Moving to Romania

Living in Romania as an expat

Moving to and living in Romania puts you between the Black Sea and the Carpathians, with beaches, ski slopes, forests and farmland all within reach. Bucharest sits on the Dambovita River and is often expats’ first stop for planning a base for work or study.

Romania ranks among Europe’s safest countries with very low crime rates, and new arrivals soon learn that Romania has much to offer as both an international tourist destination and gateway to business in Eastern Europe. Expats moving to Romania are treading somewhat off the beaten track when it comes to worldwide expat destinations, but the country is an EU member state since 2007 and joined the Schengen Area in 2024. Romania has access to strong business and trade connections throughout both Western and Eastern Europe.

Moving to Bucharest

Working in Romania

Working in Romania often means you’ll be based in the capital. Many foreign professionals land roles in construction, engineering, IT, software development, telecommunications, teaching English, or the rapidly growing tech outsourcing sector.  Romania now hosts major international companies, including Microsoft, Oracle, and UiPath. 

Romania’s economy centres on the services sector, which accounts for over 60 percent of GDP and employs nearly half the workforce. As an EU member state, Romania provides businesses with access to the European Union’s internal market on equal terms with other member states.

Visa and work-permit rules are clear but involve heavy paperwork, so plan ahead and allow time for approvals. Non-EU nationals require work permits to work in Romania, and the government maintains an annual quota of 100,000 permits for foreign workers. EU and EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement for employment, although UK citizens have faced new requirements since Brexit and must apply for residence permits for stays beyond 90 days.

Finding a Job in Romania
Work Permits for Romania
Visas for Romania 

Romanian culture

Romanian culture is a feature of its position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe, and it reflects its people's Latin heritage and Central European and Balkan influences. There are some adjustments that new arrivals will have to make, and most expats experience some elements of culture shock. You’ll notice strong family ties, generous hospitality and a direct communication style. 

Romanian is the official language. German and Hungarian are spoken in some regions.  English is less common once you leave major centres, although you’ll hear it more in Bucharest, Constanța and Brașov, as well as in tourist areas. A few phrases in Romanian go a long way.

Business culture tends to be formal and hierarchical, with clear respect for authority and seniority. Romanians value straightforward, honest communication, but wrapped in courtesy and respect. Dress smartly for meetings and follow up in writing. Relationship building takes time and patience, as trust develops gradually in professional settings. Interactions may begin formally, but Romanians are known for their hospitality towards foreigners.

Local Culture in Romania
Business Culture in Romania
Diversity and Inclusion in Romania

Finding accommodation in Romania

Finding accommodation in Romania is straightforward once you choose your neighbourhood. There are varied options to suit different professional needs and budgets, from modern apartments and renovated Communist-era blocks to suburban villas.

The rental market shows clear regional differences, and Bucharest and major cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași command higher rents than smaller towns. In Bucharest, the apartments near metro stations are especially sought after.

The rental process typically requires written tenancy agreements authenticated by a notary, and properties may be furnished or unfurnished. Many expats find success through local property portals and networking, and some employers provide housing allowances or relocation assistance to help figure out the market.

Accommodation in Romania

Cost of living in Romania

The cost of living in Romania is comparatively low within the European Union. Salaries run lower than in Western Europe, yet day-to-day expenses can be manageable, especially outside the biggest cities. Regional differences are notable, and living in Bucharest and major cities like Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara is costlier than living in the smaller towns.

Housing typically represents the largest expense, whereas local produce, public transport, and utilities are relatively affordable. Imported goods, private healthcare and international schooling push budgets higher, so factor these in. On the whole, expats generally find that their purchasing power increases substantially compared to their home countries.

Cost of Living in Romania

Living in Romania with children

Living in Romania with children is workable and often pleasantly low-key. Parks, playgrounds, and weekend escapes to the mountains or the Black Sea help keep families active. Romanian cities are generally child-friendly, with numerous parks, family attractions, and recreational facilities available.

The Romanian public healthcare system provides universal coverage for residents, although many expat families opt for private healthcare insurance for faster access and English-speaking services. When choosing a home, consider how close you’ll be to clinics and emergency facilities.

 Family benefits are available to residents, and the country’s central European location makes it easy to explore neighbouring countries for weekend trips and school holidays.

Safety in Romania
Healthcare in Romania

Finding a school in Romania

Finding a school in Romania presents expats with several educational options. The public education system is free and follows the Romanian curriculum, although most international families prefer private or international schools for English-language instruction and familiar curricula.

International schools are concentrated primarily in Bucharest, offering programmes such as the International Baccalaureate, British, and American curricula. These schools cater to the international community but represent a significant expense, so expats should either ask their employers for a school allowance or budget for a considerable sum. Some bilingual schools offer both Romanian and international programmes and provide a middle ground for families planning longer-term stays.

Education and Schools in Romania

Getting around in Romania

Getting around in Romania is easiest in Bucharest, which has a metro system alongside bus and tram networks. The national rail network connects most cities, although journey times can be lengthy due to ageing infrastructure, and coaches serve smaller towns.

Romania’s road network spans over 53,000 miles (85,000km). Many expats choose to drive, although road conditions can drop off considerably outside major cities. Cars drive on the right-hand side, and international driving permits are typically required for non-EU residents. Winter tyres are required when roads are snowy or icy, and a rovinietă (road vignette) is mandatory for most national roads outside city limits.

Transport and Driving in Romania

Climate and weather in Romania

Romania has a continental climate with four distinct seasons, including mild springs and autumns, sunny summers and chilly winters. Expats will be able to practise their skiing in winter, with snow typically falling from December through to March throughout the country and especially in the mountainous interior. Generally, expats can look forward to summers spent in the sun, enjoying the Romanian countryside and the Black Sea coast.

Climate and Weather Charts for Romania

Fast facts

Official name: Romania

Population: Around 18.7 million

Capital city: Bucharest (also the largest city)

Other cities: Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța, Brașov

Neighbouring countries: Ukraine to the north and east; Moldova to the east; Bulgaria to the south; Serbia to the southwest; Hungary to the west; the southeast borders the Black Sea.

Geography: This Eastern European country sits on the Black Sea and is characterised by mountainous terrain, with the Carpathian Mountains dominating the country’s interior. The Danube River, which forms part of the border with Serbia and Bulgaria, flows into Romania, ending with the Danube Delta (the second-largest river delta in Europe) in southeastern Romania.

Political system: Semi-presidential representative republic

Main language: Romanian (official). English is widely spoken in larger cities and tourist areas.

Major religions: Christianity is the largest religion in Romania, with Eastern Orthodox being the largest denomination.

Money: The Romanian Leu (RON) is divided into 100 bani. ATMs are widely available in the country’s urban areas, and credit cards are accepted at most establishments.

Tipping: Restaurants and hotels typically expect 10 to 15 percent for good service. Service charges may be included in the bill, so check before tipping.

Time: GMT+2 (GMT+3 for daylight savings, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type F (Schuko) sockets with two round pins are used; Type C plugs also fit.

Internet domain: .ro

International dialling code: +40

Emergency contacts: 112

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Public transport is well-developed in major cities, particularly Bucharest, and there are good connections between cities.