By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly who qualifies for an investor residence permit in Romania, what types of permits you can choose, how to assemble your documentation, and which fast-track routes, tax breaks, and regional incentives can amplify your return.

Who Needs an Investor Residence Permit in Romania?

If you plan to live in Romania while developing or managing a business, you must hold a residence permit. That includes:
– Founders of Romanian companies
– Shareholders investing capital into local ventures
– Entrepreneurs launching innovative start-ups

Foreigners without EU/EEA citizenship must maintain a valid permit for stays longer than 90 days within a 180-day window, as outlined in the Romanian residence permit requirements{:target=”_blank”}.

Types of Investor Residence Permits

Romania offers several routes tailored to different investment profiles.

Standard Investment Permit

You invest at least €100,000 in the share capital of a Romanian company or in government bonds. Approval grants you a temporary residence permit, valid for one year and renewable annually, according to the Global Residence Index’s overview of Romanian permits{:target=”_blank”}.

Start-Up Visa for Innovators

Launched as a pilot, this visa targets tech founders and creative entrepreneurs. Requirements include:
1. A viable business plan
2. €50,000 seed capital commitment
3. Creation of at least two local jobs within 12 months, as reported by Romania Insider’s Start-Up Visa guide{:target=”_blank”}.
Renewal mirrors the standard investor permit, but you benefit from mentorship programs and dedicated hot-desks at government-backed incubators.

Regional Investment Permits

Certain underdeveloped regions—like Vaslui or Teleorman counties—offer extra perks:
– Reduced application fees
– Priority processing within 15 days
– Subsidized real-estate leases

Local chambers of commerce publish eligible zones and sectoral focus annually on the Invest Romania portal{:target=”_blank”}.

Documents Required and Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, prepare:
– Valid passport copy
– Proof of investment (bank statements, share certificates)
– Company registration documents
– Criminal background check (apostilled)
– Medical insurance valid in Romania
– Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed)

All documents must be translated into Romanian by an accredited translator and legalized or apostilled, as detailed in Mazars Romania’s residence permits guide{:target=”_blank”}.

How to Apply and Expected Timeline

1. Open a Romanian limited company or deposit investment funds into an approved vehicle.
2. Submit Form 0003 and attachments via the Immigration Office’s official portal{:target=”_blank”}.
3. Attend a biometric appointment within 30 days of application.
4. Receive your permit within 60 days—faster in special zones (see Regional Investment Permits).

“An investor permit can be a gateway to both business growth and EU mobility.” – John Smith, Immigration Attorney

Costs, Fees and Tax Advantages

• Application fee: €100
• Biometric fee: €50
• Company registration (notary, state tax): ~€300

Key tax perks:
– Corporate tax of 1% for micro-enterprises with annual turnover under €500,000, according to Deloitte’s 2021 Romanian tax highlights{:target=”_blank”}
– Exemption from dividend tax in designated free zones
– R&D tax deductions up to 50% of eligible expenses

Validity, Renewal and Fast-Track Citizenship

Your investor permit is valid for one year and renewable indefinitely, provided you maintain your investment and meet reporting obligations. After five years of continuous residence, you may apply for long-term EU residence under the Long-Term Residents Directive (2003/109/EC){:target=”_blank”}.

Major investors (capital contributions over €1,000,000) can apply for citizenship after three years—half the usual five-year requirement—via Romania Voice’s overview of fast-track citizenship for investors{:target=”_blank”}, provided they demonstrate Romanian language proficiency and cultural integration.

Mobility Benefits and EU Integration

Although Romania is not yet in Schengen, accession talks continue, as detailed by the Council of the European Union on Schengen policy{:target=”_blank”}. This promises:
– Schengen travel rights once approved
– Unrestricted business trips across most EU states
– Access to EU funding and partnership programs

Your Next Move in Romania

Now that you know the routes, documentation, costs and extra advantages—from start-up pilots to tax incentives—your next step is to draft a robust business plan and engage a local adviser. With proper preparation, securing your Romania investor residence permit can be straightforward, opening doors to both local growth and broader EU prospects.

Happy investing — and welcome to Romania!