Visas for Romania

Obtaining visas for Romania is relatively straightforward for most nationalities, although the process varies depending on your purpose and length of stay. Romania became a full member of the Schengen Area in 2025, so expats with Schengen visas can now travel freely to Romania as part of the borderless zone.

Aside from those from EU/EEA countries, citizens of plenty of countries enjoy visa-free entry to Romania, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the UAE. These visa-free visitors can typically stay for 90 days within a 180-day period.

Expats have various options for getting a Romanian visa to suit their specific needs. Whether you’re planning a business trip or moving to Romania to join family or for work, there’s a process you’ll need to work through to get your visa. This can be time-consuming, but organised expats with the right supporting documents should get through the process quite smoothly.

Short-stay (Schengen) visas for Romania

There are different categories of short-stay visas in Romania that cater for different travel purposes and typically limit visits to 90 days. For business visits, Romania offers separate short-stay business visas that require an invitation letter from a Romanian company or institution, endorsed by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).

Romania now offers an eVisa system for online applications, which can streamline the process for eligible applicants. Single-entry visas allow one entry into the Schengen area, while multiple-entry visas permit multiple entries during the validity period. 

You should apply for a visa at your closest Romanian embassy or consulate. A variety of supporting documents need to be provided, like application forms, passport photos, bank statements, proof of health insurance and proof of onward travel. The process can take up to 30 days, and application fees vary by country.

Tourist visa extensions are possible but must be applied for at the Romanian Immigration Office before your current visa expires.

Useful links

• Romania eVisa System
• Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
• Romania Tourism: Entry Requirements

Long-stay visas for Romania

Romania offers several long-stay visas for stays exceeding 90 days, each designed for specific purposes. The key difference from short-stay visas is that long-stay visas allow you to apply for a residence permit after arrival.

The main categories include economic activities for business ventures, employment requiring prior work authorisation, studies at Romanian institutions, family reunification, and specialised activities like religious or humanitarian work. Processing typically takes 30 to 45 days, as most categories require prior authorisation from Romanian immigration authorities.

Bear in mind that the long-stay visa is just your entry ticket – you’ll need to apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival to legally remain in Romania long-term.

Digital nomad visas

Romania has a long-stay visa for digital nomads who want to live in the country while working remotely for companies or clients based outside Romania.

To qualify, digital nomads must demonstrate they earn at least three times the Romanian average monthly salary from their remote work activities for the six months prior to application, and maintain this income level throughout their stay. The work must be performed remotely for either an employer registered outside Romania or through their own company established abroad.

Work permits

Work permits for Romania operate through a streamlined process where your employer takes the lead. The employer must apply for your work permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), demonstrating they cannot fill the position with a Romanian or EU national.

Work Permits for Romania

Useful links

• Romania Visa Types

Residence permits for Romania

Residence permits for Romania come in two main types: temporary and long-term permits. Temporary residence permits are your first step for extended stays beyond 90 days. These are typically valid for one year initially and can be extended for periods ranging from one to five years, depending on your circumstances. You must apply for renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

After maintaining continuous legal residence in Romania for five years, you become eligible for a long-term residence permit. This permit is valid for five years and can be renewed (it’s valid for 10 years if you’re married to a Romanian citizen). The five-year qualifying period requires you to have spent no more than six consecutive months outside Romania during this time.

For long-term residence applications, you’ll need to undergo health checks, provide Romanian criminal clearance, and submit documents relating to your civil status, financial situation, and medical insurance.

Family-joining visas

Family-joining visas allow eligible family members to reunite with sponsors already living in the country. The sponsor (the person already in Romania) must hold a temporary residence permit valid for at least one year, an EU Blue Card, a long-term residence permit, or be a Romanian or EU citizen.

Eligible family members include spouses, unmarried minor children (including adopted children), and dependant parents or first-degree relatives who cannot support themselves. The process involves two stages: first, the sponsor applies for approval from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), which takes up to 90 days. Once approved, family members have 60 days to apply for their long-stay visa at Romanian diplomatic missions.

Required documentation includes proof of family relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates), evidence of adequate accommodation and financial support, health insurance, police clearance, and medical certificates.

Useful links

• Family Reunification – IGI
• Residence Permits – IGI
• Long-term Residence – IGI

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.