Welcome to Romania – Your Complete Relocation Guide
Moving to Romania? This guide covers everything you need to know about legal requirements, registration, and settling in.
Visa & Residence Permits
EU/EEA Citizens
- First 90 days: No registration required, just valid ID/passport
- After 90 days: Register for a Certificat de Înregistrare at the Immigration Office (IGI)
- Required documents: Passport, proof of income/employment, health insurance, proof of address
- Cost: ~22 RON
Non-EU Citizens
- Long-stay visa (Type D): Apply at Romanian embassy in your home country
- Types: Work visa, family reunification, study, business/investment
- After arrival: Apply for temporary residence permit within 30 days
- Permanent residence: After 5 years of legal residence
Immigration Office (IGI) Bucharest
Address: Strada Lt. Col. Marinescu C-tin, Nr. 15A, Sector 5
Hours: Mon-Thu 8:30-16:30, Fri 8:30-14:00
Website: igi.mai.gov.ro
CNP – Personal Numeric Code
Your CNP (Cod Numeric Personal) is essential for:
- Opening a bank account
- Signing employment contracts
- Accessing healthcare
- Signing rental agreements
- Utility contracts
How to get it: Automatically assigned when you register your residence permit. EU citizens receive it with their registration certificate.
Health Insurance (CNAS)
Public Health Insurance
- If employed: Automatically covered through payroll contributions (10% of salary)
- If self-employed (PFA/SRL): Pay contributions to ANAF
- EU citizens: EHIC card valid for temporary stays; register with CNAS for permanent coverage
Private Health Insurance
Recommended providers:
- Signal Iduna
- Allianz-Tiriac
- Generali
- NN Asigurari
Cost: 100-300 EUR/month depending on coverage
Driver’s License
EU License
Valid indefinitely in Romania. No conversion needed.
Non-EU License
- Valid for 90 days after establishing residence
- Must convert to Romanian license at DRPCIV
- Some countries have reciprocal agreements (no test required)
- Others require written + practical driving test
Essential Registrations Checklist
| Task | Where | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Residence registration | IGI | Within 90 days (non-EU: 30 days) |
| Get CNP | IGI (automatic) | With residence permit |
| Open bank account | Any bank | After CNP |
| Health insurance | CNAS or private | Immediately |
| Tax registration | ANAF | If self-employed |
Useful Contacts
- Emergency: 112
- Police (non-emergency): 021 9544
- Immigration (IGI): 021 410 5712
- ANAF (Tax): 031 403 9160
Last updated: December 2024
