A practical guide to the Romanian digital nomad visa: who qualifies, what income must be proved, how the two-stage procedure works, the long-stay visa and then the residence permit, and what happens at renewal.
At a glance
Who it is for: people working remotely for companies registered outside Romania
Income condition: an average over the last six months of at least three times the Romanian gross average wage
The procedure: two stages, a type D long-stay visa, then a residence permit
Timing: start the file several months before your planned arrival
Who can obtain the visa
The digital nomad visa allows third-country nationals to live in Romania while continuing to work remotely. Nationality does not matter; meeting the conditions does.
The two key conditions: the work is performed for a company registered outside Romania, and average income over the last six months is at least three times the Romanian gross average wage, for each of those months.
How the procedure works
Stage 1: the long-stay type D visa
Filed with the Romanian diplomatic mission in your country of residence, with the full file on your activity, income, medical insurance and criminal record certificate.
Stage 2: the residence permit
Once in Romania, the residence permit application is filed with the General Inspectorate for Immigration, before the visa expires.
Each stage has its own documents and deadlines. Most problems arise between the two, when applicants assume the visa covers the whole stay.
What happens at renewal
Renewal is applied for before the right of residence expires, with evidence that the activity and income continue on the same terms. Filing late can trigger a return decision even where the substantive conditions are met.
Why Romania
The cost of living remains among the lowest in the European Union and internet infrastructure among the best. Timisoara and Oradea have active tech communities and co-working spaces, and the western border makes travel across Europe straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
What income do I have to prove for the digital nomad visa?
Average income over the last six months must be at least three times the Romanian gross average wage, and the condition is checked for each of those months.
Can I apply if I own a company registered in another country?
Yes, provided the company is registered outside Romania and the work is performed remotely. Company documents and proof of income are required.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the diplomatic mission and on how complete the file is. In practice, start several months before your planned arrival.
Can my family come with me?
Yes, family members can obtain a right of residence under the family reunification rules.
Do I pay tax in Romania as a digital nomad?
Your tax position depends on the length of stay and on the tax residence rules, including double taxation treaties. It is assessed separately from the immigration procedure.
What if my renewal is refused or I receive a return decision?
A return decision is challenged before the court of appeal within 10 days of service. The deadline is short and cannot be extended, so the response has to be immediate.
Legal Tips & News
Case Studies
