Are you planning to move to Romania? Congratulations! You will find here a beautiful country full of breathtaking landscapes and friendly faces! Discover everything you need to know about essential documents for visas, residence permits, and more. This is a step-by-step guide for expats.
Moving to a new country is never an easy process. The amount of paperwork is overwhelming, and it could scare even the most adventurous souls. Romania is a good option for expats, offering a wide range of possibilities. Whether you are here to study, work, or retire, having the right documents is essential. This guide will help you with all the information you need for smooth relocation.
Visa and Entry Requirements
To be clearer, in this article, you will find information for EU/EEA/SWISS citizens, but also for non-EU citizens. In this way, we will cover all that you need to know according to your case.
For EU/EEA/SWISS citizens
If you live in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa to live and work in Romania. A valid passport or your national identity card (ID) is more than enough for you to enter Romania. But if you plan to stay here longer than 90 days, you must register with the local authorities to obtain a residence permit.
For non-EU/EEA/SWISS citizens
If you are in this category, you will need a visa to stay here for more than 90 days. Your visa type is different, depending on your purpose of stay.
You may choose between:
- A short-stay visa (C-type) for tourism, short business trips, family visits (only for 90 days)
- A long-stay visa (D-type) for work, study, or business (for more than 90 days)
If you want to apply for a Romanian visa, you will need some documents:
- A passport
- A visa application form
- Proof of accommodation in Romania
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Medical insurance
- More documents depending on your visa type
The application form and more official information can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at Romanian embassies or consulates in your home country.
Residence Permit (Permisul de ședere)
If you are planning to stay here for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit. Here is what you need to know about it.
For EU/EEA Citizens
You must register at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) within 90 days of arrival. When it comes to documents, you will need:
- A valid passport or ID card
- Proof of residence (rental contract, property deed)
- Proof of employment or financial means
- Health insurance
If it is approved, you will receive a” Certificat de Înregistrare” valid for up to 5 years. This is a very important document, so be careful when you received it!
For non-EU citizens
If you are a non-EU citizen, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit before your visa expires. You will need:
- A valid passport
- Long-stay visa
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
- Work contract/university enrollment certificate
- Health insurance
Your permit is valid for one year and you must renew it before expiration, so don’t forget to check the data!
Work Permit
For EU citizens
If you are an EU citizen, you don’t need a work permit to work here, as you have the right to free movement and employment within the EU. You can start working immediately upon arrival.
For non-EU citizens
You need a work permit if you want to work in Romania as a non-EU citizen. The application process involves:
- A securing job offer from a Romanian employer
- The employer that is applying for a work authorization on behalf of the employee.
- A series of required documents such as proof of qualification and employment contract
There are several types of work permits: for seasonal workers, for permanent workers, for trainees, for athletes, for cross-border workers, and nominal work permits. Usually, your employer is the one who can handle this process, so don’t worry about these steps!
Other important documents
Besides the documents that are listed above, there are other important official papers to prepare.
Personal Identification Number (CNP)
A CNP is an important document for residency, employment, and even for opening a bank account.
How to obtain a CNP?
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, the CNP is assigned to you when you register for residency and obtain that” Certificat de Înregistrare”. For non-EU citizens, the CNP is assigned when you apply for a residence permit. You will receive it from the IGI (General Inspectorate for Immigration).
Health Insurance
EU/EEA citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can also get private insurance; you will find plenty of them in the territory of Romania. Non-EU citizens must provide proof of health insurance when applying for a residence permit.
Driving License
If you are an EU citizen, then we have some good news for you! Your driving license is valid in Romania, so you don’t need to exchange it. For non-EU citizens, your license may need to be exchanged for a Romanian one.
Opening a bank account in Romania
In Romania, it is easy to open a bank account. The documents required are:
- Passport or ID
- Residence permit
- Proof of income or employment
Tips and Common Challenges
Common issues faced by expats
Some common issues faced by expats are bureaucracy, delays, and, sadly, the lack of information. So be patient and persistent when you start these administrative processes.
Document legalization and translation
To avoid complications during the application process, it is important to have the official documents translated into Romanian and legalized if necessary.
Consulting an Immigration Lawyer
If the process is overwhelming or you consider that you don’t have the time for this, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or a consultant. They can provide valuable assistance, and they will make sure that you meet all legal requirements.
Useful Links
Several websites can be useful in this complex process of relocation. So, keep an eye on the General Inspectorate for Immigration and, for legal advice, on the Romanian Advocacy website.
Also, a very useful and interesting article about moving to Romania is this one . You will find tips for digital nomads too.
Conclusion
As you can see, moving to Romania requires some proper documentation, but the process can be manageable with preparation. Firstly, you need to understand why these documents are mandatory and in which category you fit. For official information, you can visit the websites above, or you can consult your local embassies.
In the meantime, you can learn a little something about Romania. Check out our blog, you will find plenty of articles about its history, culture, and language! Discover everything you need to know about renting in Romania! This complete guide for expats covers everything from finding the right housing to understanding the rental process and tenant rights. It will assist you in your journey to finding the perfect home.