Immigration to Romania

Romania located in South eastern Europe and is partially on the Balkan Peninsula.  It shares borders with Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Moldova and the Black Sea.  Romania occupies 92043 sq. Miles of total land area. As of January 2023, the total population of Romania is estimated to be 20.6 million. Romania is a member of the European Union since 1^st January’2007. Romania is one of the cheapest countries to live in and recognized as best places to work, therefore it is becoming more popular for expats in recently.  Bucharest is the national capital city of Romania. It is also the cultural, industrial and financial trade centre of Romania. Bucharest lies on the banks of the Dâmbovița river, which is the tributary of the longest river in the European Union – the Danube. Romania is home to some of the most popular monuments. One of them is the famous Bran Castle, known as the “Dracula’s Castle, built in the 14^th century. It is believed that the infamous vampire Dracula lived in this Castle.  The other beautiful monuments are Peles Castle, The Citadel of Fagaras, the Black Church, Voronet Monastery etc. The Danube Delta attracts nature lovers from all over the world, with over 300 species of bird to watch. It is also a UNESCO heritage site.

Immigration to Romania is a good choice, especially for Retirees as the cost of living is considerably low. It is also easier to get the Visas and work permit in Romania than most European countries. The accommodation and local transport is affordable in Romania even in Bucharest the capital city.  The people of Romania are friendly towards the foreigners. English is well spoken and understood widely. Romanian language is also easy to learn. The majority of immigrants in Romania are from Spain, Germany, UK, Moldova, Italy and Austria. As of 2023 the population of Romania was more than 19 million people.

Traveling information 

As of March 2024, Romania will join the Schengen area starting with air and sea borders. This decision was taken by the European Commission on 30.12.23. The Romanian government allows citizens with a valid Schengen visa to enter Romania, provided that the Schengen visa is still valid and has at least two more entries. Number of tourists are growing in Romania every year. Romania does not have many restrictions and limitations for tourists as compared to other countries, so its easy to visit. There were more than 5 million tourists in the year 2020. The data reached an all-time high of 1,781,443 persons in August 2023 as per CEIC data. Apart from tourists the number of immigrants also increased in 2021. The country of origin of the immigrants were diverse, with many coming from Turkey, China, Moldova, Syria, Italy, France, and Germany.

You can reach Romania from any major cities of the world by flight. From cities like New York or Los Angeles in the United States, it may cost around $800 to $1200 for a round-trip economy class ticket. The Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is the main international airport of Romania and Avram Iancu Cluj Airport is the second busiest airport. Tarom is the flag carrier and the oldest operating airline of Romania. There are 12 international airports in various cities in Romania. All major Airlines like KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa etc., fly to Romania. There are many low-cost European airlines like Easy Jet, Ryan Air or Vueling, that connect Romania’s cities with 45 other European countries.

You can reach Romania from neighboring countries like Ukraine, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Moldova by train. The train journey from these countries is comfortable, reasonably priced and covers beautiful scenic views of the European countryside and landscapes. Some trains run from London to Romania via Paris and Stuttgart. There are train services from Vienna, Austria to Bucharest, Romania.  

How to Immigrate to Romania 

Romanian visa can be processed online on the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please visit the following website for detailed and current information mae.ro/en/. All the required documents that you attach online must be either in English or Romanian. To translate your documents in English or Romanian, please scroll to the bottom of this page to the section “Translation of the Documents”. The originals of all the documents that you submit online, must be shown when you appear at the Romanian consulate. It takes minimum 10-14 working days for the visa to be processed and depends on the type of case. You are required to apply for the visa at least 2 weeks before buy not earlier than 3 months. 

To enter Romania, you need a Visa. Visas are available for short term (C type) visits for the following reasons. The C type visa costs €80 and is valid for maximum 90 days within 6-month period.

• Tourism
• Official government mission
• Private visits
• Business visits
• Transportation
• Sports Activities
• Cultural, Scientific, medical and humanitarian purpose 

You need to get “A” type Romania Airport Transit visa costing €80, if you enter the international area of the Romanian Airport while waiting for a connecting flight to a different country.  The type B visa, costing €80 is required if you travelling through Romania on the way to a different county. This is valid for stay/transit in Romania for a maximum of 5 days.  Finally, the Type D visa is issued for stay longer than 90 days is issued for employment, study or family reunion etc.  The citizens of Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia are exempt from the Romania visa processing fee.  The following countries pay a discounted Romania visa free of €40: 

• Albania
• Armenia
• Ukraine
• Russian Federation
• Montenegro
• Georgia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Azerbaijan

There are 59 countries, whose citizens does not require visa to enter Romania. To find out the names of the countries who are exempt for Visa and other important information, please visit: igi.mai.gov.ro/en/ 

A Romania short-stay visa (up to 90 days) is not required under the following scenario: 

• You have a valid short-stay visa, long-stay visa, or residence permit issued by a Schengen member state.
• You have a valid short-stay visa, long-stay visa, or residence permit issued by Bulgaria or Cyprus.
• You have a valid long-term resident’s EC residence permit issued by an EU member country.
• You have a valid permanent residence permits issued by the UK or Ireland which is valid for at least five years.
• You are a non-EU family member of a Romanian, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen. This only includes the spouse, children under 21, and parents who are dependent on the EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen

The citizens of EU/EEA nations of their family members can quickly get a visa by submitting an application at the Romanian consulate or embassy. The following documents needs to be submitted. It will be done quickly and free of cost. 

• Romania visa application form.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of family ties.
• The passport/ID of your EU/EEA/Swiss family member.

People

The people of Romania are called Romanians. Romania has a long and interesting history. Many different groups, like the Dacians and Romans, lived there a very long time ago. The area later became part of the Roman Empire, and that’s where the Romanian language came from. Throughout the years, Romania was influenced by nearby cultures such as the Slavs, Ottomans, and Hungarians. Most people in Romania, around 80%, consider themselves ethnically Romanian. There are also smaller groups like Hungarians, Roma, Germans, Ukrainians, and others. Nowadays, Romanians are a diverse and dynamic group. Since communism ended in 1989, Romania has changed a lot. It switched to a market economy and joined the European Union in 2007. Younger Romanians are often well-educated, like using technology, and are open to ideas from around the world. 

Romania has a rich cultural heritage with contributions to literature, arts, music, and folklore. Their traditional music has different styles, including folk and a sad kind called “doina.” Romanian food is diverse, influenced by Turkish, Hungarian, and Balkan cuisines. Family is very important in Romania, and many people stay close to their extended family. In the past, farming was a big job, but now Romanians work in many different jobs like IT, medicine, engineering, and services. Romanians are often described as friendly and welcoming. They are proud of their culture and feel a strong connection to their country. While individuals may be different, many Romanians are known for being resilient and adaptable. Romania is generally open to foreigners, and the way people feel about immigrants can change. In big cities like Bucharest, people are used to different cultures. However, like in any country, not everyone has the same opinion. It’s important to respect local customs and be open-minded when you’re in Romania. In recent years, more people from other countries have come to Romania, and the country is working to help everyone feel part of the community. To know more about the People and culture of Romanians, visit culturalatlas.sbs.com.au

Job offers in Romania 

The widespread urbanization and industrialization in Romania has attracted lots of expats from all over the world. People think of Bucharest when they think of migrating to Romania, however immigrants are spread throughout Romania. Many well-paid job opportunities are available in Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, Brasov, Timisoara, and Constanta. The economy is growing, opening doors of skilled expats in the field of energy, resources and tourism. Many foreigners find employment in restaurants, constructions and other manual labor jobs. These jobs have a decent salary if not very high, however salaries are slowly growing in Romania. It is good to know some basic Romanian language to be hired along with English language which is a must. There are many companies who hire people who do not know Romania. Once you are in Romania, you can learn the Romanian language.  There are opportunities for people speaking other languages like German, French and Japanese along with English and Romanian. Some well paid jobs like Doctor or Teachers have lots of technical requirements, so it is good to do a through research before you apply for those posts. For more detailed information on how to find a job in Romania, visit expatfocus.com

Education

Romania has made big changes in its education system, moving from Soviet-style influence to European standards. The Ministry of Education is in charge of shaping the education plan and making sure national policies are followed. They are focusing on updating what students learn to be more practical. In Romania, education is free in public schools, and everyone has equal access. School is compulsory for 14 years, from pre-school to the end of high school. Starting in 2030, kindergarten will also be required. The education system has different stages: early education (0-6 years), primary school, high school, non-university tertiary education, and university education. The school year goes from September to June.

Homeschooling is allowed in Romania since 2002, thanks to the efforts of the Romanian Homeschooling Association. However, it’s not widely accepted and is only officially permitted for children who can’t go to regular school. The law around homeschooling is a bit restrictive. In 2010, there was an attempt to make the law less strict, but the government, including the Ministry of Education, blocked it. So, if you’re in Romania or planning to move there and want to homeschool, it’s a bit challenging.  For more information and answers related to homeschooling in Romania, you can check the website homeschooling.ro.

Unemployment Rate

In August 2024, the unemployment rate of Romania was 5.5%, which was the highest it has been since December 2023. In November 2023, Romania’s unemployment rate stayed the same at 5.4%, which is the lowest it has been since September 2021. According to Trading Economics, the number of people without jobs decreased by 4.3 thousand compared to the previous month, reaching a total of 442.1 thousand.

Looking at the past decade until 2022, Romania’s average unemployment rate was 6.7%, which is lower than the Eastern Europe average of 7.4%. Specifically, in 2022, Romania’s unemployment rate was 5.6%. For more detailed statistics on Romania’s unemployment rate and its indicators, please refer to tradingeconomics.com

Climate 

The climate in Romania is continental. The winters sets in from December to February and is cold, with very less sun. The capital city Bucharest is cold and gray with snowfalls and frosts, with temperature dropping to -15^oC (5⁰F). The summers from June to August are hot and the sun shines quite often. The climate change has made a big impact on Romania’s climate. Romania’s is vulnerable to its impact and experienced drought and flooding, which has highly impacted agriculture, water resources, forestry, infrastructure, energy and also health of its inhabitants. Although Romania is not highly prone to severe natural disasters, it does face some risks, such as occasional earthquakes, particularly in the Vrancea region, and flooding from heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The country’s geographical position makes it relatively stable, but the combination of climate factors and natural hazards does necessitate some degree of preparedness and management.

Language 

Romania’s official language is Romanian, a Romance language derived from Latin, reflecting the country’s historical ties with the Roman Empire. Romanian is the predominant language spoken throughout the country, but within it, various regional dialects add rich diversity to the linguistic landscape. These dialects include Moldavian, spoken in the northeastern region, and Transylvanian, found in central areas. While Romanian is the primary language, many Romanians are multilingual, with a significant portion speaking foreign languages. English is increasingly popular, especially among the younger generation and in urban areas, while French and German are also commonly spoken due to historical connections and educational emphasis. Hungarian is another notable foreign language, particularly in areas with significant Hungarian communities. This multilingual environment reflects Romania’s cultural openness and its historical and geographical interactions with neighbouring countries.

Traffic

Traffic in Romania, especially in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, can be quite heavy due to many cars and older road systems. Here are some basic traffic rules to keep in mind:

• Speed Limits: 50 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on national roads, and 130 km/h on highways.
• Seat Belts: Must be worn by all passengers.
• Mobile Phones: Using a phone while driving without a hands-free system is not allowed.
• Parking: Follow parking rules closely to avoid fines.

Car rentals are available for foreigners in Romania, with many international and local companies offering a variety of vehicles. It’s a good idea to understand local driving rules to drive safely and legally. For the latest travel situation in Romania, visit: tomtom.com

Currency

In Romania, the official currency is the Romanian leu, abbreviated as RON. The leu is issued by the National Bank of Romania (BNR), which is responsible for maintaining its stability and overseeing its circulation. The currency is available in both banknotes and coins.

• Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 200 lei.
• Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani (with 100 bani making up 1 leu).

In the global financial context, the Romanian leu is considered a lesser-known currency with limited international use, but it plays a crucial role in Romania’s economy and is stable within the region. Its position in the world currency market is relatively modest, primarily used within Romania and neighboring countries.

Payment Methods in Romania 

The following payment options are available in Romania: 

• Credit and Debit Cards: Popular and widely accepted in cities, restaurants, hotel and large retailers. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly used. 

• Cash (Romanian Leu): Cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas and for small purchases. ATMs are accessible in most urban areas. 

• Contactless Payments: Growing in popularity, with options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay supported in many stores. 

• Online Banking and Mobile Wallets: Local apps like Revolut and other mobile wallets are becoming more common. 

To get a comprehensive guide on popular payment methods in Romania, including card schemes and digital wallets, visit: adyen.com

Cost of living in Romania         

The cost of living in Romania is relatively affordable compared to many western European countries, making it an attractive destination for immigrants and tourists. Rent, groceries, and public transportation are generally inexpensive, especially outside major cities like Bucharest. 

• Rent:
  • In city center: €400 – €600 for a one-bedroom apartment
  • Outside the city: €250 – €400
• Utilities:
  • Electricity, heating, water and internet: €100 – €150
• Groceries:
  • Average monthly cost for basic groceries for a small family (bread, milk, eggs, etc.): €200 – €300
• Public Transportation: Monthly pass: €15 – €20
• Dining out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant: €10 – €15

For more detailed information and current price of commodities and services in Romania, please visit: numbeo.com

Apartment rent 

The following types of rentals are popular among immigrants and expats living in Romania: 

• One-bedroom apartments:
  • City center: €400 – €600 per month
  • Outside the city center: €250 – €400 per month
• Two-bedroom apartments:
  • City center: €500 – €800 per month
  • Outside the city center: €350 – €550 per month

 The areas that provide a balance of affordability and amenities and which are best for expats and immigrants are: 

• Bucharest: Popular but more expensive, with rents in the city center on the higher side.
• Cluj-Napoca: A growing hub for expats, with more affordable rental options compared to Bucharest.
• Timișoara and Iași: These cities are popular among students and expats due to reasonable rent prices, lower cost of goods and amenities.

Taxes 

The following types of taxes in Romania apply to both residents and non-residents: 

• Income Tax:
  • Flat rate of 10% on personal income for residents and non-residents, including employment, self-employment and other income sources.
• Social Security Contribution:
  • Employee contribution: 25% for social security and 10% for health insurance.
  • Employer contribution: 2.25% for labor insurance, applicable to employment contracts.
• Value Added Tax (VAT):
  • Standard VAT rate is 19% for most goods and services, including those purchased by tourists and immigrants.
  • Reduced rates of 9% apply to food, medicines and hotel services, while 5% rate is applicable to books, cultural events and new homes under certain conditions.
• Tourist Tax (city/municipality tax):
  • A small tax for tourists staying in hotels or rental accommodations in certain cities of Romania is charged in the range of 1% to 3% of the accommodation cost.

Generally, Immigrants living and working in Romania are subject to income tax, social contributions and VAT on goods and services, while tourists primarily encounter VAT and potentially a tourist tax.

Summary

Romania is a vibrant country located in southeastern Europe, bordered by Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, and Moldova, with a coastline along the Black Sea. Politically, it is a democratic republic and a member of the European Union since 2007. Romania’s economy is diverse, with strengths in industries like information technology, automotive manufacturing, and agriculture. While its global financial status is modest, Romania shows steady economic growth and increasing foreign investment. The country is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque landscapes, historic castles, and charming medieval towns. For international students, Romania offers a range of affordable and high-quality educational opportunities, especially in fields like medicine and engineering. It also attracts immigrants due to its welcoming culture, growing job market, and relatively low cost of living. In 2024, Romania remains an appealing choice for immigration, offering a blend of economic opportunity, rich cultural heritage, and a high quality of life.