Romania, a beautiful country in Eastern Europe, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats seeking to relocate to Europe. As a member of the European Union (EU), Romania offers a wide range of benefits for foreign nationals, including the ability to live and work in the country without a visa. In this context, one of the essential documents that an expat needs to obtain is a Romania Residence Permit, which allows foreign nationals to reside legally in the country for an extended period.

The Romania Residence Permit, also known as the Long-Stay Visa or D Visa, is a document that enables non-EU citizens to stay in Romania for an extended period. It is issued by the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs and is a mandatory document for foreign nationals planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days. The residence permit is usually valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional two years.

The process of obtaining a Romania Residence Permit is relatively straightforward, but it requires fulfilling specific criteria and following certain steps. The first step is to obtain a visa to enter Romania, which can be done at a Romanian embassy or consulate in the expat's country of residence. Once in Romania, the expat must apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival.

To apply for a Romania Residence Permit, the expat must provide specific documents, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate. The financial means must be sufficient to support the expat during their stay in Romania, and the medical certificate must confirm that the individual does not have any contagious diseases. In addition, the expat must also undergo a criminal record check, which is required for all long-term stay visas.

After submitting the required documents, the expat must wait for the authorities to process their application. The processing time can vary depending on the case, but it usually takes between 30 and 90 days. During this period, the expat is allowed to stay in Romania legally, even if their visa has expired.

Once the residence permit is issued, the expat must make sure to carry it with them at all times, as it serves as a legal document of their right to reside in the country. The Romania Residence Permit also allows expats to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes most of Europe's EU member states.

Obtaining a Romania Residence Permit is a crucial step for expats seeking to reside legally in the country for an extended period. The process may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a straightforward and stress-free experience. Romania is a welcoming country with a vibrant culture and rich history, and its residence permit offers a gateway to a new and exciting life in Eastern Europe.

Who Needs a Romania Residence Permit?

Even citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are required to obtain a residence permit when they first enter Romania or move there after being granted asylum. This applies to all non-Romanian citizens who intend to stay in Romania for longer than 90 days, regardless of their nationality or country of origin. The process and requirements for obtaining a residence permit may vary depending on the individual's circumstances, such as their purpose of stay, duration of stay, and personal situation.

How Can I Get a Romania Residence Permit?

To obtain a Romania residence permit, you will need to follow these steps:

• Determine the type of residence permit you need: There are several types of residence permits available in Romania, including work permits, study permits, family reunification permits, and business permits. You will need to determine which type of permit you are eligible for and apply for that specific permit.
• Gather your documents: The documents you need to apply for a residence permit will vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for. However, in general, you will need to provide a valid passport, proof of health insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Romania.
• Submit your application: You can submit your residence permit application to the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country or to the Romanian Immigration Office in Romania. You will need to fill out an application form and submit all required documents along with the application.
• Wait for the processing of your application: The processing time for a residence permit application can vary depending on the type of permit and the workload of the immigration authorities. In general, it can take several weeks to several months to receive a decision on your application.
• Obtain your residence permit: If your application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit. Make sure to follow all the conditions and requirements of your permit to maintain your legal status in Romania.

Note that the rules and regulations for obtaining a residence permit in Romania are subject to change. It is advisable to check the latest requirements and guidelines before submitting your application.

In order to obtain a Romanian residency permit, what are the requirements?

To obtain a Romanian residency permit, foreign nationals must meet certain requirements and provide specific documents. The requirements may vary depending on the purpose of the stay, such as work, study, or family reunification. However, here are some general requirements and documents that are typically required for obtaining a Romanian residency permit:

• Application form: Foreign nationals must fill out an application form and provide all the necessary documents.
• Valid passport: A valid passport is required for all foreign nationals who want to apply for a residency permit. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Romania.
• Visa: Some foreign nationals may need to obtain a visa before entering Romania, depending on their country of origin. The visa is usually issued by the Romanian embassy or consulate in the foreign national's home country.
• Proof of accommodation: Foreign nationals must provide proof of their accommodation in Romania, such as a rental agreement or a letter from a landlord.
• Financial means: Foreign nationals must provide proof that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Romania. This can be in the form of a bank statement or a letter from their employer, depending on the purpose of the stay.
• Medical certificate: Foreign nationals must provide a medical certificate confirming that they do not have any contagious diseases.
• Criminal record check: Foreign nationals must undergo a criminal record check in their home country or in Romania, depending on their circumstances.
• Health insurance: Foreign nationals must have valid health insurance that covers them during their stay in Romania.

These are some of the requirements and documents needed to obtain a Romanian residency permit. The process and requirements may vary depending on the individual's circumstances.

The requirements for obtaining a Romania residence permit change depending on the reason you want to live there.

Required documents for a Romania residence permit for employment

• Application form for a residence permit for employment
• Passport or other travel document
• Two recent passport-size photos
• Employment contract or work permit issued by the Romanian Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Protection
• Proof of accommodation in Romania
• Medical insurance for the entire duration of stay in Romania
• Criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of your home country
• Proof of payment of the application fee

Required documents for a Romania residence permit for studying

• Application form for a residence permit for study purposes
• Acceptance letter from a Romanian educational institution
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Romania

Required documents for a Romania residence permit for family reunification

• Application form for a residence permit for family reunification
• Marriage certificate or proof of kinship

Can you extend a Romania residence permit?

If you wish to stay in Romania beyond the validity period of your current residence permit, you can apply for an extension of your permit. The application for an extension should be made at the local office of the General Inspectorate for Immigration at least three months before the expiration date of your current permit. You will need to provide all the necessary documentation and meet the eligibility requirements for the type of residence permit you are seeking to extend. It is important to note that the decision to grant an extension of a residence permit is at the discretion of the immigration authorities and is subject to specific conditions and requirements.

Duration and Extension of the Romania Residence Permit

The duration of a Romanian residence permit depends on the type of permit and the specific conditions and requirements for that permit. Here are some examples of the duration of different types of residence permits:

• Residence permit for employment purposes: This type of permit is issued for the duration of the work contract, plus an additional three months. However, it cannot be for longer than three years.
• Residence permit for studying purposes: This type of permit may be granted for up to a year.
• Residence permit for family reunification: This type of permit is granted for the same duration as the residence permit of the sponsor. If the sponsor is a Romanian citizen, the residence permit is issued for up to five years.
• Other types of residence permits, such as business permits and long-term residence permits, may have different durations and requirements. It's important to carefully review the conditions and requirements for the specific type of residence permit you are seeking.

Romania Long-term Residence Permit

You can apply for a long-term residence permit after living in the country with a temporary residence permit for at least five years, as long as you have not been outside Romania for more than six months during that period.

However, it is also correct that not all types of temporary residence permits are eligible for conversion into a long-term residence permit. As you mentioned, if you have lived in Romania for one of the following purposes, you cannot apply for a Romanian long-term residence permit, even if you have reached the required minimum of five years:

• as an international student
• as an asylum seeker or on humanitarian grounds
• as a seasonal worker or an au pair worker

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for a long-term residence permit may change over time.

Duration of Romanian Long-term residence permit

The duration of a Romanian long-term residence permit for non-EU citizens is actually up to ten years, not five. The permit may be renewed for an additional period of up to ten years, provided that the renewal conditions are met.

Regarding the family members of Romanian citizens, you are correct that they may be eligible for a long-term residence permit valid for up to ten years. This applies to non-EU family members who have joined the Romanian citizen in Romania and have been granted a temporary residence permit, and who have been living together with the Romanian citizen for at least one year. The long-term residence permit for family members may be renewed for an additional period of up to ten years, provided that the renewal conditions are met.

How to Apply for a Romanian Long-term Residence Permit

In order to obtain a long-term residence permit in Romania, you need to apply for the right to live in Romania long-term from the General Inspectorate for Immigration in the county where you reside. Once you have been granted the right to live in Romania long-term, you will need to submit a set of documents to apply for the long-term residence permit.

The specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but in general, the following documents will be required:

• Valid passport: You will need to submit your valid passport or other travel document, along with a copy of the biographical page and any other pages containing visas or entry/exit stamps.
• Proof of legal residence: You will need to provide evidence that you have been legally residing in Romania with a temporary residence permit for at least five years.
• Criminal record certificate: You will need to submit a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of your home country, as well as a Romanian criminal record certificate.
• Medical certificate: You will need to provide a medical certificate issued by a Romanian medical institution, which confirms that you do not suffer from any contagious diseases that could pose a threat to public health.
• Proof of financial support: You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents while residing in Romania, either through employment or other means.
• Proof of accommodation: You will need to provide evidence of suitable accommodation in Romania, either by presenting a rental agreement or proof of ownership of property.

The exact requirements and procedures for obtaining a long-term residence permit in Romania may change over time,

Frequently asked questions about the Romanian eVisa