Romania citizenship by investment
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Romania offers a clear pathway to residency through business investment, but does not have a direct golden visa or citizenship by investment program. Investors can obtain a temporary residence permit by starting a company and meeting set requirements. This permit, if maintained and renewed, can eventually lead to permanent residency and then citizenship through naturalization. On this page, you will find up-to-date information on the Romania residency program, eligibility, costs, application steps, and what to expect on the road to a Romanian passport.
Key Benefits of the Romanian Investment Route
Everything you need to know about Romania's residency and investment opportunities at a glance.
Deep Dive: The Path to Residency & Citizenship
How to Gain Residency by Investment
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Company Formation: Most investors choose a Limited Liability Company (SRL) with a €50,000 deposit.
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Business Plan: You must provide a credible plan showing how the venture will create jobs and contribute to the economy.
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Director Requirements: Company directors must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €500.
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Permit Duration: Initial temporary residence permits are valid for one year and are renewable as long as the business remains active.
Standard Requirements for Applicants
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Age: 18 years or older.
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Clean Record: No criminal history in your home country or Romania.
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Health & Insurance: Valid health insurance and a medical certificate.
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Financial Resources: Proof of sufficient financial means to support your stay in Romania.
Pathways to Romanian Citizenship
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Standard Naturalization: Requires 8 years of legal residency (reduced to 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen).
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Investment Fast-Track: The timeline to citizenship may be shortened if you invest over €1,000,000.
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Citizenship by Descent: A faster route (12–24 months) available if you can prove Romanian ancestry (parents or grandparents).
The Citizenship Application Process
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Step 1: Gather & Translate Documents: Passports, certificates, and police clearances must be translated into Romanian and notarized.
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Step 2: Submission: Apply online and book an in-person appointment at the National Authority for Citizenship in Bucharest.
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Step 3: Interview & Oath: Applicants must pass an interview testing Romanian language skills, history, and culture before taking the oath of allegiance.
Taxation and Fiscal Obligations
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Personal Income Tax: Flat rate of 10%.
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VAT: Standard rate is 19%.
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Tax Residency: You become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in Romania.
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Social Security: Contributions are set at 25% for employees/entrepreneurs.
Steps for Company Formation & Investment
Romania Citizenship & Residency Routes
Frequently Asked Questions About Romania Citizenship by Investment
Still have questions?
Does Romania offer citizenship by investment or a golden visa program?
Romania does not offer a direct citizenship by investment (CBI) program or a traditional golden visa. You cannot get Romanian citizenship simply by investing a sum of money or buying real estate. However, investors can apply for residency by investment, which can lead to citizenship over time through a process called naturalization.
What are the main options for investors seeking Romanian residency?
Foreign investors can gain Romanian residency by starting and investing in a Romanian company. There are two main company types: a Limited Liability Company (SRL) with a minimum investment of €50,000, and a Joint Stock Company (SA) with at least €70,000. Successful applicants get a temporary residence permit, usually valid for one year and renewable while the business operates.
What are the key requirements for a residence permit through investment?
You must have a valid passport, no criminal record, a place to live in Romania, and health insurance. You also need to show a stable monthly income of at least €500, ongoing business activity, a solid business plan, and proof you have enough resources to support your stay. All documents must be translated into Romanian and notarized.
How does the residency by investment process work?
First, you set up a Romanian company and deposit the required capital. You then prepare a business plan, apply for a long-stay visa before arriving in Romania, and, once there, apply for the temporary residence permit. You must keep up your investment, renew your permit each year, and continue meeting all legal and financial conditions.
When can I apply for Romanian citizenship after getting residency?
Generally, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence after 5 years of temporary residency. You can apply for citizenship after 8 years of legal, continuous residency. If you are married to a Romanian citizen or make a major investment (over €1,000,000), you may qualify after 5 years. You must also pass language and knowledge tests.
What are the costs involved in Romania’s investment residency and citizenship process?
The minimum investment is €50,000 for an SRL or €70,000 for an SA. The citizenship application fee is €220 for adults and €100 for minors. Additional costs include company registration, document translation, health insurance, residence permit renewals, and proof of at least €500 monthly income. There are also fees for passports and other administration.
What rights and advantages come with Romanian citizenship and passport?
Romanian citizens can live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union. The Romanian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 174–188 countries, including the EU, UK, and Canada. Dual citizenship is allowed, and you get access to Romania’s education, healthcare, and business opportunities.
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