What is Romania's Digital Nomad Visa?

Romania's official Digital Nomad Visa (since 2021) allows Americans to live in Romania while working remotely for non-Romanian companies. It requires approximately €3,700–3,950/month net income (indexed to Romanian salary levels), health insurance, and proof of accommodation. It can be applied for at a Romanian consulate or from within Romania during a visa-free stay. Duration: 1 year, renewable.

What is Romania's 0% IT income tax benefit?

Romania used to exempt qualified IT professionals — software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and others working in the IT sector — from income tax entirely (0%). This exemption, in place for over two decades, was abolished effective January 2025 as part of a budget-deficit-reduction package. IT employees now pay the same flat 10% personal income tax as every other sector, plus standard social security contributions (~35% combined employer/employee).

How affordable is Romania for Americans?

Romania has one of the lowest costs of living in the EU. A comfortable single-person lifestyle in Bucharest costs €900–1,400/month — 60–70% cheaper than Western European capitals. A 1-bedroom apartment in Bucharest center costs €500–800/month. Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Brașov are even more affordable.

Is Romania in Schengen?

Yes — Romania is a full Schengen Area member. Air and sea borders joined Schengen in March 2024, and land border controls were fully lifted on January 1, 2025, completing full integration. Entering Romania by air, sea, or land now all operate under standard Schengen rules with no internal border checks.

Does Romania allow dual citizenship?

Yes — Romania permits dual citizenship. Americans who naturalize as Romanian citizens after 8 years of continuous residence can keep their US passport. Additionally, citizenship by descent is available for Americans with Romanian ancestry — allowing Romanian (EU) citizenship without any residency requirement.

EU Member · Schengen (Air/Sea) · Eastern Europe

Move to Romania
from the United States

Europe's most underrated gem — Romania offers Americans a Digital Nomad Visa, the EU's lowest cost of living alongside Bulgaria, blazing-fast internet, and full Schengen membership since January 2025.

By the US GO EU Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026

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29Schengen countries — full member since 2025

€900Monthly budget from

€3,700Digital nomad min. income

EUMember since 2007

Country Overview

Romania at a Glance

Key facts Americans need before deciding.

Capital

Bucharest

Bustling capital and economic heart. Hub for IT, finance, and multinationals. Vibrant nightlife and largest expat community.

Language

Romanian + English

High English proficiency in cities and IT sector. Romanian (a Latin language) required for citizenship (B1 exam). Easier for English speakers than Slavic languages.

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Not Euro. 1 EUR ≈ 4.97 RON. EU member but retains own currency.

Flights from US

10–12 hrs

Via Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, or Istanbul. Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) is well-connected to major European hubs.

Healthcare

CNAS + Private

Public CNAS system after employment registration. Private insurance €30–50/month (Medlife, Regina Maria) widely used for faster, English-speaking care.

Climate

4 Seasons

Hot summers, cold snowy winters. Beautiful Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania. One of Europe's most geographically diverse countries.

Internet

Among Fastest in Europe

Romania consistently ranks among the top 10 in Europe for internet speed. Major tech hub in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara.

Safety

Safe

EU member. Generally safe in cities. Standard urban precautions apply. Low violent crime in major expat areas.

Pathways to Residency

Which Visa Route is Right for You?

US citizens can enter Romania visa-free for 90 days. Romania is a full Schengen member as of January 2025 — air, sea, and land borders all operate under standard Schengen rules. Romania offers an official Digital Nomad Visa; note that the 0% income tax benefit that once applied to IT professionals was abolished in January 2025.

Remote Work

Digital Nomad Visa

Official programme since 2021. Work remotely for non-Romanian company. Requires health insurance and proof of accommodation. Can apply from within Romania or at consulate.

Min. income€3,700/mo net

Processing1–3 months

Duration1 year, renewable

TaxStandard flat 10%

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IT Professionals

Work Permit — Standard Taxation

For IT professionals (software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity). Standard work permit; note the former 0% income tax exemption for IT roles was abolished in January 2025. Employer applies for Work Permit at the ITM. IT employees now pay the standard flat 10% personal income tax like all other sectors.

Job offerRequired

Processing2–4 months

DurationUp to 2 years, renewable

TaxStandard flat 10%

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Highly Qualified

EU Blue Card

For higher education graduates with a job offer. Minimum salary approximately €20,800/year as of 2025 (indexed to Romania's average salary; low relative to Western Europe). Processing 1–3 months. Note: the former 0% IT income tax exemption was abolished in January 2025 and no longer applies. PR after long-term residence.

Min. salary~€20,800/yr (2025)

Processing1–3 months

Duration2 years, renewable

TaxStandard flat 10%

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Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Residence Permit

For self-employed and business owners registering a Romanian company (SRL). Requires business plan, sufficient investment, and demonstrated economic benefit to Romania.

Business planRequired

Processing2–4 months

Duration1–3 years, renewable

NoteRomanian SRL req.

Company formation guide →

Students

Student Visa

For Americans enrolled at a Romanian university. Limited work rights during studies. Post-study: job-seeking permit available. Strong universities in Bucharest, Cluj, and Timișoara.

Acceptance letterRequired

Processing1–2 months

DurationPer academic year

Post-studyJob-seeking permit

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Long-term

Permanent Residency & Citizenship

PR after 5 years of continuous residence. Citizenship after 8 years total with B1 Romanian language exam. Dual citizenship allowed — keep your US passport. Citizenship by descent available for Americans with Romanian ancestry.

Eligible after5 years

Language req.B1 Romanian

Citizenship path8 years

Dual citizenshipAllowed

Living in Bucharest →

Cost of Living

What Does Life in Romania Actually Cost?

Romania is one of the EU's most affordable destinations — Bucharest and Cluj offer a high quality of life at 50–60% below Western European costs, with a booming tech sector and full Schengen membership since January 2025.

Item	Monthly Cost
1-bed apartment — Bucharest center	€500–800
1-bed apartment — Cluj/Timișoara/Brașov	€400–700
Utilities (incl. heating)	€70–140
Groceries (single person)	€140–240
Dining out — mid-range meal	€7–14
Public transport (monthly)	€14–24
Private health insurance	€30–50
Comfortable lifestyle — Bucharest	€900–1,400

Monthly cost vs other EU cities

Bucharest

~€800

Riga

~€1,300

Lisbon

~€2,100

Athens

~€1,900

Berlin

~€2,600

Amsterdam

~€3,200

New York

~€3,800

Estimates for single person, comfortable lifestyle. Couples typically add 50–60%.

Why Romania

What Americans Love About Romania

Beyond the affordability — the real reasons Americans choose Romania.

Full Schengen Membership

Romania became a full Schengen member — air, sea, and land borders — as of January 2025. Combined with the low cost of living, Romania offers genuine EU integration at a fraction of Western European costs. (Note: the former 0% IT income tax exemption was abolished in January 2025.)

Digital Nomad Visa

Romania's official Digital Nomad Visa (since 2021) requires €3,700/month net income. Can be applied for from within Romania. Family can join. Full EU residency rights.

Among Fastest Internet in Europe

Romania consistently ranks top 10 in Europe for internet speed. Major tech hubs in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara. World-class digital infrastructure at very low cost.

Extraordinary History & Nature

Transylvania, Dracula's castle, medieval fortified Saxon towns, the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube Delta — Romania's geography and history are extraordinary and almost entirely undiscovered by American tourists.

Dual Citizenship Allowed

Romania permits dual citizenship. Americans who naturalize after 8 years of continuous residence keep their US passport. Citizenship by descent also available for Americans with Romanian ancestry.

EU Membership & Growing Economy

Full EU member since 2007 with one of the fastest-growing tech sectors in Europe. Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara are emerging as major European tech hubs — all at Eastern European prices.

Bucharest (București)

The bustling capital and economic heart. Hub for IT, finance, and multinationals. Vibrant nightlife, diverse neighborhoods, the largest expat community, and excellent international connectivity.

Cluj-Napoca

The unofficial capital of Transylvania and Romania's leading tech and university city. Known for innovation, youthful energy, beautiful historic center, and strong cultural scene.

Brașov

At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Stunning natural beauty, a well-preserved medieval Old Town, and a growing IT sector. Perfect for those who love outdoor activities alongside urban life.

Timișoara

Cosmopolitan western city with a strong Austrian-Hungarian architectural influence. Major industrial and cultural center with a rich history and lower cost of living. Very walkable and green.

Sibiu

Charming historic Transylvanian city with Germanic heritage. Cultural festivals, beautiful squares, and high quality of life. Smaller and quieter, but well-connected to the rest of Romania.

How It Works

From Decision to Your Romania Residence Permit

We guide you through every step — from first consultation to settled life in Romania.

Book a free consultation

We assess your situation — IT professional, digital nomad, employed worker, or entrepreneur — and identify your optimal Romanian pathway.

Choose your pathway

Digital Nomad Visa: apply from within Romania or at consulate. Work permit: employer applies first at the ITM.

Apply for Long-Stay Visa (if employment route)

Once employer secures the Work Permit (Autorizație de Muncă), apply for your Long-Stay Visa (Type D/AE) at a Romanian Consulate in the US. Do not enter as a tourist expecting to convert status.

Obtain Residence Permit (Permis de Ședere)

After arriving in Romania, apply for your Residence Permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Get your Personal Numeric Code (CNP) and register your address.

Set up CNAS and open bank account

Register with the CNAS public health system, open a Romanian bank account, and connect with Bucharest's, Cluj's, or Timișoara's thriving tech and expat communities.

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