Residential parking has become, in recent years, one of the most sensitive topics for the inhabitants of the Capital. The increase in the number of cars, the reorganization of parking spaces, and the digitalization of public services have radically changed the way Bucharest residents can secure a spot close to home. In 2026, the procedures are clearer, but they differ depending on the sector, and correct information makes the difference between a quickly approved request and a rejected file. In Bucharest, each of the six sectors manages its own system for allocating residential parking spaces. Although the general framework is established at the municipal level, the concrete rules, online platforms, tariffs, and allocation periods may vary. Therefore, it is essential to know exactly what the steps are, what documents must be prepared, and what mistakes must be avoided.

What residential parking is and who is entitled to it

Residential parking is a parking space allocated by the local authority to a natural person who lives in a building near that space and who owns or legally uses a car. This type of parking is different from hourly paid public parking and involves an annual subscription.

In general, in order to be eligible, the applicant must have domicile or residence (a valid temporary residence permit) at the address assigned to the parking area and must not be registered with debts to the local budget. Also, the car must be registered in the applicant’s name or used on the basis of a legal contract (leasing, loan for use).

Another important criterion is the absence of a garage or a privately owned parking space. The authorities verify whether the applicant already owns a private space where the car could be parked.

How procedures differ between sectors

Each sector of Bucharest has its own structure responsible for managing parking spaces. For example, in Bucharest, Sector 1 manages parking through the Municipal Parking Company, while in Sector 3 the administration is carried out by the specialized department within the sector’s city hall. The online platforms and the allocation calendar may vary from one sector to another.

In some sectors, the allocation of available spaces is done annually, through public sessions announced on the city hall’s website, while in others applications can be submitted throughout the year, within the limits of availability. There are also differences regarding the selection method: some city halls apply the principle “first come, first served,” others organize auctions for insufficient spaces compared to demand.

Costs also differ. The annual tariff may vary depending on the area where the parking space is located – central, semi-central, or peripheral. In general, the more crowded the area, the higher the tariff.

The steps for obtaining a residential parking space

The first step is checking the availability of spaces in the area where you live. Most sectors publish online interactive maps or lists of available spaces. It is recommended to consult the official website of the sector’s city hall and the section dedicated to residential parking.

The second step consists of submitting the application. In 2026, the procedure is largely digitalized. Applications are submitted online, by creating an account on the city hall’s platform. In exceptional cases, they can also be submitted physically, at the counter, but prior appointment is almost always necessary.

After submitting the application and uploading the documents, the analysis stage follows. If the file is complete and there is an available space, the applicant receives approval and payment instructions. Only after paying the annual fee is the space considered officially allocated.

Required documents in 2026

The list of documents is relatively similar in all sectors, but there may be small differences. Usually, the following are required: the identity card (with domicile or residence at the respective address), the vehicle registration certificate, proof of the right to use the car (if it is not personal property), and a declaration on one’s own responsibility regarding the absence of a garage.

Some sectors also request the fiscal certificate attesting that the applicant has no debts to the local budget. In the case of persons with temporary residence, proof of its validity for the entire period for which the parking is requested may be required.

The documents must be clearly scanned and uploaded in the format required by the platform. Any inconsistency between the address in the identity card and the one in the application may lead to the rejection of the request.

How the residential parking is obtained in each sector of Bucharest

The procedure differs slightly from one sector to another, even if the general principles are similar. Below you have, synthetically and clearly, the specific steps for each of the six sectors:

·       Sector 1

1.     An account is created on the online platform of the parking administrator (Municipal Company Parking Bucharest).

2.     The map of available spaces in the area assigned to the domicile/residence address is checked.

3.     The application is submitted online and the requested documents are uploaded.

4.     If there are more applications than spaces, an allocation/auction procedure may be organized.

5.     After approval, the annual fee is paid within the indicated deadline.

·       Sector 2

1.     The online platform of the sector’s city hall is accessed.

2.     The available space from the domicile area is selected.

3.     The documents (ID card, vehicle registration certificate, declarations) are uploaded.

4.     The application is analyzed administratively.

5.     A payment notification is received, and the space becomes active after confirmation of the fee payment.

·       Sector 3

1.     The available spaces are checked on the website of the specialized department within the city hall.

2.     The application is submitted online, during the period publicly announced.

3.     In crowded areas, the allocation may be made through electronic auction.

4.     After validation, the usage contract is issued.

5.     The payment is made online or by bank transfer.

·       Sector 4

1.     An account is created on the digital platform of the city hall.

2.     The request for the space related to the domicile/residence address is submitted.

3.     The documents are verified automatically and subsequently manually.

4.     If there are multiple applicants for the same space, the rules established by local council decision are applied.

5.     The annual fee is paid for the validation of the allocation.

·       Sector 5

1.     The list of available spaces published online is consulted.

2.     The application can be submitted online or, in certain situations, physically at the counter (with appointment).

3.     The fulfillment of the conditions regarding domicile and the absence of debts is verified.

4.     The confirmation of the allocation is received.

5.     The payment of the annualized fee finalizes the procedure.

·       Sector 6

1.     The electronic platform dedicated to parking is accessed.

2.     The area corresponding to the address in the identity card is selected.

3.     The required documents and declarations are uploaded.

4.     In case of high demand, the allocation may involve auction or differentiation based on officially established criteria.

5.     After approval, the contract is electronically signed and the fee is paid.

Regardless of the sector, the basic rule remains the same: the domicile or residence must coincide with the area of the requested parking space, and the documents must be complete and valid. The differences appear mainly in the method of allocation (direct or through auction) and in the level of the tariffs established annually.

Costs and payment methods

The cost of residential parking is established by local council decision at sector level. In 2026, the annual tariffs vary, depending on the area, between several hundred and over one thousand lei. In some cases, for very crowded areas, allocation is done by auction, and the final price may exceed the base tariff.

Payment can be made online, through the city hall’s platform, by bank transfer, or at the institution’s cashier offices. It is important that the payment be made within the deadline indicated in the approval notification; otherwise, the space may be redistributed to another applicant.

Renewal of the subscription is usually done annually. The authorities send notifications before expiration, but the responsibility lies with the holder to check the deadline and pay the fee on time in order not to lose the space.

Common mistakes that lead to rejection of the file

One of the most frequent mistakes is submitting an application without verifying whether the domicile or residence address corresponds exactly to the area of the requested parking space. If you live at the boundary between two allocations, it is essential to confirm that the desired space is assigned to your street.

Another problem arises in the case of cars in leasing or loan for use, when the complete contract is not attached or when it is not valid. Also, the existence of debts to the local budget automatically blocks approval of the application in most sectors.

Many applicants forget to renew their temporary residence permit on time or change their domicile without updating the data in the system. Any modification of the housing situation must be notified; otherwise, the parking authorization may be withdrawn.

What happens if you no longer meet the conditions

If the holder changes domicile or sells the car, he or she is obliged to notify the sector’s city hall. The parking space is not automatically transferred to the new address or to the new owner of the car. In some cases, submitting a new application is necessary.

The authorities may carry out periodic checks. If it is found that the holder no longer lives at the declared address or has provided false information, the parking may be canceled, and the respective person may be sanctioned.

Compliance with the rules is important not only to avoid fines, but also to ensure a fair system, in which the limited spaces are allocated to those who truly need them.

Recommendations for quickly obtaining the desired parking space

To increase the chances of obtaining a residential parking space in 2026, it is recommended to constantly follow the announcements published by your sector’s city hall. During allocation periods, available spaces can be occupied quickly.

Prepare all documents in advance, check the validity of the papers, and make sure you have no outstanding debts. If you live with a temporary residence permit, confirm that it covers the entire period for which you are requesting the parking space.

In a crowded city such as Bucharest, residential parking is not a privilege, but a necessity for many residents. Good information, attention to details, and compliance with legal procedures can help you obtain and keep without problems a parking space close to home.