Visas, residence permits, return decisions, entry bans and citizenship. A guide to the situations where an immigration lawyer changes the result, the deadlines that run in each procedure, and how we work with clients based abroad.
At a glance
Areas covered: long-stay visas, residence permits, family reunification, return decisions, entry bans, citizenship
Shortest deadline: 10 days to challenge a return decision
Clients abroad: represented under a power of attorney, with no need to travel to Romania
Working languages: Romanian, English, French and German
When legal help makes a difference
Before filing
Most refusals do not turn on the substance. They follow from incomplete files, documents without an apostille or translation, or the wrong ground of stay. A check before filing costs far less than a challenge afterwards.
After a refusal
A visa refusal, a refused extension, a return decision or an entry ban can all be challenged, but on short deadlines. Here, speed matters as much as the arguments.
When your situation changes
Moving from employee to shareholder, changing employer, marriage or divorce all change the basis of your stay. The file has to be rebuilt before the permit expires, not after.
The deadlines that matter
An application to extend residence is filed at least 30 days before expiry. A return decision is challenged within 10 days of service. A preliminary complaint in administrative proceedings is generally filed within 30 days.
These are forfeiture deadlines. Once missed, the case is rarely reopened on the merits.
How we work with clients outside Romania
We act under a power of attorney notarised locally or at a Romanian diplomatic mission. Filing, correspondence with the authorities and court appearances do not require the client to travel.
Frequently asked questions
My Romanian visa was refused. What can I do?
The reasons given are analysed and the choice is made between an administrative challenge and court proceedings. The administrative route is usually faster where the refusal is plainly unlawful.
I received a return decision. How long do I have?
10 days from service to challenge it before the court of appeal. The deadline cannot be extended.
Can I change employer on my current permit?
A work residence permit is tied to the employer. Changing requires a new work permit approval and an amendment to the residence permit, before the new job starts.
How long does a residence permit take?
It depends on the permit type and on how complete the file is. Statutory deadlines run from a complete filing, which is why preparation matters more than chasing afterwards.
Do you also act for employers hiring from outside the EU?
Yes. We assist employers with work permit approvals, worker residence files and litigation against the immigration authorities.
Do I need to come to Timisoara for a first discussion?
No. The initial assessment can be made from documents sent electronically, and representation is arranged under a power of attorney.
Legal Tips & News
Case Studies
