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). Romania remains cost-competitive on gross salary levels, but the tax-free uplift no longer applies — verify current take-home pay expectations rather than relying on outdated 0%-exemption claims.

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.

Move to Romania from the US | Complete Expat Guide 2025

Overview

Romania — Your Complete American Expat Guide

Seeking an EU member state with low costs, fast internet, and a rapidly growing tech scene? Romania offers Americans an affordable, dynamic gateway to Europe with straightforward residency options and a high quality of life. From vibrant Bucharest to the historic charm of Transylvania, it is an accessible European dream.

We provide clear guidance and tailored support to help you navigate the work permit process, secure residency, and establish your home in one of Europe's most underrated and rapidly developing countries.

Romania's once-famous 0% income tax exemption for IT professionals was abolished in January 2025 — but the country remains one of the most cost-effective EU destinations for tech talent thanks to lower gross salary levels, fast internet, and an official Digital Nomad Visa, now backed by full Schengen membership since January 2025.

US GO EU — Romania Expat Guide

Our Services

Your Pathway to Romania

We specialize in guiding American citizens through Romania's unique processes with clear, step-by-step support.

Personalized Work & Residence Permit Strategy

Clear assessment: EU Blue Card, Local Work Permit, ICT Permit, or Digital Nomad Visa — matched to your professional profile and goals.

Digital Nomad Visa Support

Guidance on Romania's Digital Nomad Visa — income verification, health insurance, and application processing at the Romanian Consulate or from within Romania.

EU Blue Card & Work Permit Facilitation

Expert navigation of the IGI and ITM processes — employer coordination, Work Permit (Autorizație de Muncă), and Long-Stay Visa application.

Settling-In Essentials

Residence Permit (Permis de Ședere), CNP (Personal Numeric Code), address registration at Evidența Persoanelor, bank account, and CNAS health insurance.

Personal Income Tax Guidance

Clarity on Romania's current flat 10% personal income tax — including guidance for IT professionals whose roles were previously covered by the now-abolished 0% exemption (ended January 2025).

Visas & Residency

Navigating Romania Visas & Residency

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.

IT Professionals

Work Permit — Standard Taxation

For IT professionals (software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity). Standard work permit; 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cost of Living

Romania Cost of Living for Americans

Romania offers one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union — alongside Bulgaria. It is possible to enjoy a very comfortable, modern lifestyle on a modest budget.

Exceptional affordability

Bucharest is the most expensive city but still 60–70% cheaper than most Western European capitals. A comfortable single-person lifestyle costs €900–1,400/month. A 1-bedroom apartment in Bucharest center costs €500–800/month. Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Brașov are even more affordable.

The 0% IT income tax exemption ended in 2025

Romania's 0% income tax exemption for qualified IT professionals (software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts) was abolished effective January 2025. IT employees now pay the standard flat 10% personal income tax, the same as every other sector — don't plan your move around outdated claims of a 0% rate.

Healthcare

Employment grants access to the public CNAS health insurance system. Most expats also use affordable private insurance (Medlife, Regina Maria) for €30–50/month — providing fast access to English-speaking specialists and modern private hospitals.

Where to Live

Top Destinations for American Expats in Romania

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.

Expat Tips

Essential Tips for Americans Relocating to Romania

Don't plan around the abolished 0% IT tax benefit

Romania's 0% income tax exemption for IT, software development, data science, and cybersecurity roles was abolished effective January 2025. IT professionals now pay the standard flat 10% personal income tax — confirm current compensation expectations rather than relying on outdated information about this benefit.

Apply for DNV from within Romania

Unlike many EU countries, Romania's Digital Nomad Visa can be applied for from within Romania during your 90-day visa-free stay — no embassy trip required if you are already in the country.

Secure a job offer first for employment

Work permits are employer-driven. The employer obtains a Work Permit (Autorizație de Muncă) from the ITM before you apply for your Long-Stay Visa at the Romanian Consulate.

Learn basic Romanian — it is transformative

English is widely spoken in corporate and youth circles in major cities, but Romanian is crucial for daily life and official paperwork. It is a Latin language, making it more accessible for English speakers than Slavic languages.

Romania is now a full Schengen member

Romania joined Schengen for air and sea borders in March 2024, and land border controls were fully lifted on January 1, 2025. Overland travel to neighboring Schengen countries like Hungary and Bulgaria now operates without border checks.

Why Partner With Us

Why Partner With Us for Your Romania Move?

Navigating Romania's residency system requires understanding both EU frameworks and local bureaucratic nuances. Our expertise bridges the gap between American expectations and Romania's procedures.

We work exclusively with Americans relocating to Europe — which means we understand FATCA compliance, Social Security implications abroad, and finding English-speaking professionals on the ground in Romania. As you shortlist agents or advisors, LocalVouch is a useful independent source of verified client reviews to cross-check anyone you're considering.

Move to Romaniafrom the United States