A guide for foreign investors seeking residence in Romania: approval for commercial activities, the minimum income required from shareholders and associates, the thresholds that remove the means-of-support test, and the conditions for citizenship by investment.
At a glance
First step: a residence permit for commercial activities, with approval from the competent investment authority
Minimum income: around EUR 500 per month for associates and EUR 700 for shareholders
Thresholds that simplify the file: an investment of at least EUR 200,000 or the creation of 25 jobs
Citizenship by investment: EUR 1 million and four years of lawful residence, plus the language and civic conditions
The commercial activities permit
An investor who wants to live in Romania first obtains a one-year residence permit, based on approval from the authority competent for foreign investment.
The applicant must show means of support: around EUR 500 per month for associates and EUR 700 for shareholders. The permit is renewed on the basis of continuing activity.
When proof of income is no longer required
Where the investment reaches at least EUR 200,000 or the company creates 25 jobs, proof of means of support is no longer required.
These thresholds also change how the file is perceived. A real investment, with activity and employees, passes renewal far more easily than a company that exists only on paper.
Citizenship by investment
The law allows Romanian citizenship to be granted to investors who bring EUR 1 million into business or real estate and who have held lawful residence for four consecutive years.
The substantive conditions remain those of naturalisation: knowledge of Romanian, familiarity with the Constitution and Romanian culture, and appropriate conduct.
What is actually scrutinised
The authorities examine the origin of the funds, whether the economic activity is genuine, and whether the business plan matches what the company actually does.
Files most often stall at renewal, when the activity declared at the outset is not reflected in the company's figures.
Frequently asked questions
What income must I prove for an investor permit?
Around EUR 500 per month for associates and EUR 700 for shareholders, unless the investment or the number of jobs meets the statutory thresholds.
How long is the first permit valid?
One year, renewable on the basis of continuing commercial activity.
Is there a more favourable regime for certain nationalities?
Yes. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Japan and Switzerland benefit from relaxed conditions, without the investment threshold or the ten-job requirement of the general regime.
Is citizenship by investment automatic?
No. The investment and residence are necessary conditions, but the application is assessed like any citizenship file, including on language and conduct.
What happens if I close the company?
The basis for residence falls away and the permit can be revoked. If the activity changes, the ground must be changed in good time, not at expiry.
Can my family be included?
Yes, through family reunification, once you hold your own right of residence.
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