EXPATS IN ROMANIA

all expats welcome to romania

Moving to Romania 2025 – The Complete Expat Guide

Your Complete Guide to Moving to Romania

Whether you’re relocating for work, retiring to Europe, or seeking an affordable base as a digital nomad, Romania offers an exceptional quality of life. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about making Romania your new home.

Why Move to Romania?

Pros

  • Low cost of living – 50-60% cheaper than Western Europe
  • Fast internet – Among the world’s best, €10/month for 1Gbps
  • EU membership – Schengen access, EU rights and protections
  • Beautiful nature – Mountains, beaches, medieval towns
  • Growing economy – Especially in IT and services
  • English widely spoken – Especially in cities and among younger people
  • Rich culture – Unique blend of Latin and Balkan influences
  • Excellent dental/medical care – At a fraction of Western prices

Cons

  • Bureaucracy – Government processes can be slow and frustrating
  • Infrastructure outside cities – Roads and public services vary
  • Language barrier – Romanian isn’t easy, though English helps
  • Cold winters – Continental climate means real winters
  • Corruption perception – Improving but still an issue

Visa & Residency Options

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

You have the right to live and work in Romania. After 3 months, register for a residence certificate at the local Immigration Office.

Non-EU Citizens

Visa Type Duration Best For
Tourist 90 days Short visits, exploring
Digital Nomad Visa 1 year (renewable) Remote workers
Work Permit 1 year (renewable) Employed by Romanian company
Business/Self-employed 1 year (renewable) Entrepreneurs, freelancers
Family Reunification 1 year (renewable) Spouse/children of residents
Retirement 1 year (renewable) Retirees with sufficient income

Find immigration lawyers →

Finding a Place to Live

Where to Search

  • Imobiliare.ro – Largest property portal
  • Storia.ro – Good for apartments
  • OLX.ro – Classifieds, sometimes good deals
  • Facebook Groups – “Expats in Bucharest”, “Apartments for Rent in Cluj”
  • Real estate agents – Recommended for expats

Rental Process

  1. Search online or contact agents
  2. Schedule viewings (usually free)
  3. Negotiate price (often possible)
  4. Sign contract (1 year typical, some flexibility)
  5. Pay deposit (1-2 months) + first month
  6. Get utilities transferred to your name (or included)

Tips

  • Inspect carefully – check water pressure, heating, windows
  • Ask about winter heating costs – can vary significantly
  • Furnished apartments are common and often good value
  • Consider short-term rental first to explore neighborhoods

Opening a Bank Account

Requirements (Most Banks)

  • Passport
  • Proof of address (utility bill or rental contract)
  • Residence permit (for non-EU) or registration certificate (EU)
  • Some banks require Romanian ID (CNP) – obtainable at city hall

Popular Banks

  • ING Bank – Expat-friendly, good mobile app, English support
  • Raiffeisen Bank – Widely available, English service
  • Banca Transilvania – Largest Romanian bank, improving services
  • Revolut – Works in Romania, good for multi-currency

Getting a Phone & Internet

Mobile Operators

  • Orange – Best coverage, most expat-friendly
  • Vodafone – Good coverage and plans
  • Digi (RCS&RDS) – Cheapest, excellent in cities

Home Internet

Romania has some of the world’s fastest and cheapest internet:

  • Digi – €8-10/month for 1Gbps fiber
  • Orange – Slightly more expensive, wider coverage
  • Vodafone – Good packages with TV

Healthcare Registration

Public Healthcare (CNAS)

Employed persons and self-employed contribute automatically. Coverage includes:

  • GP visits (after registration)
  • Hospital care
  • Prescriptions (partial coverage)
  • Emergency care

Private Healthcare (Recommended)

Many expats prefer private healthcare for:

  • English-speaking doctors
  • Shorter wait times
  • Modern facilities
  • More convenient hours

Private health insurance: €50-150/month

Find English-speaking doctors →

Tax Registration

Getting a CNP (Personal Numeric Code)

The CNP is Romania’s equivalent of a social security number. Required for:

  • Bank accounts (some banks)
  • Tax registration
  • Healthcare enrollment
  • Contracts and official documents

Tax Obligations

If you become tax resident (183+ days), you’ll pay:

  • Income tax: 10% flat rate
  • Social contributions: ~35-40% on employment income
  • Micro-company tax: 1% on revenue (if applicable)

Find tax advisors →

Driving & Transportation

Converting Your License

  • EU licenses – Valid indefinitely
  • Non-EU licenses – Valid for 1 year, then must convert
  • Conversion requires: translation, medical exam, theory test (in Romanian)

Buying a Car

  • Second-hand cars: Autovit.ro, OLX.ro
  • New cars: Dealerships in all major cities
  • Registration and insurance required
  • Annual road tax: €20-100 depending on emissions

Public Transport

Cities have good public transport:

  • Bucharest: Metro, buses, trams
  • Cluj, Timisoara, Iasi: Buses, trams
  • Monthly passes: €15-25

Learning Romanian

While not essential in cities, learning Romanian will greatly enhance your experience:

Resources

  • Duolingo – Free, good for basics
  • Pimsleur – Audio-based, good for pronunciation
  • Private tutors – €10-20/hour, available on Preply, iTalki
  • Language schools – Romanian Language Academy, Rolang School

Tips

  • Romanian is Latin-based – Spanish/Italian speakers find it easier
  • Pronunciation is mostly phonetic
  • Locals appreciate any effort to speak Romanian

Cultural Tips for Expats

  • Relationships matter – Romanians value personal connections
  • Hospitality is serious – Refusing food/drink can offend
  • Direct communication – Romanians can be blunt; don’t take it personally
  • Bureaucracy patience – Government processes take time; stay calm
  • Cash is still common – Not everywhere accepts cards, especially outside cities
  • Tipping – 5-10% at restaurants, round up for taxis

Checklist for New Arrivals

First Week:

  • [ ] Find temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hotel)
  • [ ] Get a local SIM card
  • [ ] Explore neighborhoods
  • [ ] Open a bank account

First Month:

  • [ ] Sign a rental contract
  • [ ] Register with Immigration (if required)
  • [ ] Get CNP (if needed)
  • [ ] Set up utilities
  • [ ] Register with a doctor
  • [ ] Get health insurance

First Three Months:

  • [ ] Convert driving license (if needed)
  • [ ] Join expat groups and communities
  • [ ] Start learning Romanian
  • [ ] Explore the country (weekend trips)

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