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.
At a glance
- Investment minimum: EUR 100,000 (SRL) or EUR 150,000 (SA), plus mandatory job creation
- Job creation: 10 new full-time positions (SRL) or 15 (SA) within 12 months
- Share capital: 500 RON (~EUR 100) minimum for SRL registration
- Processing time: 3–5 months total (company registration + D-visa + residence permit)
- Permit validity: 1 year, renewable annually; 3 years for investments above EUR 500,000
- Tax rate: 1% micro-enterprise tax on turnover below EUR 100,000 (2026 rules)
- Schengen access: Full member since January 1, 2025 — travel freely across 29 countries
- Path to citizenship: 8 years of legal residence (5 years if married to a Romanian citizen)
What is Romania’s company formation residency path?
Romania allows non-EU citizens to obtain temporary residence by establishing and actively managing a Romanian company. This pathway combines business formation with immigration, giving entrepreneurs access to the EU single market and Romania’s competitive tax environment.
The program is open to foreign nationals who register either a Societate cu Răspundere Limitată (SRL, the Romanian equivalent of an LLC) or a Societate pe Acțiuni (SA, a joint-stock company). There is no restriction on foreign ownership — you can hold 100% of the company as a non-EU citizen, and no local partner is required.
Single-member SRLs are permitted under Romanian law, though an individual may be the sole shareholder of only one SRL. The company must have a genuine business purpose, a registered office in Romania, and meet specific investment and employment thresholds to qualify for the residence permit.
Investment requirements for 2026
Romanian law sets different investment thresholds depending on the company type and the level of investment. Higher investments unlock longer permit periods and reduced documentation requirements.
| Tier | Investment (SRL) | Investment (SA) | Job creation | Permit length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | EUR 100,000 | EUR 150,000 | 10 (SRL) / 15 (SA) within 12 months | 1 year, renewable |
| Enhanced | EUR 150,000 or 25 jobs | EUR 150,000 or 25 jobs | Eased proof of subsistence | 1 year, renewable |
| Reduced requirements | EUR 200,000 or 50 jobs | EUR 200,000 or 50 jobs | No proof of means required | 1 year, renewable |
| Premium | EUR 500,000+ or 50+ jobs | EUR 500,000+ or 50+ jobs | Maintained at scale | 3 years, renewable |
For permit renewals (extensions), the thresholds are lower: EUR 50,000 for SRL or EUR 70,000 for SA, provided you maintain the required number of employees. The initial application, however, requires the full EUR 100,000 or EUR 150,000 investment along with mandatory job creation.
Additionally, there is a separate administrator route available to non-shareholder directors, requiring EUR 50,000 in capital or technology contribution. This path is limited to individuals who hold a management position without an ownership stake.
For subsistence, applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of EUR 500 (SRL associates) or EUR 700 (SA shareholders).
Note: A proposed Golden Visa program (EUR 400,000 passive investment) was introduced as bill B490/2025 but was withdrawn by its initiators in December 2025 following a negative opinion from Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence. As of May 2026, Romania does not have a passive investment residency program.
Step-by-step process
1. Company registration
Register your SRL or SA at the National Office of the Trade Register (ONRC). You will need to reserve a company name (1–2 business days), prepare incorporation documents, open a bank account with proof of minimum share capital (500 RON for SRL, approximately EUR 100), and file all documents with ONRC. Registration typically takes 3–10 business days. ONRC now supports digital filing and no longer requires specimen signatures.
2. MEIMMMA pre-approval
Before applying for your visa, obtain approval from the General Directorate for Foreign Investments within the Ministry of Economy (MEIMMMA). This step confirms that your investment meets Romania’s requirements for the commercial activities residence category.
3. Long-stay D-visa application
Apply for a Type D long-stay visa for commercial activities at the Romanian consulate in your home country. The fee is approximately EUR 120. The General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) provides an endorsement within 30 days (extendable by 15 days). The visa is valid for 90 days once issued.
4. Enter Romania and apply for residence permit
After arriving in Romania on your D-visa, submit your temporary residence permit application at the local IGI office at least 30 days before your visa expires. Processing takes approximately 30 days, extendable to 90 days in complex cases.
Documents required
A complete application typically includes: a completed residence permit application form, a valid passport with copies, a mandate agreement, proof of investment (EUR 100,000 or EUR 150,000 depending on company type), proof of monthly subsistence means (EUR 500 or EUR 700), a rental agreement or proof of accommodation, private health insurance valid in Romania, a medical certificate, and company documents including the registration certificate, constitutive act, and court decision.
Tax environment for foreign entrepreneurs
Romania offers one of the most competitive tax regimes in the EU. The micro-enterprise system is a primary draw for company formation residency applicants.
Micro-enterprise tax (2026 rules): A flat 1% rate applies to companies with annual turnover below EUR 100,000. This threshold was reduced from EUR 250,000 effective January 1, 2026. The former 3% bracket has been abolished — all qualifying micro-enterprises now pay the single 1% rate. To qualify, the company must maintain at least one employee, and the micro regime applies to only one company per shareholder group (where any shareholder holds more than 25%).
Dividend tax: The withholding rate on dividend distributions increased from 10% to 16%, effective January 1, 2026 under Law 141/2025. Dividends distributed from 2025 profits during the interim period retained the 10% rate.
Health insurance contribution (CASS): A 10% contribution applies to investment income (including dividends) if total non-salary income exceeds six times the national minimum gross salary (RON 24,300 for 2026). Pension contributions (CAS at 25%) do not apply to pure dividend income.
Other 2026 changes: New double tax treaties with the United Kingdom and Andorra took effect on January 1, 2026. The RO e-Factura electronic invoicing system has been extended to non-resident VAT-registered persons.
Family reunification and dependents
Your spouse and dependent children are eligible for family reunification once you hold a valid Romanian residence permit. Family reunification applications are processed within approximately 30 days, and permits can be valid for up to 5 years.
As the primary permit holder, you can work freely within your own company without a separate employment authorization. Private health insurance is mandatory during the first year of residence; after that, you gain access to the Romanian public healthcare system.
Path to permanent residency and citizenship
After 5 years of continuous temporary residence, you can apply for a long-term (permanent) residence permit. The long-term permit has no fixed expiry and removes the need for annual renewals. During the qualifying period, absences from Romania must not exceed 6 consecutive months or 10 months total across the 5-year period.
Romanian citizenship requires 8 years of total legal residence, or 5 years if married to and cohabiting with a Romanian citizen. Under a 2025 reform (Law 14/2025), permanent residence is now a prerequisite for filing a citizenship application. Citizenship is not automatic — applicants must also demonstrate language proficiency, lawful conduct, and sufficient means of support.
Physical presence rule for citizenship: Under Romania’s citizenship law (Legea nr. 21/1991), any year in which you are outside Romania for more than 6 months does not count toward the qualifying residence period. You must accumulate the full 8 (or 5) countable years, each with no more than 6 months of absence.
Physical presence for temporary permit: Romanian law does not impose a specific minimum number of days per year for maintaining a company formation temporary residence permit. However, the purpose of the permit must remain genuine — the company must be active and you must maintain an effective management role. Extended absences carry a practical risk of non-renewal. We recommend consulting a Romanian immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.
Schengen access and travel benefits
Romania became a full Schengen member on January 1, 2025 (land borders; air and sea borders from March 2024). A Romanian residence permit allows you to travel freely across all Schengen member states for up to 90 days within any 180-day period — without an additional visa.
Days spent in Romania under your residence permit do not count against your 90-day Schengen travel allowance. This means your time in Romania is exempt from the 90/180 calculation, giving you the full 90 days for travel across other Schengen countries.
Why Romania for company formation residency?
Romania stands out among EU member states for several reasons. The 1% micro-enterprise tax rate is among the lowest in Europe. Full Schengen membership gives immediate travel mobility. The path to EU citizenship — while not the fastest — offers a concrete long-term outcome. Company registration is efficient (3–10 business days), the ONRC supports digital filing, and 100% foreign ownership is permitted with no mandatory local partner.
For entrepreneurs comparing Romania to other EU jurisdictions, the combination of low operational taxes, reasonable investment thresholds, and straightforward immigration rules makes it a practical choice. If you are considering business registration in another jurisdiction or exploring residence by investment options more broadly, we can help you compare the requirements.
