RESIDENCY PATHWAY
STEP BY STEP
COMPANY FORMATION
You establish a Romanian company where you act as shareholder and administrator.
BUSINESS SETUP & STRUCTURE
A business activity is defined and structured in line with Romanian legal requirements.
LONG-STAY VISA (D/AC)
You apply for a long-stay visa for commercial activities, based on your role in the company.
ENTRY INTO ROMANIA
Once approved, you enter Romania and begin your activity.
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT
You obtain a residence permit, typically valid for 1 year and renewable.
RENEWAL & CONTINUITY
Residency is extended as long as your activity remains active and compliant.
LONG-TERM RESIDENCE
After 5 years of continuous residence, you may apply for permanent residency.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
MOST USED IN PRACTICE
Residence as Company Administrator
You manage your own Romanian company and obtain residency based on active business operations.
- No obligation to hire a large number of employees
- Focus on real, ongoing activity
- Suitable for flexible business models
Residence as Employee in Your Own Company
You can legally employ yourself within your Romanian company and obtain residency through employment.
- One of the most practical and commonly used solutions
- No need for large-scale investment
- Clear and manageable structure
STRUCTURED, MANAGED,
AND EXECUTED ON YOUR BEHALF.
KEY REQUIREMENTS (SIMPLIFIED)
- Valid passport and legal documentation
- Clear business purpose and activity
- Proof of financial means
- Registered company in Romania
- Clean legal record (EU & Schengen systems)
IMPORTANT NOTE
Romania does not currently offer a "Golden Visa" program. Residency is granted through business activity and investment, within a regulated legal framework.
TIMELINE OVERVIEW
- Visa approval: approx. 30–60 days
- Residence permit: approx. 30 days
- Renewal: annually
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
- Legal right to live in Romania
- Access to the European market
- Schengen mobility
- Ability to manage and scale your investments locally
