If you are thinking about moving to Romania, congratulations! It is a very special country where you will find kind people, affordable living costs, and plenty of places to visit! Romania has so much to offer to expats looking for a new adventure. Moving to a new country is never easy, but with the right information, you will feel more prepared! This is a useful article for expats and covers the Romanian experience. From geography to economy, tips for daily life, and some recommendations of traditional dishes, this article is packed with useful tips. It will make your stay more interesting and fun. Let’s get started!
Getting to know all about Romania
Romania is a country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Moldova, and the Black Sea. So, its geography is diverse. In Romania, you will find mountains, hills, and plains, but also the Danube Delta (part of a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the coast of the Black Sea.
According to the climate, Romania is a great place to live in, having four distinct seasons. This way, it is great for a year-round exploration. Winter is delightful, especially in the Carpathians, spring will surprise you with green landscapes, while summer will be perfect for beach holidays. Autumn will offer you speechless landscapes making nature perfect for walks. Having a temperate continental climate, you will find hot summers, and long and cold winters with a lot of snow, especially in the mountains. What is the best time to visit Romania? I would say May or June when the temperatures are very friendly and perfect for trips!
Before landing in Romania, you need to know that this country is divided into historical regions such as Moldavia (known for its monasteries), Wallachia (where the capital city is), or Transylvania, known for Dracula legends. The population of Romania is approximately 19 million, and its biggest cities are Bucharest, the capital city, the largest city in the country. Here you will find a dynamic city, full of iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Parliament. Cluj-Napoca is the unofficial capital of Transylvania, known for its specific architecture, youthful vibe, and legendary festivals.
Timișoara is a wonderful city, ideally for those expats who love history and unique architecture. Brașov is a city that combines medieval charms with modern amenities, located in the heart of the mountains. These are part of the biggest city, but you can find many other places perfect for relocation!
1. A bit of History about Romania, politics and society
The history of Romania is very interesting, full of unexpected events and reversals of situations. With deeply Dacian and Latin origins, Romania was a country that Romans wanted asap, as we can say. You can tell why – the Dacians were brave and skilled warriors, and their country was full of richness. In 106 AD, the Roman Empire conquered Dacia, after long battles. This conquest left a legacy, especially in the Romanian language. You will see that Romanian has a unique characteristic, compared with the other Eastern European languages.
If you are curious about it, you will find that all of Romania’s history is unexpected and full of conquests. Through the centuries, Romania has suffered many influences – Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and even Russian. In 1859 Romania evolved into a unified kingdom and, in 1989, after the fall of communism, it transitioned to a parliamentary republic, becoming a NATO member in 2004 and European Union member in 2007.
An important aspect you need to know before moving to Romania is their politics. Romania operates as a parliamentary republic, with a president as head of state and a Prime Minister leading the government. It seems to be the very best option for this country, this structure ensures a balance of power and representation of citizens. Regarding religion, approximately 85% of Romanians identify as Eastern Orthodox Christians. This is an important fact for you because religion has influences on the country’s traditions and holidays. Of course, you will find other faiths such as Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, or Islam.
In the last couple of years, Romania’s economy has grown. The industries are very vast – IT, automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and other services. And talking about taxes, Romania features a flat income tax rate of 10%, which is very good news for expats. The VAT rate is set at 19% but can differ for certain categories of services and goods.
2. Practical Information for Expats
There is some information that you even don’t know you need. Such as the local time in Romania which is GMT+2 because Romania operates on Eastern European Time (EET). Romanian is the official language of this country, part of the Romance languages related to Italian, Spanish, and French. English is very well-spoken, especially among younger generations. Here you can find an interesting article. It will help you learn some basic Romanian words.
The emergency number for Romania is 112, no matter the problem you are facing – police, fire, ambulance. Romania is a very traditional country, and every public holiday reflects that! The most anticipated celebrations are:
- Anul Nou – New Year’s Eve and Day – January 1st
- Paștele -Easter – according to the Orthodox calendar
- Crăciunul – Christmas – December 25th, but the preparation starts much earlier
- Mărțisor (March 1st) – the celebration of spring
- Dragobete (24th of February) – the celebration of love, the Valentine’s Day, but the Romanian version
Cost of living
It is easy to find a place to live in Romania. The most popular cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Iași offer a large variety of living. You will find old and vintage houses or modern neighborhoods, depending on your preferences. The average rent costs are between 300-600 euros for an apartment in major cities. With the rent comes utilities. Usually, your list will include electricity, water, heating, garbage, Internet, and TV. Depending on how large your house is, you can pay between 300-800 lei (60-170 euros) per month.
Groceries in Romania are reasonably priced. You can go to the local farmer’s market (piață) where you will find organic food directly from farmers or you can shop in supermarkets. Dining out can be expensive, depending on your preferences. Public transport is a very common and convenient choice for citizens and expats. A monthly pass is around 110 lei (22 euros), and you can travel by bus, metro, or tram. You can buy a car, but you need to consider the costs of insurance, parking, and maintenance.
Documents and IDs needed for Expats in Romania
The most important (and terrifying) part of moving to another country is preparing the documents. You will find all the information needed on the official websites, but we can talk about the most common documents:
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Proof of address
- Tax identification number – CIF
- Health insurance
- Employment contract/ proof of purpose
- Proof of financial means
Depending on your purpose to stay – work, study, or other reasons – the exact documents may vary. The passport is the primary document needed to enter Romania. For EU, EEA, or Switzerland citizens, a VISA is not necessary for living in Romania. For non-EU citizens, you may need a visa, depending on your nationality or purpose to stay.
If you are staying here for more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. EU citizens will register their residence with the General Inspectorate for Immigration, and non-EU citizens must apply for temporary residence permits. Also, if you plan to work or conduct business in Romania, you need a Tax Identification Number (CIF). This number is required for employment, opening a bank account, and paying taxes. You can obtain a CIF number by registering with ANAF – National Agency for Fiscal Administration.
Romania’s healthcare includes the public and private sectors. You can easily access the basic medical services if you are an EU citizen by using a European Health Insurance Card. The private sector is recommended if you are looking for higher quality and faster care. Regarding the Romanian ID card (bulletin), expats don’t need it unless they gain permanent residence or citizenship. Your passport or residence permit will serve as your primary identification. Another document that you need is proof of address. For this process, you need to apply for a residence permit, open a bank account, and register for utilities. In other cases, a rental contract or a notarized document from your host will be enough.
Exploring and enjoying Romania
The last part of this article (and the most exciting one!) is about spending your time in Romania! This country is a treasure when it comes to experiencing it – here you will find the most beautiful landscapes, historical places, vibrant traditions, and a lot of good food! Are you ready to discover Romania?
Travel and Leisure
Romania has a lot of beautiful places. You need to take your time if you want to visit the most wonderful ones. If you don’t know where to start, here are some tips!
1. Bran Castle
You know about our legends; we know about them too. Dracula is the one who made us famous. So, no trip to Romania without visiting Bran castle, his residence, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, the castle is one of the most captivating Gothic buildings. Well, the Dracula connection is more a literary one, thanks to the author Bram Stoker, but there is a mysterious aura in those surroundings!
2. Medieval Towns and Fortresses
If you want to feel like traveling back in time, all you must do is visit the medieval Romanian towns and historical fortresses! There are a few ones impossible to miss like Corvin Castle – a gothic castle in Hunedoara that feels like you are part of a fairytale, Brașov with his impressive Black Church or Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
3. Carpathian Mountains
The Carpathians are offering you an all-year-round experience: you can choose to hike in the summer (it’s the perfect place for those hot summer days) or you can enjoy winter sports in the cold days. It is a dream destination for all who love outdoor activities and nature.
Culture and Cuisine
We cannot talk about Romania without exploring some of its traditions and dishes. Romanians love to cook, and dining with them will be a full experience: all the family is included, they laugh and make plans together. Of course, good food is included. 😊
1. Traditions and festivals
There are many festivals that you can attend during your stay in Romania. If you are a history lover or a curious person, the Medieval Festivals will be perfect for you! You can attend Sighișoara Medieval Festival, where you will find music, traditional crafts, and a lot of plays, even knights’ battles. You will feel like you are traveling in time.
If you love movies and you want to explore more of this cultural area, you can go to SFR (Serile Filmului Românesc). Romanian Film Nights is a festival held each year mainly in Iasi and you can meet some famous Romanian actors and directors. If you know a little something about the Romanian language, you can stay and watch movies in premiere.
For the party animals, Cluj-Napoca offers 2 of the most popular European music festivals: Electric Castle and Untold. While the last one is mainly for those who love electronic music, Electric Castle combines more musical genres – rock, indie, pop, techno, and electronic.
2. Romanian Cuisine
Romanian food is a must-do experience itself! It is varied flavorful and full of tradition, with a lot of Balkan influences. There are some must-try dishes:
- Sarmale (cabbage rolls). We can assure you that you live 2 lives – one before trying sarmale and one after you tried and loved this traditional Romanian dish! These iconic rolls are made with a mixture of meat, rice, and spices. If you add polenta (mămăligă) and sour cream, you have the best meal ever!
- Mici – if you love barbecue season, then you have to try this dish! Mici is grilled meat rolls served with mustard and bread.
- Ciorbă de burtă – a tangy tripe soup served with vinegar and garlic, famous for its unique taste.
- Papanași – as a dessert, we recommend papanași, a treat made with donuts, topped with sour cream, and some fruit jam, often cherry or forest fruits.
3. Traditional drinks
There is no proper dinner without a traditional drink! These are some of the most popular ones that you can try.
- Vin fiert – perfect for the cold weather, mulled wine has a sweet and seasoned flavor.
- Țuică – for those who dare, Romanians are famous for this strong plum brandy that is served as an aperitif.
- Romanian wives – if you travel around this country, we suggest you try wines as you go, enjoying the flavors of different regions.
What makes Romania an ideal destination for expats? As you read, here you will find a land full of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a warm and welcoming culture.
Moving to a new country can be challenging, but the transition will be easier in Romania. The cost of living is affordable, there are great places to visit, and the expat community is growing. With the insights we shared in this practical guide – covering practical tips with the cultural highlights – you will be more prepared to embrace your life in Romania! Whenever you’re exploring Romanian traditional dishes, a medieval town, or a hike in the heart of the Carpathians, you will find your place here. Romania has something special for everyone! So welcome to Romania!