Obtaining a visa and a residence permit in Romania can be a complex process, which varies depending on the country of origin, the purpose of the stay and the type of visa applied for. This guide gives an overview of the time and costs associated with this process, providing useful information for non-EU citizens wishing to settle temporarily or permanently in Romania.

What is the difference between visa and residence permit?

While a visa is an official document allowing entry into the country for a certain period of time for specific purposes such as tourism, business or study, a residence permit is a document giving the right to live and work in a country for a longer period of time, often required after entering with a visa.

Getting a visa for Romania

1. Types of visas:

•     Short-stay visa (type C): this type of visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is intended for tourist visits, business, conferences and other short-term activities. Fees vary depending on the country of origin, but are generally around €90.
•     Long-stay visa (type D): This type of visa allows stays of more than 90 days and is required for study, work, family reunification, religious activities or other long-term purposes.

Fees are around €120 but can vary depending on the purpose of your stay. Click here for more information.

2. Application procedure:

•     Required documentation: completed application forms, valid passport, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, medical insurance and other documents specific to the type of visa applied for.
•     Submission of application: The application must be submitted to the Romanian consulate or embassy in the country of origin or residence.
•     Processing time: In general, it takes between 10 and 30 days to process a short-stay visa. For long-stay visas, the processing time can be up to 60 days.

Who needs a visa to enter Romania?

Citizens from certain countries need a visa to enter Romania, while others can travel without a visa.

1. Non-EU/EEA nationals

Citizens of countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area (e.g. most countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America) need a visa to enter Romania, either for short stays (type C) or long stays (type D).

2. Citizens from countries with a visa regime

Some countries have strict visa regimes and require you to obtain a visa before traveling. These include countries such as India, China, Nigeria and many others. It is important that people from these countries check specific requirements before planning a visit.

3. Exceptions

Citizens from certain countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Australia, Japan and most Latin American countries, can enter Romania without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

Obtaining a residence permit in Romania

1. Types of residence permits:

•     Temporary residence permit: Valid for fixed periods, usually one year, with the possibility of extension. Required for study, work, business, family reunification, etc. Fees vary depending on the purpose of stay, but are generally around €120.
•     Permanent residence permit: Valid for an unlimited period, intended for people who have legally resided in Romania for a continuous period of at least 5 years. Fees are higher, around €260.

2. Application procedure:

•     Necessary documentation: completed application forms, valid passport, long-stay visa, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, medical insurance and other documents specific to the type of permit applied for.
•     Submission of application: The application is submitted to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in Romania.
•     Processing time: In general, processing a temporary residence permit takes between 30 and 90 days. For a permanent residence permit, the processing time can be up to 6 months.

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The process of obtaining a visa and residence permit in Romania requires considerable time and financial resources. It is essential to plan ahead and gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays. Contacting the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of origin, as well as consulting official websites such as that of the General Inspectorate for Immigration, are important steps to obtain up-to-date, case-specific information.

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