How to Apply for a Remote Work Visa in Romania (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of working remotely while living in a country full of history, castles, beautiful mountains, and affordable living? Romania might be the place you’re looking for.

Since 2022, Romania has offered a Remote Work Visa for freelancers and digital nomads who want to live legally in the country while earning income from abroad. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy European life without breaking the bank.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for Romania’s remote work visa in 2025 — step by step, in clear and simple language.

Why Choose Romania for Remote Work?

Romania may not always be the first country that comes to mind when people think of Europe, but digital nomads are starting to realize its value:

• Affordable Living: Rent and food are much cheaper than Western Europe.
  
• Strong Internet: Romania has some of the fastest internet in the world (average 200 Mbps).
  
• Rich Culture: Castles like Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), charming cities like Brașov and Sibiu, and the Carpathian Mountains.
  
• English Friendly: Younger Romanians speak English well, especially in major cities.
  
• EU Location: Easy travel to other European Union and Schengen countries.
  

What Is the Romania Remote Work Visa?

The Romania Remote Work Visa allows non-EU citizens to stay in Romania for up to 12 months while working for a foreign company, freelancing, or running their own online business.

The best part? You don’t need to pay Romanian income tax if your earnings come from abroad and you don’t exceed certain stay limits.

Eligibility Requirements (2025 Update)

To qualify for the Romanian Remote Work Visa, you must:

1. Work Remotely
   
   • Be employed by a company outside Romania, OR
     
   • Be a freelancer with international clients, OR
     
   • Own a business registered abroad.
     
2. Income Requirement
   
   • Must earn at least €3,700 per month (gross) — 3x Romania’s average salary.
     
   • Provide proof of income from the last 6 months.
     
3. Health Insurance
   
   • Coverage for your full stay in Romania.
     
4. Valid Passport
   
   • Valid for at least 1 year.
     
5. Clean Record
   
   • Background check from your home country.
     
6. Accommodation
   
   • Rental contract, Airbnb, or hotel booking.
     

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

• Completed application form (downloadable from Romanian consulate website).
  
• Passport + copies.
  
• Proof of income (bank statements, employment contracts, invoices).
  
• Health insurance certificate.
  
• Proof of accommodation in Romania.
  
• Criminal background check.
  

Step 2: Submit the Application

• Apply at the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
  
• Some applicants can start the process online.
  

Step 3: Pay the Fees

• Visa fee: around €120–150.
  

Step 4: Wait for Approval

• Processing time: usually 30–45 days.
  

Step 5: Travel to Romania

• Once approved, you can enter Romania and register your residence locally.
  

Benefits of the Romania Remote Work Visa

✅ Live in Romania legally for up to 1 year (with possible renewal).
Access to fast, cheap internet for remote work.
Explore castles, mountains, and beautiful countryside.
✅ Low cost of living compared to most of Europe.
Easy travel across Europe (Romania is in the EU and applying Schengen rules soon).

Cost of Living in Romania (2025)

One of the main reasons digital nomads choose Romania is affordability. Here’s a monthly breakdown:

• Rent: €300–600 (1-bedroom apartment in Bucharest or Cluj).
  
• Food: €200–300 (groceries and eating out).
  
• Coworking: €100–150.
  
• Transport: €20–30.
  👉 Total: €700–1,200/month for a comfortable life.
  

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Romania

1. Bucharest – The capital, full of coworking spaces, nightlife, and culture.
   
2. Cluj-Napoca – University city, tech hub, younger vibe.
   
3. Brașov – Near mountains and castles, perfect for nature lovers.
   
4. Sibiu – Beautiful old town, cultural festivals, peaceful life.
   
5. Timișoara – European Capital of Culture 2023, vibrant and modern.
   

Internet & Coworking Spaces

• Romania consistently ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide for internet speed.
  
• Popular coworking spaces:
  
  • TechHub Bucharest
    
  • ClujHub (Cluj-Napoca)
    
  • Hub 1317 (Brașov)
    
  • Cowork Timișoara
    

Taxes for Remote Workers in Romania

• If your income comes from abroad, you are generally not taxed in Romania during your visa period.
  
• If you stay more than 183 days, Romania may consider you a tax resident — in this case, consult a tax advisor.
  

FAQs About Romania Remote Work Visa

1. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. Family members can apply for dependent residence permits.

2. Can I extend the visa beyond 12 months?
Yes, you may renew it, provided you still meet the requirements.

3. Do I need to learn Romanian?
Not necessary for daily life, but learning a few phrases helps.

4. Can I travel across Europe with this visa?
Yes, Romania is in the EU, and Schengen entry rules are expanding.

Conclusion

Romania’s Remote Work Visa is a great opportunity for freelancers and digital nomads in 2025. It combines affordable living, strong internet, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture, making it an excellent base in Eastern Europe.

If you’re looking for a place with soul, history, and modern comforts, Romania should definitely be on your remote work radar.