Europe
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.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter Romania and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Romania became a full Schengen member on January 1, 2025.
Remote work for a foreign employer is not explicitly prohibited during short tourist stays, but Romania does not officially authorize it. Working remotely is a grey area — no enforcement in practice, but technically you should hold a work authorization. The digital nomad visa exists specifically for this purpose.
Stays under 183 days in any 12-month period generally do not trigger Romanian tax residency. However, if you perform work (even remotely) while physically in Romania, income could technically be subject to Romanian taxation. In practice, enforcement for short tourist stays is minimal.
Romania's dedicated visa for remote workers employed by or owning companies registered outside Romania. Grants a 90-day entry visa convertible to a renewable residence permit for up to 3 years total.
Minimum $5,600/per_month
Alternative: Must demonstrate average income of at least 3 times the Romanian average gross salary (~EUR 1,867/month in 2026, so ~EUR 5,600/month) for the 6 months prior to application. Income must come from a foreign employer or own foreign-registered company.
Explicitly designed for remote work. Must work exclusively for a foreign employer or own foreign-registered company via internet/telecommunications. Local employment in Romania is not permitted under this visa.
Extension: 180 days (max 1x)
Cost: €120
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.
Digital nomads are explicitly exempt from Romanian income tax and social contributions on foreign salary income under Law 69/2023, provided they stay fewer than 183 days in any rolling 12-month period. After 183 days, you become a tax resident and must register with ANAF within 30 days. Romania's flat income tax rate is 10%, with social contributions of 25% (CAS) + 10% (CASS). Romania-sourced income remains taxable regardless. As of 2026, dividend tax increased to 16%.
Standard Schengen visa for nationals who require a visa to enter Romania and the Schengen Area. Valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Romania has been a full Schengen member since January 1, 2025.
A Type C Schengen visa is intended for tourism, business visits, or transit — not for employment or sustained remote work. Working remotely for a foreign employer is not explicitly authorized but not actively enforced for short stays. For legal remote work, apply for the Digital Nomad Visa instead.
Short stays under 183 days typically do not trigger Romanian tax residency. However, any work performed while physically present in Romania could technically be subject to Romanian income tax. In practice, enforcement for short tourist visa stays is minimal.
Long-stay visa for non-EU nationals with a Romanian employment contract. Requires employer-sponsored work authorization from IGI. Grants 90-day entry visa, convertible to a temporary residence permit.
This visa is tied to a specific Romanian employer and position. You must work locally for the sponsoring employer. Remote work for a foreign company is not permitted under this visa category — the Digital Nomad Visa is the appropriate route for that.
Employment income is subject to Romania's 10% flat income tax, plus social contributions: 25% CAS (pension) and 10% CASS (health insurance), withheld by the employer. Total employee tax burden is approximately 35% of gross salary. Tax residency is established from day one of employment.
Residence permit issued after entering Romania on a long-stay visa (Type D). Valid for up to 1 year, renewable based on the purpose of stay. Covers employment, family reunification, studies, business activities, and other purposes.
Tax obligations depend on the purpose of residence. Employment income: 10% flat income tax + 25% CAS + 10% CASS (withheld by employer). Self-employment/business: 10% income tax + social contributions if income exceeds thresholds. Residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income. As of 2026, dividend tax is 16%.
Permit for non-EU nationals who have lived legally and continuously in Romania for at least 5 years. Valid for 5 years, renewable. Grants broad rights including unrestricted access to the Romanian labor market and social benefits.
Long-term residents have unrestricted access to the Romanian labor market, including self-employment and remote work. No additional work authorization is required.
Long-term residents are Romanian tax residents, subject to 10% flat income tax on worldwide income. Social contributions: 25% CAS + 10% CASS on employment/self-employment income. As of 2026, dividend income taxed at 16%. Must file annual tax returns with ANAF.
EU-wide work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers with a higher education degree and a binding job offer in Romania. Since March 2024, Romania significantly lowered salary thresholds to 1x the average gross salary.
The EU Blue Card is tied to a specific employer and position in Romania. You must work for the sponsoring employer. Changing employers requires notification to authorities and may need approval during the first 12 months. Remote work for a foreign company is not permitted — use the Digital Nomad Visa for that purpose.
EU Blue Card holders are Romanian tax residents from day one. Employment income is subject to 10% flat income tax, plus 25% CAS (pension) and 10% CASS (health insurance), withheld by the employer. Total employee tax burden is approximately 35% of gross salary. Worldwide income is taxable after 183 days of residence. Dividend income taxed at 16% as of 2026.
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