Romania joined the Schengen Area in March 2024 for air and sea borders, making it an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads. The country offers one of Europe's fastest internet speeds, a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa with tax benefits, very affordable cost of living, and a growing tech ecosystem in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.
7
Visa Types
177
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visa-Free Entry (90/180 Days)
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can stay in Romania and the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€50 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa application required
✓Free travel within entire Schengen Area (29 countries)
✓Multiple entries allowed within the 90/180-day period
✓Immediate entry upon arrival
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond planned departure)
•Proof of accommodation
•Proof of sufficient funds (recommended EUR 50 per day)
•Return or onward ticket
•Travel insurance strongly recommended
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate entry for eligible nationalities
1Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date
2Prepare proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
3Arrive at any Romanian airport, seaport, or land border
4Present your passport to border control
5Your passport will be stamped with entry date
6Track your 90/180-day Schengen allowance carefully
•Use the EU Short Stay Calculator to track your remaining days
•Romania joined Schengen in March 2024 - days spent in Romania count toward Schengen total
•Consider the Digital Nomad Visa for stays longer than 90 days
•Keep proof of accommodation and funds available for potential border checks
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Digital Nomad Visa (Type D/AS)
Dedicated visa for remote workers from non-EU countries, allowing up to 12 months stay with possibility of renewal. Includes tax benefits for stays under 183 days.
90 days
Duration
€172
$187 fee
+€700 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $3,700/per_month
Alternative: Must show average income of at least 3 times the Romanian average gross salary (approximately EUR 3,700/month) for the 6 months prior to application.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal status to live and work remotely in Romania for up to 12 months
✓Tax exemption on foreign income if staying under 183 days in 12-month period
✓Access to Romanian banking and financial services
✓Travel freely within Schengen Area
✓Path to explore long-term residency options
✓Ability to rent accommodation and sign contracts
📋 Requirements (7)
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Proof of remote employment with foreign company or self-employment abroad
•Proof of income for last 6 months (3x Romanian average gross salary)
•Health insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
•Criminal background check from country of residence (apostilled)
•Proof of accommodation in Romania
•Employment contract or business registration documents (apostilled and translated)
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 7-14 working days for online application, up to 60 days through embassy
1Gather all required documents and have them apostilled
2Translate documents into Romanian by certified translator
3Create account on Romanian eVisa platform (eviza.mae.ro)
4Complete online application for Long Stay Visa D/AS (Digital Nomad)
5Pay the EUR 120 application fee
6Submit application at least 45 days before planned travel
7Wait 7-14 business days for approval
8Enter Romania within 90 days of visa issuance
9Apply for residence permit at IGI within 30 days of entry
Process: Apply for renewal at IGI at least 30 days before current permit expires. Must continue to meet income and employment requirements.
Renewal: Can be renewed for one additional 12-month period. After 24 months total, must apply for different residence permit type or leave.
💡 Pro Tips
•Apply online through eviza.mae.ro for faster processing
•Ensure all documents are properly apostilled before translation
•The income requirement (EUR 3,700/month) is higher than many other countries
•Stay under 183 days to benefit from tax exemptions on foreign income
•Consider Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest for best digital nomad infrastructure
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
TouristPopular
Required for citizens of non-visa-exempt countries. Valid for tourism, business visits, and family visits for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
90d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€120 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-30 working days, may be longer if additional documentation required
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Schengen visa fee (adults)Standard fee as of June 2024
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Visa fee for children (6-12)Reduced fee for children aged 6-12
€45$49
Travel insuranceMandatory - minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for Schengen
€50$54
VFS service feeIf applying through visa application center
€25$27
Required Total
€90$98
+ Additional (estimated)
€120$130
Estimated Total
€210$228
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond intended stay)
•Completed Schengen visa application form
•Two recent passport photos
•Travel health insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
•Proof of accommodation
•Round-trip flight reservation
•Proof of sufficient financial means
•Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
•Employment or school enrollment proof
📝 Application Steps
1Determine if Romania is your main destination (apply there)
2Gather all required documents
3Complete the Schengen visa application form
4Book appointment at Romanian embassy or VFS center
5Attend appointment and submit documents
6Pay the EUR 90 visa fee
7Wait 15-30 working days for processing
8Collect passport with visa sticker
⚠️ Restrictions
•Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period
•Cannot work in Romania or other Schengen countries
•Must apply at embassy before travel
•Non-refundable application fee
💡 Tips
•Apply 3-6 weeks before planned travel date
•Romania issues Schengen visas since March 2024
•Book refundable flights and accommodation in case of delays
•Citizens of some countries may benefit from reduced fees under bilateral agreements
Long-Stay Visa for Employment (Type D)
Work
Required for non-EU citizens who have secured employment with a Romanian company. Employer must first obtain work permit approval from IGI.
90d
Duration
€220
$239 fee
+€252 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱30-45 working days (including work permit processing)
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Long-stay visa feeGovernment fee
€120$130
Work permit fee (paid by employer)Approximate - paid by Romanian employer
€100$109
Additional (estimated)
Residence permit cardPaid upon arrival at IGI
€52$56
Document translation and apostilleVaries by country
€200$217
Required Total
€220$239
+ Additional (estimated)
€252$273
Estimated Total
€472$512
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Work permit obtained by Romanian employer
•Employment contract
•Health insurance
•Criminal background check (apostilled)
•Proof of accommodation
•Medical certificate
📝 Application Steps
1Secure job offer from Romanian employer
2Employer applies for work permit at IGI
3Wait for work permit approval (up to 30 days)
4Receive work permit copy from employer
5Apply for Long-Stay Visa D at Romanian embassy
6Pay EUR 120 visa fee
7Wait for visa approval
8Enter Romania and register with IGI within 30 days
9Obtain residence permit
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer
•Changing jobs requires new work permit
•Must work full-time (minimum wage requirement)
•Employer must prove no suitable EU candidates available
💡 Tips
•The work permit process can take several weeks - plan ahead
•Your employer handles most of the work permit paperwork
•Sign employment contract within 15 working days of entering Romania
•Consider EU Blue Card if you are a highly qualified professional
Temporary Residence Permit
Special ProgramPopular
Required for non-EU citizens staying in Romania for more than 90 days. Must be obtained after entering on a long-stay visa. Valid for 1 year and renewable.
365d
Duration
€52
$56 fee
+€500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Up to 30 days, may extend to 45 days if additional verification needed
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Residence permit card feePaid at IGI upon application
€52$56
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (1 year)Required if not covered by employer
€500$543
Required Total
€52$56
+ Additional (estimated)
€500$543
Estimated Total
€552$599
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
•Must not have been absent for more than 6 consecutive months or 10 months total per year during the 5-year period
•Study periods count as only 50% toward residence requirement
💡 Tips
•Start learning Romanian early - B1 level takes significant time
•Keep detailed records of all residence permits and entries/exits
•The 5-year requirement is strictly enforced
•Consider citizenship application after 3 more years of residence
EU Blue Card
Work
For highly qualified non-EU professionals with a university degree and job offer in Romania. Provides enhanced mobility within the EU and fast-track to permanent residence.
365d
Duration
€172
$187 fee
+€150 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱30-60 working days
🔄Extendable +1460d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Long-stay visa feeInitial visa application
€120$130
EU Blue Card feeCard issuance fee
€52$56
Additional (estimated)
Document recognition feeFor diploma recognition if required
€150$163
Required Total
€172$187
+ Additional (estimated)
€150$163
Estimated Total
€322$349
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
Yes, Romania introduced a Digital Nomad Visa (officially Long-Stay Visa D/AS for "other purposes") in December 2021. It is available to non-EU citizens who work remotely for foreign companies or run their own business registered outside Romania. The visa allows stays of up to 12 months and can be renewed for another 12 months. Applicants must prove average income of at least EUR 3,700 per month (three times the Romanian average gross salary) for the six months prior to application.
Is Romania part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, as of March 31, 2024, Romania joined the Schengen Area for air and sea borders. This means that days spent in Romania count toward your 90-day Schengen allowance. Land border controls with Bulgaria and Hungary are still in place pending further decisions. For visa-free travelers, this means your time in Romania is combined with time spent in other Schengen countries when calculating the 90/180-day rule.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Romania?
Yes, but the legality depends on your visa type. On a tourist visa or visa-free stay, remote work for foreign employers exists in a gray area and is generally tolerated for short stays. For longer stays, the Digital Nomad Visa provides clear legal status for remote workers. Digital nomads who stay under 183 days in any 12-month period may benefit from tax exemptions on foreign income, provided they continue to pay taxes in their country of tax residence.
What are the consequences of overstaying in Romania?
Since Romania joined the Schengen Area, overstaying can result in serious consequences including fines, deportation, and entry bans to the entire Schengen zone (29 countries) for several months to years. The specific penalties vary by country and length of overstay. It is strongly recommended to apply for a residence permit at IGI at least 30 days before your legal stay expires if you wish to remain longer.
How fast is the internet in Romania for remote work?
Romania has some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe and globally, with average fixed broadband speeds exceeding 200 Mbps in major cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. Mobile internet (4G/5G) is widely available with speeds around 60-100 Mbps. This makes Romania an excellent destination for remote workers requiring reliable high-speed connectivity.
Can I open a bank account in Romania as a foreigner?
Yes, but it can be challenging depending on your residency status. Non-residents can open accounts at some banks with just a passport, but many banks require a residence permit (permis de ședere) or proof of address in Romania. Popular banks for foreigners include Banca Transilvania, BCR, and ING Romania. Many digital nomads use international alternatives like Wise, Revolut, or N26 instead.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Romania?
Romania offers one of the most affordable costs of living in the EU. A comfortable lifestyle in Bucharest costs approximately EUR 1,000-1,500 per month including rent, while smaller cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, or Brașov can be even cheaper. Studio apartments rent for EUR 300-500 per month, coworking spaces cost as little as EUR 3-10 per day, and meals at local restaurants cost EUR 5-10.
What are the tax implications for digital nomads in Romania?
Digital nomads on the Digital Nomad Visa who stay less than 183 days in any 12-month period are generally exempt from Romanian income tax on foreign-sourced income, provided they pay taxes in their country of tax residence. If you stay more than 183 days, you become a Romanian tax resident and are subject to a flat 10% income tax on worldwide income, plus social contributions. It is advisable to consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Do US citizens need a long-stay visa for Romania?
US citizens are exempt from the requirement to obtain a long-stay visa (Type D) for Romania. However, if you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply directly for a temporary residence permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) at least 30 days before your 90-day visa-free period expires. This is a unique exemption for US citizens that does not apply to most other nationalities.
What are the best cities in Romania for digital nomads?
Bucharest is the largest city with the most coworking spaces, international community, and amenities. Cluj-Napoca is known as Romania's "Silicon Valley" with a vibrant tech scene and younger population. Timișoara offers a mix of history and modernity with excellent infrastructure. Brașov provides stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities while maintaining good connectivity. Sibiu is charming and affordable with a growing expat community.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025