Doing Business in Romania

Expats doing business in Romania are often attracted by its large domestic market, its young and educated workforce, and its prominent position in Eastern Europe. Functioning for many companies as a gateway to the Balkans, the country is expected to continue growing at a steady pace.

Fast facts

Business hours

The Romanian working week is from Monday to Friday, with business hours typically being from 8am to 6pm, often with a lunch break from 12pm to 2pm.

Language of business

The language of business is generally Romanian, although many people also speak other major European languages such as English, French or German.

Greeting

Shaking hands when meeting business partners is customary. Neglecting to do so would be seen as an insult.

Business dress

Dress code varies according to the situation. In formal business settings, dressing conservatively is recommended – suits for men and a skirt that falls below the knee for women. Business casual is acceptable for more relaxed settings.

Gift giving

Giving small gifts to business partners is considered polite and is pretty standard. A traditional gift from the expat’s home country is usually a safe bet in a business context. Being invited to a colleague’s home is a special honour, and a gift of chocolates or wine is customary. Gifts are often opened in the presence of the giver.

Gender equality

While gender equality is guaranteed by Romanian law, most executive and management positions are still held by men.

Business culture in Romania

Romanian business culture is formal and hierarchical, with an emphasis on respect for seniors and elders. Decisions are made from the top down and are rarely questioned by junior associates.

Communication

Interactions in business are usually formal, and associates address each other using formal titles. Should an expat develop a more informal relationship with a Romanian associate, it’s still expected that they would address them appropriately in formal situations. The most common formal titles in Romania are domnul (Mr), doamnă (Mrs) and domnişoară (Miss).

Meetings

This extends to meetings in Romania, which often follow a strict protocol. Expats should wait to be seated and only take off their jackets after the most senior person in the room does so. Small talk should be avoided unless initiated by local associates. Punctuality is essential, especially in the private sector, although expats should be prepared to wait.

Direct communication is valued, but expats should also be sensitive and patient, especially when providing an opposing viewpoint. Part of this is maintaining eye contact, which is a sign of respect and interest.

Formality tends to soften as individual relationships form, but this isn’t a process that can be forced or rushed. Expats should allow their Romanian associates to set the tone of discussions.

Relationships

Despite the layers of formality, relationships are central to success in the Romanian workplace. As a result of traditional cultural values, the collective is valued above the individual.

Attitude to foreigners

Romanians have a reputation for being hospitable and are generally known to be friendly towards foreigners. Locals who live in urban areas are often able to speak foreign languages such as English, French or German, making communication a lot easier for many expats. At the same time, many Romanian businesspeople are wary of being taken advantage of by foreign companies, meaning that expats will have to work hard to build trust.

Dos and don’ts of doing business in Romania

• Do be direct but sensitive, and focus on business, unless otherwise prompted
• Do exchange business cards formally, including your title and qualifications on the card, as hierarchy matters in Romanian business
• Do allow Romanian colleagues to set the pace for developing informal relationships – this process cannot be rushed
• Don’t make jokes or generalisations about the communist regime or the Roma people
• Don’t be late for meetings, and call ahead and apologise if it is unavoidable
• Don’t boast about achievements or make exaggerated claims
• Don’t make assumptions about Romania based on outdated stereotypes or other Eastern European countries
• Do display courtesy at all times