How long does a Romanian visa take to process?

Romanian visa processing typically takes 15-30 calendar days from submission. Short-stay visas (Type C) usually process faster than long-stay visas (Type D). During peak seasons, processing may take longer.

What documents do I need for a Romanian visa?

Essential documents include: valid passport (6+ months), completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum), proof of accommodation, financial statements, and purpose-specific documents (invitation letter, employment contract, etc.).

How much does a Romanian visa cost?

Romanian visa fees: Short-stay visa (Type C) costs €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12. Long-stay visa (Type D) costs €120. Additional service fees may apply at consulates.

Romanian Visas & Immigration Guide for Foreigners (2025)

Visa Types & Requirements

Romania offers various visa options depending on your nationality and purpose of stay. After obtaining your visa or residence permit, you'll need to open a bank account and complete other essential tasks from our first month checklist.

🇪🇺 EU/EEA Citizens

No visa required for entry
Can stay up to 90 days without registration
Must register residence after 90 days
Right to work without permits
Access to healthcare and social services

🌍 Non-EU Citizens

Short-stay visa (up to 90 days)
Long-stay visa (over 90 days)
Work permit required for employment
Student visa for education
Family reunification visa

📋 Required Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Completed visa application form
Recent passport photos
Proof of accommodation
Financial means proof
Travel insurance
Purpose-specific documents

✅ Important Update 2025

New digital visa application system launched. All applications must be submitted online through the official Romanian Immigration Portal. Processing times have been reduced to 15-30 days for most visa types.

🏢 Work Visa (Long-Stay)

Duration: Up to 1 year, renewable
Requirements: Employment contract + work permit
Processing: 30-45 days
Fee: €120 + work permit fee
Next step: Open bank account

🎓 Student Visa

Duration: Academic year duration
Requirements: University acceptance letter
Processing: 15-30 days
Fee: €120
Work rights: Part-time allowed (4h/day)

💼 Digital Nomad Visa

Duration: Up to 1 year
Requirements: Remote work proof + income €3,500/month
Processing: 30 days
Fee: €120
Benefits: Tax advantages for first 2 years

Step-by-Step Application Process

📋 Step 1: Document Preparation

Passport: Valid for 6+ months
Photos: Recent passport-style (3.5x4.5cm)
Application form: Complete online at portal.mai.gov.ro
Purpose documents: Employment contract, university acceptance, etc.
Financial proof: Bank statements, salary slips
Accommodation: Hotel booking or rental agreement
Insurance: Travel/health insurance (€30,000 minimum)

🏛️ Step 2: Submit Application

Online submission: Upload documents to portal.mai.gov.ro
Appointment booking: Schedule consulate visit if required
Fee payment: Pay visa fees online or at consulate
Biometric data: Fingerprints and photo at consulate
Interview: May be required for certain visa types

✅ Step 3: After Approval

Visa collection: Pick up from consulate or embassy
Entry to Romania: Present visa at border control
IGI registration: Register with Immigration Office within 30 days
CNP application: Get Romanian personal number
Bank account: Open Romanian bank account
Healthcare: Register for healthcare

Common Visa Challenges & Solutions

🚫 Document Apostille

Challenge: Foreign documents need apostille certification.

Solution: Get apostille from your home country before applying. Allow 2-4 weeks for this process.

🌐 Language Barriers

Challenge: Romanian immigration documents are in Romanian.

Solution: Use official translation services. Keep English copies for reference.

⏰ Processing Delays

Challenge: Visa processing can take longer than expected.

Solution: Apply 2-3 months in advance. Track application status online regularly.

Complete Visa & Immigration Guides

Ultimate Visa & Residency Guide

Step-by-step guide covering all visa types, application processes, and residency permits for both EU and non-EU citizens.

Read Complete Guide

Work Permits & Employment

Everything you need to know about working in Romania as a foreigner, including work permits, employment contracts, and labor rights.

Work Permit Guide

CNP Guide for Foreigners

How to obtain your Romanian personal identification number (CNP) - essential for banking, healthcare, and official procedures.

CNP Guide

IGI Registration Process

Complete guide to registering with the Romanian Immigration Office (IGI) after arrival - mandatory for all long-stay visa holders.

IGI Guide

✅ Pro Tip

Start your visa application process at least 2-3 months before your planned travel date. Gather all required documents early and ensure they are properly apostilled and translated into Romanian.

Visa Application Timeline & Costs

📞 Official Contact Information

IGI (Immigration Office): +40 21 313 4444
MAE (Foreign Affairs): +40 21 319 1000
Emergency: 112
Online Portal: portal.mai.gov.ro
Visa Status Check: igi.mai.gov.ro

⏰ Processing Times (2025)

Tourist visa: 5-15 days
Long-stay visa: 15-30 days
Work permit: 30-45 days
Residence permit: 30-60 days
Digital nomad visa: 30 days
Family reunification: 45-60 days

💰 Visa Fees (2025)

Short-stay visa: €80
Long-stay visa: €120
Work permit: €200
Residence permit: €150
Digital nomad visa: €120
Student visa: €120

💡 Pro Tips for Visa Success

Start early: Begin your application 2-3 months before travel. Complete documentation: Missing documents are the #1 reason for delays. Financial proof: Show €500-1000/month for living expenses. Translation: All foreign documents must be officially translated to Romanian.