Welcome to your one-stop guide on Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa. You’ll discover who qualifies, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, and why Romania stands out as a remote-work destination. I’ve also included insider tips—like timing constraints and little-known requirements—to make your application smoother.

What Is Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa?

Romania introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in December 2021 as part of a broader European initiative to attract remote workers in the post-pandemic era. It’s designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who earn their income abroad and wish to live in Romania for up to a year, with the possibility of extending for an additional 12 months by meeting renewal criteria. For full details on eligibility criteria, duration, and renewal provisions, consult the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs overview of the Digital Nomad Visa.

Why Choose Romania?

• Affordable monthly living costs compared with many Western European capitals
• Fast average broadband speeds—164 Mbps on fixed lines in early 2024, according to the Speedtest Global Index
• Rich history, vibrant cities and welcoming communities, from medieval Transylvania to the Danube Delta
• Ranked third among the best countries for freelancers in 2024 by Nomad List’s annual survey

Who Can Apply and What You Must Prove

Your eligibility hinges on two key points: citizenship and work status.

• You must be a non-EU/EEA national
• You need to work remotely for a foreign employer or as a self-employed professional
• Your job cannot require physical presence at an office in Romania

Income Threshold

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income equal to three times Romania’s average gross salary—approximately €3,300 per month. To verify current averages, refer to the latest data on Romania’s average gross monthly wages. Acceptable proof includes:

1. Recent bank statements showing stable deposits
2. Signed employment contracts stipulating remote work arrangements
3. Invoices or service agreements if you operate as a self-employed professional

Special Nationality Rules

Certain nationalities—such as Russian citizens—must obtain their Digital Nomad Visa prior to traveling to Romania. For a complete list of countries and visa requirements, see the Euraxess portal’s summary of Romanian visa prerequisites.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application process is overseen by the Romanian Immigration Inspectorate and unfolds in two main phases:

1. Long-term type D visa: Applied for at your local Romanian consulate or embassy, valid for up to 90 days.
2. Freelancer residence permit: Once in Romania, you convert your type D visa into a one-year residence permit for remote work, which is renewable once for an additional 12 months.

For comprehensive instructions on document submission windows, processing timelines, and in-country conversion steps, refer to the Immigration Inspectorate of Romania’s official Digital Nomad Visa procedures.

Timing Your Submission

You may submit your visa application beginning 90 days before your intended entry date and no later than 14 days prior to arrival in Romania. Plan your consular appointment accordingly to avoid delays.

Document Checklist

Under Government Emergency Ordinance 119/2021, applicants must provide:

• A valid passport with at least two blank visa pages
• Proof of stable income (bank statements, contracts, invoices)
• Private health insurance covering your entire stay in Romania
• Documentation of accommodation, such as a rental contract or a formal letter of invitation
• Official proof of employment or, for freelancers, business registration documents

See the full legal requirements in Government Emergency Ordinance 119/2021.

Perks of Living and Working in Romania

Romania crafted this program to stimulate local economic development by drawing in remote talent, as outlined in the Romanian government’s press release on the Digital Nomad Visa. Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy:

• A low cost of living—rent, groceries and public transport often cost less than half of comparable prices in Western Europe
• A thriving digital-nomad community in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara, with coworking spaces and networking events
• Easy weekend escapes to the Carpathian Mountains for hiking or the Black Sea coast for beachside relaxation

“We designed the Digital Nomad Visa to welcome creative professionals who want to immerse themselves in Romania’s culture while contributing to local businesses,” said a Romanian government official.

Next Stop: Romania

You’re now equipped with the latest requirements, timing windows and document checklists. Your path to living and working remotely in Romania is clearer than ever. Start gathering your paperwork, book that flight, and prepare to call Romania your next digital home. Safe travels!