Frequently Asked Questions – Expats in Romania
Visas & Legal
Do I need a visa for Romania?
EU/EEA citizens: No visa needed. Can stay indefinitely but must register after 90 days.
US/UK/Canada/Australia: No visa for stays up to 90 days. Need long-stay visa for longer.
Others: Check with the Romanian embassy in your country.
What is CNP and why do I need it?
CNP (Cod Numeric Personal) is your personal identification number. You need it for: opening bank accounts, signing contracts, accessing healthcare, paying taxes. You get it automatically when you register your residence.
Can I work in Romania as a foreigner?
EU citizens: Yes, same rights as Romanians.
Non-EU: Need work permit (usually employer handles this).
Money & Banking
What currency is used?
Romanian Leu (RON). Current rate: ~5 RON = 1 EUR. Cards accepted almost everywhere.
Can I open a bank account?
Yes, but you need CNP (personal code) for most banks. Revolut and Wise work with just passport while you wait for CNP.
What’s the cost of living?
Bucharest: 900-1500 EUR/month for single person living comfortably. Other cities 15-25% cheaper.
Housing
How much is rent?
Bucharest 2-bedroom: 500-1000 EUR. Cluj: 400-700 EUR. Smaller cities: 300-500 EUR.
How do I find an apartment?
OLX.ro (largest), Storia.ro, Imobiliare.ro, Facebook groups. Filter for “proprietar” (owner) to avoid agency fees.
What about agency fees?
Usually 50-100% of first month rent. Paid by tenant. Avoid by dealing direct with owners.
Healthcare
Is healthcare free?
Public healthcare is free if you’re insured (through employment or private contribution). Most expats use private clinics (English-speaking, no wait times).
Do I need health insurance?
Strongly recommended. Options: public CNAS (through employer), private insurance (100-300 EUR/month), or pay-per-visit at private clinics.
Where can I find English-speaking doctors?
MedLife, Regina Maria, Medicover, Sanador – all have English-speaking staff.
Work & Taxes
What’s the average salary?
Varies hugely. Entry-level: 800-1200 EUR net. IT/Tech: 2000-4000 EUR net. Management: 3000-6000 EUR net.
How much tax do employees pay?
About 45% of gross salary goes to taxes and social contributions. 10% income tax + 25% pension + 10% health.
Should I be employed or freelance?
Freelance (PFA or SRL) can save taxes but requires more admin. Ask an accountant for your situation.
Daily Life
Do people speak English?
Yes! Especially in cities and among younger people. You can get by with English in Bucharest/Cluj. Learning Romanian helps a lot in smaller towns.
Is Romania safe?
Very safe. Lower crime than most Western European countries. Use normal precautions (pickpockets in tourist areas, etc.).
What’s the internet like?
Excellent! Romania has some of the fastest, cheapest internet in Europe. ~50-70 RON/month for gigabit fiber.
Can I drive with my foreign license?
EU license: Valid indefinitely.
Non-EU: Valid for 90 days after establishing residence, then must convert.
Culture & Social
What’s the best way to meet people?
Join our Facebook group “Expats in Romania”! Attend our meetups (Wednesdays). InterNations events. Sports clubs, language exchanges.
What should I know about Romanian culture?
- Romanians are warm and hospitable once you know them
- Bureaucracy can be frustrating – patience helps
- Food and drink are important – expect to be offered both
- Learning even basic Romanian earns huge respect
What are the best things about living in Romania?
- Low cost of living, high quality of life
- Fast internet, good infrastructure
- Beautiful nature (mountains, sea, countryside)
- Growing, dynamic economy
- Friendly, welcoming people
- Great food and nightlife
Still Have Questions?
Join our Facebook Group or WhatsApp Community and ask! Our community of 75,000+ expats is happy to help.
