Legal Guide for Expats in Romania
Navigating Romanian legal system – lawyers, notaries, company formation, and more.
Finding a Lawyer
English-Speaking Law Firms (Bucharest)
- Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP)
Full-service, top-tier | nndkp.ro - Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii (PNSA)
Business law, M&A | pfrlaw.ro - Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners
Litigation, commercial | zrvp.ro - Tuca Zbarcea & Asociatii
Full-service | tuca.ro - MPR Partners
Immigration, real estate | mprpartners.ro
What to Expect (Costs)
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | 100-300 EUR |
| Hourly rate (senior) | 150-400 EUR |
| Hourly rate (junior) | 80-150 EUR |
| Contract review | 200-500 EUR |
| Company formation | 500-1500 EUR |
Notary Services (Notar)
Notaries in Romania handle:
- Property transactions
- Company formation documents
- Power of attorney
- Inheritance matters
- Document legalization
English-Speaking Notaries
- Biroul Notarial Pipera – Business district
- Notary offices in Floreasca/Dorobanti – Often have English
- Ask your lawyer for recommendations
Costs
- Authentication: 50-200 RON per document
- Property sale: 0.5-1% of property value
- Power of attorney: 200-500 RON
Company Formation
Types of Companies
| Type | Best For | Min Capital | Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRL (LLC) | Most businesses | 1 RON | Limited |
| SA (Joint Stock) | Large companies | 90,000 RON | Limited |
| PFA (Sole Trader) | Freelancers | None | Unlimited |
| II (Individual Enterprise) | Small business | None | Unlimited |
SRL Formation Process
- Choose company name (check availability at ONRC)
- Prepare documents (articles of association, ID copies)
- Reserve company name (1-2 days)
- Sign documents at notary
- Submit to Trade Registry (ONRC)
- Receive registration (3-5 days)
- Register with tax authority (ANAF)
Costs
- Name reservation: ~50 RON
- Trade Registry fees: ~300-500 RON
- Notary fees: ~500-1000 RON
- Lawyer (if used): 500-1500 EUR
- Total DIY: ~200 EUR
- Total with lawyer: 700-2000 EUR
Work Contracts
Types
- CIM (Contract Individual de Muncă) – Standard employment
- Part-time CIM – Reduced hours
- PFA contract – Independent contractor
- Conventie civila – Civil convention (limited use)
Employee Rights
- Minimum wage: 3,700 RON gross (2024)
- Annual leave: 20 days minimum
- Sick leave: Paid (first 5 days by employer, then CNAS)
- Maternity leave: 126 days at 85% salary
- Notice period: Usually 20 working days
Document Legalization
Apostille
For documents to be used abroad:
- Obtained from: Tribunalul (Court of Law)
- Cost: ~20 RON per document
- Time: 1-3 days
Translation
- Authorized translators required for official documents
- Cost: 30-100 RON per page
- Find translators: traduceri-autorizate.ro
Useful Contacts
- Trade Registry (ONRC): onrc.ro | 021 316 0804
- Tax Authority (ANAF): anaf.ro | 031 403 9160
- National Union of Notaries: uniuneanotarilor.ro
- Bucharest Bar: baroul-bucuresti.ro
Last updated: December 2024
