Romania Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 5 November, 2025

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Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Expected to be 5 years

Possible to extend? Yes, if investment conditions are maintained

Who can apply? Non-EU/EEA nationals making a qualifying investment

Minimum Income Requirements Likely around €500–€700/month, depending on investment type

Time for visa applications Estimated 1–3 months once the program launches

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Romania is stepping into the spotlight of Europe’s investment immigration scene. While many EU countries already offer established “Golden Visa” programs, Romania is preparing to join the list with its own residency-by-investment initiative, a move that has sparked growing interest among global investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads looking for a strategic European base.

Although the Romanian Golden Visa has not yet been officially launched, reports from trusted local sources suggest that the government is working on a program that would grant long-term residency rights in exchange for a qualifying investment, potentially around €400,000. If implemented, this could open the door to one of the most affordable and business-friendly investment visas in the European Union.

For now, the program remains under development, with no confirmed start date or finalized legislation. However, it’s an initiative worth watching closely. Romania offers a unique combination of strategic EU access, low living costs, thriving tech and real estate sectors, and an investor-friendly environment, making it a promising destination for those seeking stability, opportunity, and long-term European presence.

Romania Golden Visa Overview

The Romanian government is currently working on a new residence-by-investment scheme aimed at non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to gain long-term residency in Romania through meaningful investment. According to legislative proposals, the program would offer a five-year renewable residence permit in exchange for an investment of at least €400,000 in one of several eligible routes (such as government bonds, real estate, authorized investment funds, or listed company shares). 

It is important to emphasize that the visa has not yet been officially launched, final regulations are pending, and the exact timeline for when applications will be accepted remains unclear. We will update this page as soon as the formal law and implementing rules are published.

Who Is It For?

• Individuals from non-EU/EEA third countries who are willing and able to make the required investment in Romania.

• Investors (and potentially their immediate family members) who seek a stable European residence base, access to the EU market, and long-term mobility options.

• Persons who can demonstrate the legal origin of funds, pass national security/anti-money laundering checks, and meet the other eligibility criteria proposed under the draft legislation.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

• It would allow the principal investor (and likely eligible family members) to obtain temporary residence in Romania for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal thereafter.

• The investment must be maintained for the duration of the permit (typically at least five years).

• While resident in Romania, the permit should allow you to live in the country, possibly travel freely within the EU/Schengen area, subject to Schengen rules (once relevant), and engage in your investment activity and possibly business/residential life in Romania.

• Some reports indicate that after the five-year residence period, investors may become eligible for permanent residence and eventually Romanian citizenship (under the usual naturalization framework), though this is not yet guaranteed in legislation.

Romania Golden Visa Requirements

Before applying for Romania’s upcoming Golden Visa (Residency-by-Investment Program), applicants will need to prepare several essential documents. 

While the final list of requirements has not yet been officially published, it is expected to closely resemble the standard documentation used for other long-term residence permits in Romania, such as those for investors, business founders, and highly skilled professionals.

Applicants should anticipate a thorough verification process, designed to confirm the legitimacy of the investment, the lawful source of funds, and the good character of each applicant. Below is an overview of the documentation and likely conditions that will apply once the program is officially launched.

To start the application process, investors will likely need to submit:

• A completed and signed residence permit application form (official format to be released)

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining

• Two recent passport-sized photographs

• Proof of accommodation in Romania (such as a property deed, rental contract, or notarized invitation)

• A criminal record certificate issued by the applicant’s country of residence or citizenship

• A medical certificate confirming the applicant is in good health and free from contagious diseases

• Proof of payment for all applicable government fees and processing charges

• Copies of any existing Romanian entry visa or residence permit, if applicable

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

As the Romania Golden Visa is investment-based, applicants will need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources. This will likely include:

• Evidence of the legal origin of funds, such as audited financial statements, bank records, or contracts of sale

• Proof of investment capacity showing the applicant has the minimum investment amount (expected to be around €400,000) readily available

• Confirmation that the investment will be maintained throughout the required five-year residence period

• Possibly a declaration of financial stability, confirming that the applicant can support themselves and any dependents while residing in Romania

These measures align with Romania’s existing investment and business residence visa requirements and are intended to prevent money laundering and ensure economic benefit to the country.

Private Health Insurance

Applicants will almost certainly be required to hold valid private or public health insurance covering their stay in Romania.

• The policy must include comprehensive coverage for medical care, emergencies, and hospital treatment.

• Proof of insurance must be valid for the entire duration of the residence permit (five years).

• In some cases, investors may also need to register with Romania’s national health insurance system after receiving their residence permit.

This is a standard condition for all long-term residence permits issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in Romania.

Security and Background Checks

To ensure compliance and national safety, applicants will undergo a security and background assessment, likely involving:

• A clean criminal record (both in Romania and the applicant’s home country)

• Verification through Romanian authorities such as the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) and Financial Intelligence Office (ONPCSB)

• Confirmation that the applicant is not subject to EU or international sanctions

Such checks are mandatory for all residence permits in Romania, and will almost certainly apply to the Golden Visa program as well.

Investment Verification

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have made, or are in the process of making, a qualifying investment.

• Early reports suggest a minimum investment of €400,000 will be required, though details on eligible investment types (e.g., real estate, business, or government bonds) are still under development.

• The investment must remain active for the full duration of the residence permit.

• Supporting documentation (contracts, proof of transfer, company registration, etc.) will be required.

Romania Stay Requirements

While the Romanian Golden Visa has not yet been officially launched, it is expected to follow the same residency conditions as other long-term residence permits issued to foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Generally, holders of a Romanian residence permit are required to spend a minimum amount of time physically present in the country each year to maintain their legal residency status.

For most Romanian investment or business residence permits, this means not being absent from Romania for more than six consecutive months, or a total of ten months over the entire validity of the residence permit. If the Golden Visa follows this model, investors would likely need to visit or reside in Romania regularly, ensuring their primary residence or business interests remain active in the country.

Applicants should also expect that the qualifying investment must be maintained throughout the duration of the residence permit (anticipated to be five years). Selling the investment or withdrawing funds prematurely could result in the permit being revoked or not renewed.

It is not yet known whether the Romanian Golden Visa will include specific minimum stay requirements for citizenship eligibility. However, based on Romania’s current naturalization rules, applicants who wish to apply for permanent residence or citizenship eventually typically must have lived in Romania continuously for several years, usually at least five years of legal residence, with evidence of physical presence, tax compliance, and integration.

Until the official Golden Visa legislation is enacted, these stay conditions remain provisional expectations based on Romania’s existing immigration framework.

How Much Does the Romanian Golden Visa Cost?

Since the Romanian Golden Visa program has not yet been officially launched, the government has not released the final fee structure or exact investment categories. However, based on the draft legislation and the costs associated with other residence-by-investment programs in the EU, we can estimate what applicants should expect when budgeting for the process.

The core investment amount currently being discussed is €400,000, which would need to be invested in one of the approved sectors, likely real estate, government bonds, authorized investment funds, or shares in Romanian-registered companies. This investment would need to be maintained for the entire duration of the residence permit, which is expected to last five years.

In addition to the main investment, applicants should also budget for the following likely expenses:

• Government application fees: typically between €100 – €300 per applicant for long-stay residence permits in Romania.

• Residence permit issuance fee: approximately €50 – €100 for the residence card (based on current IGI fees).

• Document translation and legalization costs: foreign documents must be translated into Romanian and legalized or apostilled; this can cost around €200 – €500, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

• Health insurance premium: varies based on coverage, but typically around €300 – €600 per year for private insurance.

• Professional or legal assistance: if applicants use an immigration lawyer, consultant, or authorized agent, fees may range from €2,000 – €5,000, depending on the complexity of the application.

• Family members: each dependent (spouse or child) will likely require additional processing and residence permit fees, similar to the principal applicant.

It is important to note that, unlike the main investment amount, government and processing fees are non-refundable, even if an application is not approved.

As the program is still in development, the Romanian authorities may introduce different investment tiers or categories, each with its own financial thresholds and benefits. For example, a lower investment option with shorter residence validity, or higher investment levels offering accelerated permanent residence.

Taxes for People With a Romania Golden Visa

Understanding how taxation works is essential for anyone planning to apply for the Romania Golden Visa or establish residency in the country through investment. While the visa program itself has not yet been officially launched, it will likely follow Romania’s existing tax framework for foreign residents and investors.

Romania offers one of the most competitive tax systems in the European Union, making it an attractive option for investors and entrepreneurs. However, tax obligations depend on whether the holder of the Golden Visa is classified as a tax resident or non-tax resident under Romanian law.

Under current Romanian tax rules:

• Individuals who spend more than 183 days in Romania within any 12-month period are generally considered Romanian tax residents.

• Tax residents are subject to tax on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on income derived from Romanian sources.

• The personal income tax rate in Romania is 10%, one of the lowest in the EU.

• Dividends from Romanian companies are typically taxed at 8%, and corporate income tax stands at 16% (though certain small companies may qualify for a reduced microenterprise rate of 1%–3%, depending on revenue and employee count).

• There is no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax on transfers between close family members.

• Romania has signed double taxation treaties with more than 85 countries, allowing foreign investors to avoid being taxed twice on the same income.

For Golden Visa holders, this means that those who maintain their primary residence outside Romania and spend less than 183 days per year in the country will not generally become Romanian tax residents. They will still pay tax on any Romanian-source income, such as rental income, dividends from Romanian companies, or capital gains from local investments.

On the other hand, investors who relocate to Romania full-time or make the country their primary residence will become tax residents. They will be expected to declare and pay taxes on their global income, in line with Romania’s national tax laws.

The upcoming Golden Visa program may also include specific reporting or tax-compliance conditions for maintaining residency status, such as filing annual income declarations or proving continued investment activity. These details will be confirmed once the government finalizes the program’s framework.

Living in Romania with the Golden Visa

Living in Romania with the Golden Visa offers a gateway to one of Europe’s most dynamic and affordable destinations. Holders of this visa would enjoy the right to live, invest, and manage businesses in a full European Union member state, with access to modern infrastructure, a growing economy, and a remarkably low cost of living compared to Western Europe. Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara are emerging hubs for technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, while the country’s rich history, natural landscapes, and cultural diversity make it an appealing place to call home.

Romania’s strategic location in Eastern Europe also makes it an ideal base for international investors. Residents benefit from visa-free travel across the EU and Schengen Area (once Romania’s Schengen accession is fully implemented), access to EU healthcare and education systems, and a welcoming environment for foreign professionals. English is widely spoken in major cities, and Romania’s expanding expat community continues to grow as the country attracts entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and investors from around the world. While the Golden Visa is still under development, it is expected to offer a balanced lifestyle opportunity, combining European residency rights with a vibrant, cost-effective, and business-friendly setting.

Best Cities to Live in Romania

Romania offers a diverse range of cities that blend European modernity with rich history and charm. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced energy of the capital, the youthful tech vibe of Transylvania, or the cultural sophistication of the west, Romania has a place that suits every lifestyle.

Bucharest

The capital city, Bucharest, is the economic and administrative heart of Romania, and the country’s top destination for investors and professionals. Often called “Little Paris” for its elegant architecture and lively café culture, Bucharest combines historic beauty with modern development. It’s home to the headquarters of Romania’s largest companies, a fast-growing startup ecosystem, international schools, and high-quality healthcare facilities. While traffic and pace can be intense, the city offers endless business opportunities and a cosmopolitan lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of Western European capitals.

Cluj-Napoca

Located in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s innovation and technology capital. It boasts one of the country’s strongest economies, fueled by a thriving IT sector, top-tier universities, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has a young, international population, excellent digital infrastructure, and a reputation for being clean, green, and safe. Cluj offers a balanced lifestyle, combining urban sophistication with proximity to the Carpathian Mountains, making it ideal for both business and leisure.

Timișoara

Known as Romania’s western gateway, Timișoara is a multicultural, artistic, and forward-thinking city just a short drive from Hungary and Serbia. It was named the European Capital of Culture 2023, showcasing its deep historical roots and creative energy. With a strong industrial base, European-style architecture, and a growing expat community, Timișoara offers an elegant yet relaxed lifestyle. Its well-developed infrastructure, clean environment, and European charm make it one of the best cities in Romania for investors seeking both opportunity and comfort.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). 1 RON ≈ $0.226 USD (as of early November 2025).

The average net monthly salary in Romania is around 5,351 RON, which equates to approximately $1,210 USD. 

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Bucharest

• Rent (1-bedroom in city center) – ~$629 USD per month

• Rent (3-bedrooms outside city center) – ~$649 USD per month

• Basic Utilities – ~$98 USD per month

• Wi-Fi – ~$11 USD per month

• Public Transport – ~$1.15 USD one-way ticket

• Groceries (2 people) – approx. $400–$550 USD per month

Cluj-Napoca

• Rent (1-bedroom in city center) – ~$544 USD per month

• Rent (3-bedrooms outside city center) – ~$763 USD per month

• Basic Utilities – ~$97 USD per month

• Wi-Fi – ~$9–10 USD per month

• Public Transport – ~$0.80 USD one-way ticket

• Groceries (2 people) – approx. $330–$480 USD per month

Timișoara

• Rent (1-bedroom in city center) – ~$403 USD per month

• Rent (3-bedrooms outside city center) – ~$499 USD per month

• Basic Utilities – ~$137 USD per month

• Wi-Fi – ~$9 USD per month

• Public Transport – ~$0.90 USD one-way ticket

• Groceries (2 people) – approx. $300–$450 USD per month

FAQs

Does Romania currently have a Golden Visa program?

Not yet. Romania has announced plans to introduce a residency-by-investment program, commonly referred to as the Golden Visa, but it has not been officially launched. The proposal outlines a five-year residence permit in exchange for an investment of at least €400,000, but full details will be published once the law is approved.

Who can apply for the Romania Golden Visa?

Can my family join me under the Romania Golden Visa?

Yes. While not yet officially confirmed, spouses and dependent children will likely be eligible to obtain residence permits under the same application, as is standard in similar EU programs. Each family member will need to meet documentation and insurance requirements.

How long will the Romania Golden Visa be valid for?

Based on current reports, the visa is expected to grant a five-year residence permit, renewable as long as the investment is maintained and all eligibility criteria continue to be met. Permanent residence or citizenship may become possible after several years of continuous legal residence in Romania.

When will the Romania Golden Visa officially launch?

Author

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

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Nadia Dardón is a content creator from Guatemala. She has worked fully remotely for the past six years as a copywriter, editor, and content creator, working for different industries. She started her digital nomad journey in 2022 and currently lives as an expat in Spain.