Romania’s New Digital Nomad Visa For Expats

Being part of southeastern Europe, Romania has a distinct four-season climate, and you’ll be able to experience the beauty of all seasons. During spring, the blossoming of trees; in the summer, the green leaves. In autumn, that fiery auburn landscape, and the peaceful white snow in winter. It is also a country with quite a few world-renowned intellectuals, from arts to journalism. While residing in Romania, you will have plenty to see, explore and learn. Romania offers various vibrant cities for digital nomads to choose from. Bucharest, the capital, is a bustling hub with a well-developed infrastructure and a thriving tech scene. Other popular destinations include Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Brasov, known for their rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit

You will find many excellent tourist destinations with multiple attractions, including monasteries, castles, gothic-style churches, and other medieval buildings. Romania is also an overlooked destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to the Transylvanian Alps. Romania is also an excellent hub for digital nomads interested in exploring other places in Europe. Notably, it is cheap and easy to travel to other nearby destinations, such as Bulgaria, Hungary, or Serbia. For those that want to go on longer trips, there are direct flights to countries such as Paris, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, Frankfurt, Athens, and other destinations.

The Romanian digital nomad visa is an excellent opportunity for foreigners seeking to explore the country while engaging in remote work

THE NEW ROMANIA DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Romania is one of several European countries that has recently decided to introduce a digital nomad visa. The digital nomad visa program, launched in January of 2022, allows digital nomads to spend up to 6-12 months in Romania. The visa is initially valid for six months but can be extended if digital nomads continue to meet income requirements. Like other digital nomad visas, digital nomads need to prove that they work remotely for a foreign company and have enough income and savings to support their stay. The Romanian government ambitiously aims to attract 20,000 digital nomads to come live and work remotely in Romania. Establishing Romania as a base is an excellent idea for many reasons.

The Romanian digital nomad visa is an excellent opportunity for foreigners seeking to explore the country while engaging in remote work. This visa allows individuals to reside in Romania while working for foreign employers or conducting their independent employment activities. By obtaining this visa, digital nomads can fully immerse themselves in the captivating Romanian culture, explore the country's picturesque cities, and contribute to its thriving economy.

The visa covers a wide range of employment activities, including but not limited to freelancing, remote work for foreign companies, entrepreneurship, and online consulting. If working for a foreign employer, applicants must provide details such as the company's name, location, and position within the organization. This information is crucial for the application process.

The application process involves several steps. First, individuals must gather the necessary documents, typically including a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and evidence of employment or sufficient financial resources. Once the documents are prepared, applicants can submit their visa application to the Romanian authorities. Upon approval, successful applicants will receive a certificate of registration that serves as their legal document allowing them to live and work in Romania as digital nomads.

Romania offers various vibrant cities for digital nomads to choose from

LIVINGS COSTS as a digital nomad

Romania is an excellent low-cost destination for digital nomads. Although the income requirements for this program are relatively high, most digital nomads will not need anything near this amount to live a comfortable life in Romania. The minimum income requirement is three times higher than Romania's average salary. The cost of living is very attractive relative to the rest of Europe and is competitive in Eastern Europe.

Below are some examples of how cheap it is to live in Romania:

• Internet costs around €8/month
• The average salary is around €1,100, while the minimum wage is €310.
• A 1 bedroom apartment in Bucharest is between €354-425

Romania’s cost of living is on par with other Eastern European countries. Digital nomads who travel within the region should not have to spend too much on short trips.

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

REQUIREMENTS FOR A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA IN ROMANIA 

Every country has a different definition of a digital nomad and legal factors that can constrain these types of programs. The Romanian government passed Law No. 22/2022, which clarifies the legal status of digital nomads in Romania. This law provided the clarity needed for Romania to launch the digital nomad visa program, allowing it to compete with other newly launched programs such as Estonia or Croatia. Currently, it is not clear if there is an option to renew the visa once the 12 months are up. There should be more clarity soon, as Romania just made these legal changes this year.

By embracing the digital nomad lifestyle in Romania, individuals can experience a blend of affordability, natural beauty, and modern amenities. The country's strategic location within Europe provides easy access to other fascinating destinations, making it an ideal base for exploring the continent.

With technological advancements and the ever-expanding global economy, remote work has become increasingly popular

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

To be eligible for this program, applicants must prove that they work for a company outside of Romania or provide freelance services to companies outside Romania. The income requirements are relatively high, as the individual needs to prove that their monthly salary is three times the average salary in Romania. Applicants must prove that they have consistently earned this amount for the six months preceding their application. One can also submit other financial information, such as their savings account, to prove that they can support their stay in Romania. Overall, it is very easy to meet the definition of a digital nomad as long as you are not working for or performing services for a company in Romania.

With technological advancements and the ever-expanding global economy, remote work has become increasingly popular. The Romanian digital nomad visa acknowledges this trend and embraces the opportunities it presents, allowing professionals to contribute to the local economy while staying connected to the global job market.

Related content: Second Residency & Citizenship

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply online or in person if you can meet all of these requirements. According to the latest available information, processing a digital nomad visa can take around 10-14 days.

Applicants need to submit the following information:

• Documentation verifying the monthly income of €3,300 (bank statements/payroll/etc.)
• Employee contracts/client contracts/company formation documents
• Proof of health insurance during the period
• Clean criminal record
• A letter of intent
• A rental agreement or proof of accommodation
• No registered tax debts in the person’s home country
• Flight confirmation 

As of right now no information on costs for applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, we will be updating this information once this data has been released.

Most of these documentation requirements are relatively straightforward. The online application is most convenient for people who are out of the country or live in cities far from Romanian embassies or consulates. If you decide to apply in person, you must apply at a Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country.

You also need to purchase a plane ticket and book accommodation. The best option is to book a one-way flight (with the option to cancel if possible) and to book accommodation for the first week or so. If your visa application is rejected for any reason, you will still likely be able to get a 90-day tourist visa.

Barsana, Romania

FINAL THOUGHTS

This digital nomad visa is an excellent option for those who would otherwise only be able to stay in Romania for 30-90 days. The income requirements are slightly lower than Estonia's digital nomad visa program. The Romanian government is ambitious in its desire to attract around 20,000 digital nomads. Consequently, this program will likely be successful and offer the opportunity for digital nomads to renew and stay longer.

One crucial factor to note is that digital nomads have to pay taxes in Romania if they stay for more than 183 days. Some digital nomads may decide to apply for a visa and stay for less than six months to avoid double taxation. It is also important to note that you are not allowed to work for a company in Romania on this visa.

Embark on a transformative journey of knowledge and inspiration by seizing the opportunity to purchase the ultimate Digital Nomad Visa book today.