How to Obtain a Romanian Visa in 2026: The Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals

Introduction

The Romanian visa is the first legal gateway for most non-EU nationals planning to visit, work, study, or live in Romania. Choosing the wrong visa category, submitting incomplete documents, or misunderstanding the relationship between a visa and a residence permit are among the most common — and most consequential — mistakes foreign nationals make when planning their move to Romania.

Romania became a full member of the Schengen Area in January 2025. This means that Romania now applies the common Schengen visa rules for short stays, and a valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen member state allows entry into Romania. For long stays — employment, business, studies, family reunification — a separate Romanian national visa (Type D) is required, and the process is governed by Romanian immigration law rather than the Schengen acquis.

This guide explains the complete Romanian visa framework as it applies in 2026: who needs a visa and who is exempt, the visa categories, the grounds for a long-stay visa, the eVisa application process, the documents required, processing times and fees, the link between the visa and the subsequent residence permit, the most common reasons for refusal, and the mistakes to avoid.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Romania

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Switzerland do not need any visa to enter Romania. They may enter with a valid passport or national identity card and can stay without restriction. After three months of continuous stay, they must register their residence with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and obtain a registration certificate, but no visa is required at any stage.

Visa-free third-country nationals. Citizens of many non-EU countries — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and others on the EU’s visa-free list — can enter Romania without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free access is for tourism, business visits, family visits, and other temporary purposes. It does not permit employment or long-term residence.

Third-country nationals requiring a visa. Citizens of countries not on the EU’s visa-free list must obtain a Schengen visa (Type C) for short stays or a Romanian national visa (Type D) for long stays before travelling to Romania. The visa must be obtained from the Romanian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits. Since Romania’s full Schengen accession, a valid Schengen visa or a residence permit issued by another Schengen member state allows the holder to enter and stay in Romania for short visits within the 90/180-day limit. This does not apply to national long-stay visas issued by other Schengen states — those are valid only in the issuing country.

Family members of EU citizens. Non-EU family members of EU citizens exercising free-movement rights may benefit from facilitated visa procedures, including fee waivers and expedited processing. The specific entitlements depend on the family relationship and the EU citizen’s status in Romania.

Romania and the Schengen Area

Romania became a full member of the Schengen Area in January 2025, which has significant implications for visa rules:

Common short-stay visa. Romania now issues and accepts Schengen short-stay visas (Type C). A Schengen visa issued by Romania is valid for travel across all Schengen member states, and a Schengen visa issued by any other member state is valid for entry into Romania.

The 90/180-day rule. Short-stay visitors (whether visa-free or on a Type C visa) may remain in the entire Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Days spent in any Schengen country count toward this limit. A person who spends 60 days in Germany and then travels to Romania can only remain for 30 more days before reaching the 90-day cap.

No border controls. As a full Schengen member, Romania has eliminated internal border controls with other Schengen states. People and goods move freely between Romania and other Schengen countries without passport checks at land borders and airports on intra-Schengen routes.

Short stay is not long stay. The 90/180-day short-stay regime is designed for temporary visits. It does not authorise employment, self-employment, or long-term residence. Foreign nationals who intend to live, work, or study in Romania for more than 90 days must obtain a long-stay visa (Type D) and subsequently a residence permit.

Romanian Visa Categories

The most critical distinction for foreign nationals planning to live in Romania is between Type C and Type D. A Type C visa (or visa-free entry) allows a temporary visit but not long-term residence or employment. A Type D visa is the mandatory prerequisite for obtaining a Romanian residence permit.

Grounds for a Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

Romanian immigration law defines specific grounds on which a long-stay visa may be issued. Each ground has its own documentary requirements and conditions:

• Employment. The most common ground for non-EU workers. The Romanian employer must first obtain a work authorisation (aviz de muncă) from IGI. The employee then applies for a Type D visa at the Romanian embassy, presenting the work authorisation, employment contract, and supporting documents. After entry, the employee applies for a single residence and work permit (permis unic) at the local IGI office.
• Business or commercial activities. For foreign nationals who are shareholders, administrators, or managers of a Romanian company. The applicant must demonstrate the company’s registration, the shareholding or appointment, and sufficient financial resources. This ground is commonly used by foreign entrepreneurs who establish a Romanian SRL and then relocate.
• Studies. For students admitted to a Romanian educational institution. The applicant must present the letter of admission, proof of tuition payment or scholarship, accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient financial means.
• Family reunification. For the spouse, minor children, or other dependent family members of a Romanian citizen or a foreign national legally residing in Romania. The sponsor must demonstrate adequate income, accommodation, and health insurance for the family member.
• Scientific research. For researchers with a hosting agreement from a Romanian research institution.
• Digital nomad. For non-EU nationals who work remotely for foreign employers or clients. The applicant must demonstrate a minimum income threshold, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and a remote-work relationship with a company registered outside Romania.
• Religious activities. For persons invited by a recognised religious organisation in Romania to carry out religious activities.
• Other grounds. Romanian law provides additional grounds including humanitarian protection, medical treatment, volunteering, and other specific purposes defined by the immigration legislation.

Choosing the correct ground is critical. The visa category must match the actual purpose of the stay. Applying for a tourist visa (Type C) when the real intention is to work or live in Romania is not only a legal violation but also jeopardises any future visa or residence application.

The eVisa Application Process

Romania’s eVisa portal is the primary application channel for most visa categories. The process follows these steps:

Step 1: Create an account. The applicant registers on the Romanian eVisa portal (operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and creates a visa application file.

Step 2: Select the visa category. The applicant selects the appropriate visa type (Type A, C, or D) and the specific ground of stay. The system displays the required documents for the selected category.

Step 3: Upload documents. The applicant uploads scanned copies of all required documents. The system checks completeness and may flag missing items.

Step 4: Electronic file review. The consular office reviews the electronic file. If documents are incomplete or additional information is needed, the applicant is notified through the portal.

Step 5: Schedule a consular appointment. Once the electronic file is approved, the applicant schedules an in-person appointment at the Romanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

Step 6: In-person appointment. The applicant attends the consular appointment with the original documents, provides biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and pays the visa fee.

Step 7: Decision. The consulate processes the application and issues a decision. If approved, the visa is affixed to the applicant’s passport. If refused, the applicant receives a written notification with the reasons for refusal.

The eVisa portal does not issue the visa electronically — the in-person consular appointment remains mandatory. The portal streamlines the application process by allowing document upload and preliminary review before the physical visit.

Required Documents

The exact documents depend on the visa category and the applicant’s nationality and circumstances. The following is a general overview:

All documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by certified Romanian translations prepared by an authorised translator. Documents issued by foreign authorities may need to be apostilled (for countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention) or legalised through the diplomatic channel.

The specific consular office may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s profile, nationality, and travel history. Checking the requirements on the eVisa portal and with the relevant embassy before submitting is strongly recommended.

Processing Times

Short-stay visa (Type C). The standard processing time is up to 15 calendar days from the date of the consular appointment. In peak periods or complex cases, processing may take up to 45 calendar days. Applicants should apply well in advance of the planned travel date — at least 4 to 6 weeks is advisable.

Long-stay visa (Type D). Processing typically takes up to 30 calendar days from the consular appointment. Some categories (employment, family reunification) may involve additional verification steps that extend the timeline. In practice, the total time from starting the eVisa application to receiving the visa can range from 4 to 10 weeks, depending on the category, the consulate’s workload, and the completeness of the documentation.

Practical advice. Do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets or make binding commitments in Romania until the visa is approved. Processing delays, additional document requests, and administrative backlog at busy consulates are common.

Visa Fees

Fees are paid at the consular appointment, typically in euros or the local currency equivalent. The fee is non-refundable if the visa is refused. Fee amounts are subject to change — always verify the current fee on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the eVisa portal at the time of application.

The Visa Is Not a Residence Permit

This is the single most important distinction for anyone planning to live in Romania long-term. A Type D long-stay visa grants the right to enter Romania and to remain for a limited period (typically up to 90 days from the date of entry). It is not a residence permit.

What the Type D visa provides. Legal entry into Romania on the specified ground (employment, business, studies, family reunification, etc.) and a window during which the holder must apply for a residence permit at the local IGI office.

What the Type D visa does not provide. Indefinite stay, automatic residence, or the right to remain beyond the visa’s validity without a residence permit. A person who enters on a Type D visa and does not apply for a residence permit before the visa expires will be in an irregular situation.

After entry: the residence permit application. After arriving in Romania on a Type D visa, the holder must attend the local office of the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and submit an application for a temporary residence permit (permis de ședere temporară). The application should be submitted well before the visa expires — Romanian law typically requires the application to be filed at least 30 days before the expiry of the authorised stay. The residence permit is issued for the same ground as the visa and is typically valid for one year, renewable.

The sequence. The correct sequence for a non-EU national planning to live in Romania is: obtain a Type D visa at the Romanian embassy → enter Romania → apply for a residence permit at IGI → receive the residence permit → renew annually (or apply for long-term residence after five years).

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Romanian consulates refuse visa applications for a range of reasons. The most common include:

• Incorrect visa category. Applying for a Type C (tourist) visa when the actual purpose is employment or long-term residence. The consulate assesses the true purpose of the trip, and a mismatch between the stated and actual purpose is a ground for refusal.
• Incomplete or inconsistent documents. Missing documents, unsigned forms, documents that contradict each other, or documents that do not support the stated purpose of the trip.
• Insufficient financial means. Failure to demonstrate adequate funds to cover the stay. Bank statements showing recent large deposits (suggesting funds were borrowed temporarily) may be viewed negatively.
• Doubts about the purpose of the visit. The consular officer is not convinced that the applicant intends to use the visa for the stated purpose, or suspects the applicant intends to overstay or work illegally.
• Invalid or insufficient travel insurance. The insurance does not meet the minimum coverage (€30,000), does not cover the entire duration of the stay, or is from an unrecognised provider.
• Fraudulent or forged documents. Submitting false documents is a serious ground for refusal and may result in a ban on future applications.
• Previous immigration violations. Overstaying a visa, illegal work, deportation, or other immigration violations in Romania or another Schengen country.
• Security or public-order concerns. Alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS) or other security databases, or a criminal record that raises public-order concerns.

A visa refusal is communicated in writing with the reasons. The applicant may have the right to appeal or to reapply with corrected documentation, depending on the circumstances and the grounds for refusal.

Can a Romanian Visa Be Extended

Short-stay visa (Type C). Extension is possible only in exceptional circumstances — force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons that prevent departure. The extension is requested from IGI (not the consulate) before the current authorised stay expires. Routine extensions for tourism or business are not granted.

Long-stay visa (Type D). The Type D visa itself is not extended. Instead, the holder applies for a residence permit at IGI, which replaces the visa as the legal basis for stay. If the residence permit is not obtained before the visa expires, the person must leave Romania.

Visa-free stays. The 90/180-day limit for visa-free nationals cannot be extended by applying for a visa from within Romania. A person who reaches the 90-day limit must leave the Schengen Area and may only return after the 180-day counter resets sufficiently.

Common Mistakes Visa Applicants Make

• Applying for a tourist visa to work in Romania. A Type C visa or visa-free entry does not authorise employment. Working in Romania on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on future entry. The correct route is a Type D visa with a work authorisation.
• Confusing the Type D visa with a residence permit. The visa grants entry; the residence permit grants the right to stay. Entering on a Type D visa and failing to apply for a residence permit at IGI within the required timeframe leaves the person without a legal basis for continued stay.
• Applying too late. Starting the visa process weeks before the planned travel date leaves no margin for processing delays, additional document requests, or consular backlog. Beginning the application at least 2 to 3 months before the intended travel date is advisable for Type D visas.
• Using unverified or informal invitations. An invitation letter from a Romanian host must meet consular requirements. Informal emails or messages are not sufficient. Business invitations should be on company letterhead, specify the purpose and duration of the visit, and include the host’s identification details.
• Providing inconsistent information. Discrepancies between the visa application form, supporting documents, and interview answers raise red flags. If the application states “business visit” but the invitation is from a family member, the consulate will question the true purpose.
• Not checking passport validity. Most visa categories require the passport to be valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond the intended stay and to have at least two blank pages. An expired or nearly expired passport is a basic but surprisingly common reason for application problems.
• Missing the IGI deadline after entry. After entering Romania on a Type D visa, the holder must apply for a residence permit at IGI well before the visa expires. Missing this deadline can result in irregular stay, which jeopardises the residence application and any future immigration status in Romania.

Frequently Asked Questions