On December 21, 2021, the Romanian government launched the Romania digital nomad visa, now officially open for applications.
What is the Romania Digital Nomad Visa?
Romania, with its capital Bucharest, stands out as a prime destination for digital nomads. The country is now actively inviting this community to settle for at least a year, courtesy of its new digital nomad visa. Bucharest, in particular, is celebrated as one of the best European cities for digital nomads.
Why Romania Appeals to Digital Nomads
Romania’s appeal to the digital nomad community is largely due to its reliable internet connectivity, cost-effective living standards, and its geographical advantage of being outside the Schengen Zone. These factors have consistently placed Romania at the top of the list for remote workers looking for a conducive environment.
Latest News: Romania will be part of Schengen Countries from April 2024.
The Romania Digital Nomad Visa
The Romanian digital nomad visa is a strategic initiative that allows remote workers to immerse themselves in the Romanian culture and lifestyle for a year, possibly extending their stay for an additional year. This visa is a testament to Romania’s embrace of the digital nomad lifestyle and its potential economic contributions.
How to Apply for the Romania Digital Nomad Visa?
Applying for the Romania digital nomad visa is simple and hassle-free since it is entirely done online.
To apply for the visa, you need to submit the following documents:
- Copy of Passport: Your passport needs to be valid when you submit your application.
- Earn a minimum of three times the average Romanian salary, which amounts to 3,300€ per month.
- Proof of Remote Work: Demonstrate remote work status as an employee, freelancer, or business owner not based in Romania.
- A clear criminal history is verified through an official background check from your home country.
- Proof of Health Insurance: Ensure you have insurance coverage of a minimum of €30,000 for your duration in Romania.
- Tax Verification: Provide apostilled proof of tax payments from your country of residence or business establishment.
- Accommodation Confirmation: Provide a rental agreement showing your intended address in Romania. You can search for accommodations from here or from Booking.com
- Arrival Documentation: Present a flight, train, or bus ticket, or a driver’s license with car information for entry into Romania.
- Purpose Statement: A written letter outlining your reasons for visiting Romania and your planned activities there.
Ensure all documents are translated into Romanian by a certified translator and when uploading to the e-visa platform, each file should not exceed 2 MB. Accepted formats include jpeg, jpg, tif, png, bmp, txt, rtf, and pdf.
To apply for the visa, follow these steps:
The Romania digital nomad visa application is relatively straightforward and can be completed either online via the Romania e-visa portal or at a Romanian embassy or consulate.
- Applicants can apply for the Romania digital nomad visa either through the Online visa portal or in person at their closest Romanian embassy or consulate.
- Submit your application and documents between two weeks and three months before your planned trip to Romania.
- An application fee of €120 is required, payable by a valid Visa or MasterCard credit card on the platform.
- Application responses for the Romania digital nomad visa take 7-14 business days via the online portal and up to 60 days if applying through an embassy or consulate.
- After your visa is approved, you may travel to Romania and have 90 days to apply for a residence permit at the General Inspectorate of Immigration (IGI).
- Present your approved visa and original application documents for the residence permit, which has a separate fee of €120, payable by cash or bank transaction.
- When attending your appointment, remember to bring all the documents initially used for the visa application.
- Standard residence and immigration fees are payable at this stage to obtain your temporary residence permit.
Romania Digital Nomad New Tax Law: Significant Benefits for Extended Stays
In April 2023, Romania introduced a beneficial tax law for digital nomads. This law exempts digital nomads from paying social security, healthcare contributions, and income tax if they reside in the country for over 183 days. This means that digital nomads who spend more than half a year in Romania can enjoy significant tax advantages, making it a financially attractive destination for remote workers.
Why Romania is the Perfect Destination for Digital Nomads in 2024?
Bucharest, Romania, is a digital nomad hotspot due to its affordable living, vibrant entrepreneurial scene, and numerous coworking spaces catering to startups and freelancers. These spaces offer not only a collaborative atmosphere but also essential high-speed, dependable internet for digital nomads.
Navigating the country is straightforward, with options like Uber enhancing mobility, making both city and countryside exploration convenient. The climate in Romania is ideal for those preferring cooler winters without extreme summer heat.
Romania presents a wealth of cultural experiences including medieval castles, museums, lively nightlife, and beautiful natural scenery. The flourishing digital nomad community makes it easy for newcomers to connect and find peers. The country’s growing number of coworking spaces, equipped with excellent internet and modern facilities, reflects its dedication to accommodating the diverse requirements of remote professionals.
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