Official Name: România
Capital: Bucharest
Official Language: Romanian
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
EU Membership: Since 2007
Schengen Area Membership: Since 2024 (with gradual implementation of border controls in certain areas)
Romania is a country located in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, sharing borders with Ukraine to the north, Hungary and Serbia to the west, and Bulgaria to the south. With its lush landscapes, the Carpathian Mountains, numerous lakes, historic towns, and unique architecture, Romania is one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking affordable yet European living.
Population: Approximately 19 million
Literacy Rate: Over 98%
Political System: Semi-presidential republic with a bicameral parliament
Safety: A safe country with relatively low crime rates compared to the European average
Common Second Language: English (especially in major cities and university towns)
Why is Romania an Attractive Destination for Migration?
•Lower cost of living compared to Western Europe
•Employment opportunities in IT, healthcare, engineering, and agriculture
•Reputable universities offering programmes in English
•Emerging market for foreign investment
•Clear pathways to obtaining permanent residency and citizenship
Cost of Living in Romania (Detailed Overview with Tables and Comparisons)
Romania is one of the most affordable countries within the European Union. Living costs for migrants, students, or families are significantly lower compared to Western Europe and even many Asian countries. Below is a detailed breakdown of living expenses in Romania.
1. General Monthly Cost Estimate (Single Individual)
Type of Expense Average Monthly Cost (Euro)
| 250 – 450 | Rent (one-bedroom flat) |
| 150 – 250 | Groceries |
| 15 – 30 | Public Transport |
| 10 – 20 | Internet and Mobile Phone |
| 60 – 100 | Utilities (electricity, water, heating) |
| 20 – 50 | Private Health Insurance |
| 50 – 100 | Other (leisure, clothing) |
| 550 – 950 Euro | Approximate Total |
2. Cost of Living in Different Cities
| Overall Monthly Cost (Euro) | Average Rent (Euro) | City |
| 350 – 500 | 700 – 1,100 | Bucharest |
| 300 – 450 | 650 – 950 | Cluj-Napoca |
| 280 – 420 | 600 – 900 | Timișoara |
| 250 – 400 | 580 – 850 | Iași |
| 260 – 420 | 600 – 880 | Brașov |
3. Food and Grocery Costs
| Average Price (Euro) | Item/Service |
| 1 | Bread (500g) |
| 1.2 | Milk (1 litre) |
| 2.2 | Eggs (12 pieces) |
| 1.5 | Rice (1 kilogram) |
| 4.5 | Chicken meat (1 kilogram) |
| 1.2 – 2 | Fruits and Vegetables (per kilogram) |
| 7 – 12 | Meal at a regular restaurant (for one) |
| 25 – 40 | Meal at an international restaurant (for two) |
4. Transport and Fuel Costs
| Average Cost (Euro) | Type of Service |
| 12 – 18 | Monthly Public Transport Card (metro, bus) |
| 0.6 – 1 | Single Bus Ticket |
| Approximately 1.5 | Petrol Price (per litre) |
| 0.5 – 0.7 + 0.4 – 0.6 per km | Taxi Starting Fare |
5. Internet, Mobile and Other Services
| Average Monthly Cost (Euro) | Service |
| 8 – 15 | High-speed Home Internet |
| 5 – 10 | Mobile Phone Plan (Internet and Calls) |
| 15 – 20 | Combined TV and Internet Packages |
6. Education Costs for Families
| Average Cost | Type of Institution |
| 200 – 400 Euro per month | Private Kindergarten |
| 3,000 – 10,000 Euro per year | International Schools |
| Free (Romanian language proficiency required) | Public Schools |
7. Health Insurance and Medical Services
| Average Cost | Service |
| Approximately 100 Euro per year | Health Insurance for International Students |
| Paid by Employer | Health Insurance for Employees |
| 25 – 45 Euro per month | Health Insurance for Self-employed Individuals |
| 15 – 30 Euro | Private GP Visit |
| 30 – 60 Euro | Specialist Consultation |
| Generally affordable | Medications |
Residency, Permanent Residency, and Citizenship in Romania
1. Temporary Residence in Romania
| Renewable? | Initial Validity | Type of Residence | Notes |
| Study (D/SD) | 1 year | Yes, until completion of studies | For students enrolled at Romanian universities |
| Employment (D/AM) | 1 year | Yes, with continued employment contract | Requires an invitation from the employer |
| Investment (D/IE) | 1 year | Yes, with ongoing business activity | Requires company registration and a business plan |
| Family Reunification (D/VF) | 1 year | Yes | For spouses and children of residents |
Common Documents Required for All Types of Temporary Residence:
•Valid passport
•Application form
•Proof of financial means
•Criminal record certificate
•Health insurance
•Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed)
•Specific documents related to the type of residence (university acceptance, employment contract, company documents, etc.)
2. Renewal of Temporary Residence
•Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the current permit expires.
•Proof of continued activity (study, employment, or business) is mandatory.
•In most cases, renewals are granted annually.
3. Permanent Residency in Romania
Eligibility Criteria:
•At least five years of continuous legal residence in Romania without significant interruptions.
•During this period, the individual must have held one of the temporary residence types (study, employment, or investment).
•Proof of stable and legal income.
•Suitable accommodation.
•No criminal record.
•Basic knowledge of the Romanian language (simple conversational level).
Advantages of Permanent Residency:
•Freedom to work, study, and conduct business without restrictions.
•No requirement for a work permit.
•Access to state social benefits.
•Easier access to banking services and loans.
•Shorter path to citizenship.
4. Romanian Citizenship
Requirements for Non-EU Citizens:
•Minimum of eight years of legal residence in Romania (or five years if married to a Romanian citizen).
•Holding Romanian permanent residency.
•Proficiency in the Romanian language (both spoken and written – usually assessed through a formal examination).
•Knowledge of Romanian culture, history, and the Constitution.
•Clean criminal record.
•No threat to national security.
Steps to Obtain Citizenship:
1.Complete the citizenship application form.
2.Submit documents proving residence, language skills, income, and accommodation.
3.Attend an official interview with the Citizenship Commission.
4.Upon approval, take the official oath of allegiance to Romania.
5.Receive the Certificate of Citizenship and Romanian Personal Numeric Code (CNP).
5. Dual Citizenship
•Romania recognises and accepts dual citizenship.
•There is no requirement to renounce the original nationality (e.g., Iranian citizenship).
•Iran also informally accepts dual citizenship, although Iranian nationality is not automatically revoked.
6. Family Members and Dependants
•Spouses and children of residents can join them through the Family Reunification Visa (D/VF).
•After five years of residence in Romania, family members may also apply for permanent residency.
•Residence permits for children under 18 years are subject to enrolment in Romanian or international schools.
7. Important Legal Notes
•All foreign documents must be officially translated into Romanian.
•Permanent residency may be revoked if the resident leaves Romania for more than 12 consecutive months without notifying the authorities.
•Citizenship by birth is granted only to children born to at least one Romanian citizen parent.
Family Visa, Family Conditions, and the Status of Iranians Residing in Romania
1. Romanian Family Reunification Visa (Visa for Family Reunification – D/VF)
Eligible Applicants:
•Legal spouse
•Children under 18 years of age
•Children over 18 years of age, provided financial or medical dependency is proven
•Elderly parents (in specific cases, subject to proven dependency)
Conditions for Issuance:
•The principal applicant must hold a legal residence permit in Romania (study, employment, investment, or permanent residence).
•Proof of sufficient financial means to support the family (stable income or financial means).
•Proof of suitable accommodation for the family (rented or owned property with adequate space).
•Official translation of marriage certificate or children’s birth certificates into Romanian.
Duration of Stay:
•One year, renewable.
•After five years of residence alongside the principal applicant, family members may apply for permanent residence.
2. Education of Children in Romania
•Education is compulsory and free in Romania from the age of six (in public schools).
•Public schools teach in Romanian, but language support classes are available for migrant children.
•Children may also enrol in private international schools, with annual tuition fees ranging from €3,000 to €10,000.
Required Documents for Enrolment:
•Child’s birth certificate and passport
•Proof of the parents’ legal residence
•Vaccination record
•Previous school certificates with official translation
3. Healthcare and Insurance for Families
Families holding residence permits have access to the public healthcare system.
•If one of the parents is employed in Romania, their spouse and children are also covered under their health insurance.
•Private health insurance is also available, offering faster and higher-quality services.
•Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are prioritised within the public healthcare system.
4. Permanent Residence and Citizenship for Family Members
•After five years of continuous residence in Romania alongside the principal applicant, spouses and children are eligible to apply for permanent residence.
•Following permanent residence and eight years from initial entry into Romania, all family members may apply for Romanian citizenship.
•The Romanian language test is mandatory for the spouse but is simplified for children under the age of 14.
5. Status of Iranians Residing in Romania
It is estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 Iranians currently reside in Romania.
•Most Iranian residents are concentrated in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași.
•Active Iranian student, cultural, and religious groups operate in major cities.
•Iranian student associations are notably active at medical and engineering universities.
•The Iranian Embassy in Bucharest offers consular services including passport issuance, marriage and birth registration, and power of attorney services.
•The Iranian community in Romania maintains a respected and trustworthy presence culturally, academically, and economically.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Migration, Residency, and Citizenship in Romania
1. Legal Framework of Migration in Romania
Primary Authority:
The General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI – Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări).
•All applications for visas, renewals, permanent residence, and citizenship are processed through the IGI.
•Databases connected to Eurodac, Schengen Visa Information System, and FRONTEX are used to verify foreign nationals’ records.
2. Legal Definitions of Residency
| Legal Definition | Type of Residency |
| A temporary permit (up to one year, renewable) for specific purposes such as study, work, or investment | Temporary Residence |
| An unlimited right to reside in Romania, with most rights equivalent to those of Romanian citizens | Permanent Residence |
| A residence permit allowing residence in other EU countries, subject to five years of legal residence in Romania and a clean criminal record | EU Long-Term Residence |
Obtaining a Romanian Visa with ETE Visa
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To begin your Romanian visa process, contact our team today to benefit from free consultation and professional services. With ETE Visa, pave the way for yourself and your family to enter Romania confidently.
