Migration Issues in Romania Romania

To stay in Romania for more than 90 days, you need to obtain a residence permit. The procedure depends on your country of origin (EU/EEA citizen or non-EU/EEA citizen) and the purpose of your stay (work, study, family reunification, etc.).

 

For EU/EEA Citizens

 

EU/EEA citizens can register their stay at the local office of the General Inspectorate for Immigration in Romania and receive a registration certificate. The process is relatively simple and does not require obtaining a long-term visa.

 

For non-EU/EEA Citizens

 

Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries need to first obtain a long-term visa to enter Romania. After that, they can apply for a residence permit online at https://portaligi.mai.gov.ro/.

 

Main types of residence permits: for work; for study; for family reunification.

 

 

 

Documents Required for Obtaining a Residence Permit

 

- Passport (valid).

 

- Visa (if required).

 

- Birth certificate (translated and legalized).

 

- Documents to confirm the purpose of your stay:

 

Employment contract or invitation from an employer (for work visa).

 

Proof of enrollment in an educational institution (for student visa).

 

Documents proving family relationships (for family reunification).

 

- Financial documents: Proof of financial solvency (bank statements, sponsorship letters, etc.). Not required for "family reunification."

 

- Health insurance: Health insurance policy covering the entire period of stay in Romania.

 

- Proof of residence (rental agreement or ownership document).

 

Application Processing Times: Applications for a residence permit are usually processed within 30 days from the time all required documents are submitted. It is important to apply no later than 30 days before the expiration of your current visa or residence permit. In practice, the entire procedure from start to finish takes a maximum of up to 90 days.

Fill Out Applications: Complete the application form for a residence permit at https://igi.mai.gov.ro/permis-de-sedere/.

 

 

 

Pay the Fee: This can usually be done at a CEC Bank ATM or online.

 

 

 

Schedule an Appointment: Document submission happens exclusively after submitting documents online on the portal https://portaligi.mai.gov.ro/portaligi/.

 

Therefore, firstly prepare the complete list of documents. Register on the website and submit all documents online. Once the documents are verified, you will receive a notification for a personal appointment for document submission in person.

 

 

 

Visit the Immigration Office: Visit the immigration office at the appointed time and present all collected documents. Ensure you have all originals and copies. The documents must be submitted with translation, apostille.

 

Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose and duration of your stay. It's all quite standard, nothing to worry about.

 

 

 

Awaiting a Decision: After submitting documents and undergoing an interview, you need to wait for a decision. Processing time may vary, usually taking up to 3 months. If there are any questions regarding the documents or anything is missing, you will be called and informed.

 

 

 

Receiving the Permit: After a positive decision, you will be informed about the need to pick up your plastic card.

 

 

 

After Receiving the Permit

 

Updating Information: In case of a change of address, loss of the residence permit plastic card, or other significant changes, inform the immigration authorities. You can order document reissue by providing updated information online on the same portal https://portaligi.mai.gov.ro/.

 

Renewing the Permit: The residence permit has a limited validity period. Remember to extend it in advance, 90-30 days before its expiration date.

Stay

 

Visa-Free Regime: EU and EEA citizens can enter Romania without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

 

Stay Registration: If planning to stay in Romania for more than 90 days, registration with local authorities is required. To do this, an application must be submitted to the National Agency for Foreigners.

 

Requirements for documents: To register, you will need to provide a passport or ID card, proof of housing (lease agreement or a letter from the landlord), and proof of financial solvency.

 

 

 

The registration procedure is quite simple and allows you to obtain a registration certificate, which is issued on the day of application and is valid for up to five years, but not less than one year.

 

 

 

Employment

 

Right to work: EU and EEA citizens have the right to work in Romania without the need to obtain a work permit.

 

Equal working conditions: They have the same rights and obligations as Romanian citizens, including the right to a minimum wage, working conditions, and social guarantees.

 

Opening a business: EU and EEA citizens are free to establish and manage their own business in Romania under the same conditions as the country's citizens.

 

 

 

Social and medical services

 

Healthcare: EU and EEA citizens have the right to healthcare in Romania. It is recommended to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which covers necessary medical care during a temporary stay.

 

Social security: They can receive social benefits and services under the same conditions as Romanian citizens.

 

 

 

Education

 

Access to education: Children of EU and EEA citizens have the right to study in Romanian schools and universities under the same conditions as the country's citizens.

 

Recognition of qualifications: Diplomas and professional qualifications obtained in other EU and EEA countries are recognized in Romania. In some cases, an additional procedure for qualification validation may be required.

 

 

 

Permanent residence

 

EU/EEA citizens and their family members who have lived in Romania continuously for more than five years are entitled to apply for permanent residence. Permanent residence provides additional rights and guarantees, including the right to social and medical services on par with Romanian citizens.

Stay

 

1. Visa requirements: Citizens of non-EU countries usually require a visa to enter Romania. Types of visas include tourist, business, student, and work visas.

 

2. Temporary residence permit: For staying in Romania for more than 90 days, a temporary residence permit is required.

 

 

 

Work

 

Non-EU/EEA citizens must obtain a work permit to work in Romania. The process includes finding an employer in Romania who is willing to offer a job and submit documents to the General Inspectorate for Immigration to obtain a work permit. After this, a foreign citizen can apply for a long-term work visa at the Romanian consulate or embassy in their country.

 

 

 

Social and medical services

 

1. Health insurance: Citizens of non-EU countries must purchase health insurance covering their stay in Romania. It can be either private or state insurance.

 

2. Social services: Access to social services and benefits may be limited and depends on the conditions of stay and employment.

 

 

 

Education

 

1. Study visas: To study at Romanian educational institutions, a study visa is required.

 

2. Recognition of qualifications: Foreign diplomas and qualifications may require recognition in Romania.

 

 

 

Conducting business

 

Business activity permit: Non-EU citizens can open and conduct business in Romania but must obtain a business activity permit and a residence permit based on conducting business.

 

 

 

Important aspects

 

● A long-term residence permit can be obtained after continuous residence in Romania for five years. This type of residence provides rights similar to those of Romanian citizens, including free access to the labor market, the possibility of joining professional associations, and access to public medical services.

 

● Various categories of workers (seasonal workers, trainees, highly qualified specialists, etc.) may require additional documents and compliance with special conditions.

 

These features require more complex procedures and time to obtain the necessary documents, but they allow citizens of non-EU countries to legally stay and work in Romania. For more detailed information, it is recommended to visit official resources such as the General Inspectorate for Immigration of Romania https://igi.mai.gov.ro/, EU Immigration Portal.

The extension of a residence permit fully corresponds to the procedure for obtaining a new residence permit, anew. That is, you need to repeat the same procedure that you have done before. You will find detailed instructions in question 2.

 

Change of basis: If your basis for staying in Romania has changed (for example, you changed jobs or completed your studies), you need to extend your residence permit on new grounds. Your documents, place of residence, work and other aspects of life may and will likely change, but this will not be an obstacle to updating information, the main thing is not to miss the deadlines and to follow the generally accepted rules, and everything will be fine!

Obtaining medical insurance for a residence permit in Romania is a mandatory requirement.

 

The nuance is that for the first application for a residence permit, private insurance will be sufficient: contact a private insurance company and take out insurance (usually 200-300 EUR per year). For obtaining the second and subsequent extensions of the residence permit, you need a certificate from the state on state health insurance. For this: you need to submit an income declaration (it can be zero), where at the end of item 3. Contribuția de asigurări social de sănătate estimată, stabilită prin declarația curentă you need to indicate the amount you will pay for state insurance (for 2024 it is 1980 RON); after submitting this declaration, you need to contact Casa națională de asigurări de sănătate (National Health Insurance Agency) in your city to obtain a confirmation certificate of obtaining state insurance status. This certificate is what you need for a residence permit application.

 

 

 

Choice of insurance company: Choose an accredited insurance company that provides medical insurance policies for foreigners. You can find lists of accredited companies on official websites, such as the National Agency for Foreigners or other government institutions. Examples of insurance companies in Romania: Allianz-Tiriac, Groupama Asigurări, Uniqa Asigurări.

 

 

 

Choice of insurance policy: Choose an insurance policy that covers the necessary medical services and meets the requirements for obtaining a residence permit. The policy should cover emergency medical assistance, hospitalization, and treatment in case of illness or accident. Make sure the policy covers the entire period of your expected stay in Romania.

Romanian citizenship can be obtained in several ways: by birth, through adoption, by descent, and by naturalization.

 

 

 

o Citizenship by birth: Children born to parents who are Romanian citizens automatically acquire citizenship.

 

o If at least one parent is a Romanian citizen, the child also acquires citizenship, even if born outside Romania.

 

 

 

o Citizenship through adoption: A foreign child can acquire citizenship if the adopters are Romanian citizens. If the adopters do not agree on the child’s citizenship, the decision is made through court, considering the child’s interests.

 

 

 

o Citizenship by descent: Individuals with Romanian roots (parents, grandparents) can apply for citizenship by descent, providing proof of relationship and relevant documents.

 

 

 

o Citizenship by naturalization: Foreign citizens can obtain Romanian citizenship by legally residing in the country for at least 8 years (or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen). At the time of application, you must have a permanent (long-term) residence permit, not a temporary one.

 

 

 

o Other conditions include:

 

▪ Being at least 18 years old.

 

▪ Proof of having legal means for a decent living.

 

▪ Good character and no criminal record.

 

▪ Passing a Romanian language test at level B1, confirmed by a certificate from an accredited center.

 

▪ Knowledge of the essential provisions of the Romanian Constitution and the national anthem.

 

▪ Understanding of Romanian culture and civilization.

 

 

 

For more detailed information, it is recommended to visit official resources such as the National Agency for Romanian Citizenship https://cetatenie.just.ro/.

Yes, holders of a temporary residence permit in Romania can leave and return to the country, but it is necessary to consider several important aspects:

 

 

 

Main aspects of departure and return

 

 

 

Validity of the residence permit: Your temporary residence permit must be valid at the time of departure and return to Romania. Ensure that it has not expired.

 

 

 

Entry and exit stamps: When leaving Romania and returning, you will need to present your passport with the temporary residence permit at the border. Entry and exit stamps will be placed in your passport, confirming your legal stay in the country.

 

 

 

Schengen Visa: If you plan to travel to other Schengen area countries, make sure your temporary residence permit allows this.

 

 

 

Extension of the residence permit: If your temporary residence permit expires while you are abroad, you need to apply for its extension before it expires. The extension procedure should be initiated in advance to avoid issues upon returning to Romania.

 

 

 

Tips for departure and return

 

 

 

Documents: Always carry originals or copies of documents proving your temporary residence permit, in case you are asked to present them at the border or airport.

 

 

 

Contact with immigration authorities: In case of doubts or questions, contact the National Agency for Foreigners or the Romanian consulate in your country of residence for accurate information and recommendations.

 

 

 

Planning trips: Plan your trips to ensure you have enough time to renew your residence permit upon return. Also, make sure you have all the necessary documents for entering other countries you plan to visit.

 

 

 

Important points

 

Maintaining status: Leaving Romania should not exceed a certain period, which may affect your resident status. Prolonged absence without notifying immigration authorities may lead to the annulment of the temporary residence permit.

 

Legislative changes: Always keep abreast of the latest legislative changes and rules regarding departure and return with a temporary residence permit.

In case of refusal of a residence permit in Romania, it is important to act quickly and correctly to try to rectify the situation.

 

 

 

Examine the reasons for the refusal: First, familiarize yourself with the official refusal notice, which indicates the reasons for the denial. This notice should contain specific grounds on which your application was rejected.

 

 

 

Gather additional documents and information: If the refusal is related to incomplete or incorrect documentation, gather all missing documents and correct possible mistakes.

 

 

 

Seek consultation: It is recommended to consult a lawyer or immigration consultant. A specialist will help you understand the reasons for the refusal and suggest possible steps to fix the situation.

 

 

 

Preparation of an appeal: In some cases, you have the right to file an appeal. For this, you need to prepare an appeal, including all corrected or additional documents that can justify your application. The appeal must be filed within the established period indicated in the refusal notice. Usually, the deadline for submitting an appeal is 30 days from the date of receiving the refusal.

 

 

 

Submitting the appeal: The appeal must be submitted to the same authority that issued the refusal decision, or to a higher authority. Ensure that you follow the appeal submission procedure provided by law. Attach all corrected documents and an explanatory note to the appeal, specifying the reasons you consider the refusal unfounded.

 

 

 

Waiting for the appeal decision: The process of reviewing the appeal may take some time. During this period, continue gathering additional evidence or documents that may be required.

 

 

 

Actions in case of repeated refusal: If your appeal is rejected, you may consider submitting a new application for a residence permit, addressing all previous errors and shortcomings. As a last resort, you can go to court to challenge the refusal decision. The judicial process will also require legal support and preparation of the necessary documents.

 

 

 

Additional Recommendations

 

Stay in touch with immigration authorities: It is important to maintain contact with the National Agency for Foreigners and receive up-to-date information on your case from them.

 

Legal assistance: Throughout the entire process, it is recommended to consult with lawyers who specialize in immigration issues.

In general, the staff at the Migration Service Departments speak English. In other cases, assistance from translators may be required for migration procedures in Romania, especially if documents and communication with immigration authorities require accurate translation and understanding. Translators are needed for the following purposes:

 

 

 

Document translation: All official documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, and criminal records, must be translated into Romanian and certified by a certified translator.

 

 

 

Assistance with application submission: Translators can help correctly fill out applications for residence permits, work visas, and other immigration documents to avoid errors and misunderstandings.

 

 

 

Accompaniment during visits to government institutions: Translators can accompany applicants in immigration offices and other government institutions, ensuring an accurate understanding of requirements and procedures.

 

 

 

The easiest way to find the right translator is to contact a local translation agency.