Digital Nomad and Remote Worker Options in Romania: Combining Residency with Online Income

Romania has emerged as one of Europe’s most compelling destinations for digital nomads and remote workers. Since introducing its dedicated digital nomad visa in 2022, the country has combined high-speed internet infrastructure, a low cost of living relative to Western Europe, and full EU and Schengen membership into a package that appeals to location-independent professionals worldwide.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Romania’s digital nomad visa program, tax implications, alternative residency routes, the best cities for remote work, and how the program compares to similar options across Europe and beyond.

Romania’s digital nomad visa (D/AD)

Romania’s digital nomad visa is officially classified as a “long-stay visa for digital nomads” under category D/AD. It was established by Law no. 22/2022, which amended Government Emergency Ordinance 194/2002 on the regime of foreigners in Romania. The visa is available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who work remotely for a foreign employer or their own foreign-registered company.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for Romania’s D/AD visa, applicants must demonstrate:

• Employment with or ownership of a foreign company that has been operating for at least 3 years
• Remote work in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector or a related field
• Monthly income of at least 3 times the Romanian average gross salary — approximately RON 27,816/month (~€5,550 / ~$6,200) as of 2026, though this figure adjusts annually
• Proof of income for the previous 6 months at or above the threshold
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
• Health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
• Proof of accommodation in Romania
• Clean criminal record certificate, apostilled
• Tax compliance documentation from your country of tax residence

Application process and fees

Applications can be submitted online through Romania’s e-visa portal (evisa.mae.ro) or at a Romanian embassy or consulate abroad. As of April 27, 2026, the visa fee for all long-stay (Type D) applications increased from €120 to €300 under new Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations. In addition, applicants pay RON 259 (~€52) for the residence permit card issued upon arrival.

The statutory processing time is 60 days, though some visa agencies advertise turnaround of 10 to 14 working days through the e-visa portal. Embassy processing tends to take longer, typically 30 to 60 days. Once approved, the D/AD visa grants a 90-day entry window during which you must arrive in Romania and apply for your residence permit through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).

Duration and renewal

The initial residence permit is valid for 1 year and can be renewed once, for a maximum total of 24 months on the digital nomad pathway. Renewal applications should be filed at least 30 days before the current permit expires. After the 24-month maximum, digital nomads who wish to remain must transition to another residency category — typically through company formation (SRL) or employment.

Tax treatment for digital nomads

Romania offers a significant tax advantage for digital nomad visa holders through Law 69/2023, published in the Official Gazette no. 265 on March 30, 2023. Under this law, D/AD visa holders who spend fewer than 183 days in Romania within any consecutive 12-month period are exempt from Romanian income tax, pension contributions (CAS), and health insurance contributions (CASS) on their foreign-sourced income.

Once you exceed 183 days, you become a Romanian tax resident. At that point, standard Romanian tax obligations apply: a flat 10% personal income tax on most income, 25% pension contribution (CAS), and 10% health insurance contribution (CASS) on gross salary. Romania’s flat tax system is one of the simplest in Europe.

Double taxation treaties

Romania has double taxation treaties with most major countries, including Germany, France, and Canada (2004 treaty). The UK’s new treaty with Romania became effective January 1, 2026 for Romanian tax purposes, and April 6, 2026 for UK income and capital gains tax. The US has a long-standing income tax treaty with Romania; however, the US-Romania totalization agreement covering social security — signed March 23, 2023 and ratified by Romania in January 2024 — has been transmitted to the US Congress but is not yet enacted.

VAT considerations

For freelancers operating through a Romanian entity, the VAT registration threshold increased to RON 395,000 (~€79,000) effective September 1, 2025, under Ordinance no. 87/2024 implementing EU Directive 2020/285. Below this threshold, VAT registration is optional.

Setting up a Romanian company (SRL)

For digital nomads considering a longer-term presence or who want to transition beyond the 24-month DNV limit, forming a Romanian limited liability company (SRL, or Societate cu Răspundere Limitată) is the most common approach. Key details:

• Minimum share capital: RON 500 (~€100). Under Law 239/2025 (effective December 18, 2025), companies with annual turnover exceeding RON 400,000 must increase capital to RON 5,000 by December 31, 2026
• Remote registration: The entire process can be completed remotely via notarized power of attorney through ONRC (the National Trade Register Office), typically in 7 to 10 days
• Micro-enterprise tax: 1% on turnover under €100,000 with at least one full-time employee (2026 fiscal year). The previous 3% bracket was abolished, and the turnover ceiling was tightened from €250,000 to €100,000 as of January 1, 2026
• Corporate income tax: 16% for companies above the micro-enterprise threshold

An SRL can serve as the basis for a business-purpose residence permit, providing a pathway beyond the digital nomad visa’s 24-month cap. The self-employed PFA (Persoană Fizică Autorizată) structure is generally available only to EU/EEA citizens or non-EU nationals who already hold a Romanian residence permit.

Best cities for digital nomads in Romania

Romania offers several cities that combine modern infrastructure, affordable living, and vibrant tech communities. Here are the top options:

Romania’s internet infrastructure is among the best in Europe, with a national average speed of approximately 235 Mbps and widespread fiber availability through providers like DIGI and Orange. This makes it especially attractive for professionals whose work depends on reliable, high-speed connectivity.

Practical considerations for remote workers

Banking

Foreign residents can open bank accounts with major Romanian institutions, including ING Bank (known for the best English-language app), Banca Transilvania, and Raiffeisen Bank. Digital banking services like Revolut and Wise also offer Romanian IBANs, which can be convenient for initial setup before establishing a traditional bank relationship.

Healthcare

Digital nomad visa holders must maintain private health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 throughout their stay. Romania’s public healthcare system is available to residents who pay social contributions, but most expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare for shorter wait times and English-speaking providers. Both Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca have well-regarded private hospitals.

EU and Schengen access

Romania became a full Schengen member on January 1, 2025, when all checks on persons at internal land borders were officially abolished (air and sea border checks were lifted earlier in 2024). A Romanian digital nomad residence permit grants the right to travel visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries. For digital nomads who want to explore Europe while maintaining a Romanian base, this represents a significant advantage.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship

Romania offers a clear, if lengthy, path from temporary residency to citizenship:

• Temporary residence (years 1–5): The DNV provides up to 2 years. After that, transitioning to an SRL-based or employment-based permit covers the remainder. Each permit is typically issued for 1 year and renewed annually.
• Permanent residency (after 5 years): Available after 5 years of continuous legal residence, provided you have not been absent for more than 6 consecutive months or 10 months total during the 5-year period. A Romanian language test is required.
• Citizenship (after 8 years): Romanian citizenship can be applied for after 8 years of legal residence (5 years if married to a Romanian citizen). While permanent residency is not a strict legal prerequisite, it is functionally a practical step in the 8-year timeline.
• Dual citizenship: Romania allows dual citizenship — no renunciation of prior nationality is required upon naturalization.

How Romania compares to other digital nomad visa programs

Romania’s DNV sits within an increasingly competitive European landscape. Here is how it compares to major alternatives:

Romania’s income threshold has increased significantly since the visa launched — the 2026 requirement of approximately €5,550/month places it among the more expensive European DNV programs. However, Romania offsets this with the lowest cost of living among EU Schengen members offering digital nomad visas, full Schengen mobility, and a genuine path to EU permanent residency and citizenship.

Options for EU/EEA citizens

EU and EEA citizens do not need a digital nomad visa to live and work remotely in Romania. Instead, they can register for a residence certificate through the General Inspectorate for Immigration for stays exceeding 3 months. The certificate is valid for up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, EU/EEA citizens can apply for permanent residency, and after 8 years for Romanian citizenship.

How Armenia’s digital nomad program compares

While Romania offers EU access and Schengen mobility, Armenia’s digital nomad visa provides a contrasting set of advantages: no minimum income requirement, a straightforward application process, and one of the lowest costs of living in the region. Armenia also offers favorable tax treatment for remote workers and a welcoming environment for international entrepreneurs considering business registration.

For professionals who meet Romania’s higher income threshold and prioritize EU market access, Romania is a strong choice. For those seeking lower barriers to entry and a flexible base in the Caucasus with easy access to the Middle East and Central Asia, Armenia deserves consideration. Our team at Vardanyan & Partners can help you evaluate both options and structure the right residency pathway for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: May 3, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements and tax rules change frequently — verify current figures with official Romanian government sources before making decisions. For assistance with Armenian residency and business formation, contact Vardanyan & Partners.