Discover how to obtain Romanian residency through strategic company formation, with comprehensive investment requirements, timelines, and benefits
Start Your Romanian Residency JourneyWhy Romania for Company Formation and Residency?
Romania has emerged as one of Europe's most attractive destinations for business formation and residency acquisition. As an EU member state, Romania offers a unique combination of low operational costs, strategic geographic location, and streamlined business registration processes that make it ideal for entrepreneurs and investors seeking European Union rights.
The country's business-friendly environment, coupled with its residency-by-investment programs, provides a clear pathway to EU citizenship while maintaining competitive tax rates and minimal bureaucratic hurdles.
Investment Requirements & Company Types
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Minimum Capital:
No minimum capital required (abolished in law 223/2020)
Residency Investment:
€50,000 minimum for residency pathway
Job Creation:
10 full-time positions within 12 months
Income Requirement:
€500/month for renewal
Joint Stock Company (JSC)
Minimum Capital:
€25,000 required by law
Residency Investment:
€70,000 minimum for residency pathway
Job Creation:
15 full-time positions within 12 months
Income Requirement:
€700/month for renewal
Premium Investment Benefits
€200,000+ Investment
No income proof required for renewal + waived subsistence requirements
€500,000+ Investment
3-year residency permit + 50 job creation alternative + expedited processing
€1,000,000+ Investment
Accelerated citizenship path (reduced from 8 to 4 years) + VIP processing
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Business Plan Preparation & Approval
Submit a comprehensive business plan to the Romanian Center for the Promotion of Foreign Investments. The plan must detail your investment amount, projected job creation, and three-year business projections.
Step 2: Company Registration
Register your LLC or JSC with the Romanian Trade Registry. This can often be completed remotely, though certain banking requirements may necessitate physical presence.
Step 3: Document Preparation & Submission
Compile all required documents including passport, company registration, health certificates, criminal background check, and proof of accommodation. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Romanian.
Step 4: Residency Application Processing
Submit your application through Romanian consulates or directly to the Immigration Authority. The application undergoes review by multiple government agencies including the Foreign Investment Agency.
Step 5: Permit Issuance & Obligation Fulfillment
Receive your one-year residence permit and fulfill your investment and job creation obligations within 12 months. This includes making the required investment and creating the specified number of jobs.
Practical Investment Scenarios
Tech Startup Scenario
Investment: €55,000 through LLC formation
Business Model: Software development company
Job Creation: 10 developer positions over 12 months
Timeline: 4-6 months from application to permit
*This is a theoretical example for illustration purposes only. Actual results may vary based on individual circumstances and current regulations.
E-commerce Business Scenario
Investment: €75,000 through JSC formation
Business Model: Online retail platform
Job Creation: 15 positions (sales, logistics, customer service)
Timeline: 5-7 months including scaling period
*This is a theoretical example for illustration purposes only. Actual results may vary based on individual circumstances and current regulations.
Key Success Factors
Realistic Business Plan
Detailed projections and feasible job creation timeline
Legal Compliance
Proper documentation and regulatory adherence
Timely Execution
Meeting all deadlines and obligations
Professional Support
Expert legal and business guidance
Benefits of Romanian Company Formation Residency
EU Access & Mobility
- Free movement across 27 EU countries
- Schengen Area travel privileges
- Access to EU-wide business opportunities
- Right to work in any EU member state
Tax Advantages
- 10% flat personal income tax rate
- 16% corporate tax rate (lowest in EU)
- 1-3% micro-enterprise tax for small businesses
- Competitive VAT structure
Family Benefits
- Spouse and children inclusion
- Access to Romanian healthcare system
- EU education system access
- Path to permanent residency for all family members
Long-term Residency & Citizenship Path
Residency Timeline
Year 1: Temporary residence permit (renewable annually)
Year 5: Eligible for permanent residency
Year 8: Eligible for Romanian citizenship (EU passport)
Accelerated path: Investors with €1M+ can apply for citizenship after 4 years instead of 8.
Required Documents Checklist
Personal Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Criminal Background Check
From country of residence, apostilled
Health Certificate
From accredited medical institution
Health Insurance
Coverage for applicant and family members
Proof of Accommodation
Rental agreement or property ownership
Business Documents
Approved Business Plan
Approved by Romanian Foreign Investment Agency
Company Registration Certificate
From Romanian Trade Registry
Proof of Investment
Bank statements showing required capital
Articles of Incorporation
Notarized company formation documents
Financial Statements
Proof of financial capacity and income
Important Document Requirements
All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Romanian by certified translators. The translation and apostille process can take 2-4 weeks, so plan accordingly. Documents must be recent (typically within 6 months of application).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
The complete process typically takes 4-6 months from initial business plan submission to receiving your residence permit. This includes business plan approval (15-30 days), company registration (3-7 days), document preparation (7-14 days), and residency processing (30-90 days). Premium investment levels may qualify for expedited processing.
Can I fulfill the job creation requirements with part-time employees?
No, the job creation requirements specifically mandate full-time positions. For LLCs, you must create 10 full-time jobs, and for JSCs, 15 full-time jobs. Part-time positions do not count toward these requirements. However, you have 12 months from receiving your residence permit to fulfill these obligations.
What happens if I don't meet the investment or job creation requirements?
Failure to meet the investment or job creation requirements within the specified 12-month period can result in non-renewal of your residence permit. It's crucial to plan realistically and ensure you have adequate resources to fulfill all obligations. Professional legal guidance can help ensure compliance with all requirements.
Can my family members work in Romania with this residency?
Yes, family members included in your residency application receive the same rights as the primary applicant, including the right to work in Romania without additional permits. This extends to your spouse and dependent children under 18. They also gain access to Romanian healthcare and education systems.
Is it possible to complete the entire process remotely?
Most of the process can be completed remotely, including business plan submission, company registration, and document preparation. However, some traditional banks may require physical presence for account opening. Using digital banking services like Wise or Revolut Business can help avoid this requirement. Final document submission can be done through Romanian consulates in your country of residence.
What are the tax implications of Romanian residency?
Romanian tax residents benefit from a 10% flat personal income tax rate, one of the lowest in the EU. Corporate tax is 16%, with micro-enterprises (under €500,000 annual revenue) paying just 1-3%. Romania has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. Professional tax planning can help optimize your tax situation.
Ready to Start Your Romanian Residency Journey?
Take the first step toward European Union residency and citizenship through Romania's company formation pathway. Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance through every step of the process.
